203mm M55 Houwitser in Belgisch dienst.

[Gepard]

9 self-propelled M55 were supplied to the Belgian Army. The A20 and 3A (Composite Artillery Battalion) had initially a battery of towed 8" howitzer and a battery of Honest-John missiles. During 1962, the towed battery of the 20A was replaced bij a battery of 4 M55. Two years later, the 3A followed the example of the 20A. During 1969, an important reorganization of the artillery took place. Following this, the M55 battery of the 3A was transferred to the 20a and the latter became an Army Corps unit. The M55 were replaced by M110 during 1972 and were transfered to the reserve.

Bouw: Pacific Car and Foundry Co.
Onderstel: M47 Patton tank
Gewicht:44 ton
Bemanning:6
Bepantsering: 15 mm
Bewapening: 203 mm M17 (L/25) en een Browning mitrailleur van 12,7 mm
Gewicht projectiel: 90 kg (M106 granaat)
Vuurkadans: 1 schot ongeveer elke 2 minuten, bereik +/- 17 km
Traversie: 60° (30° links of rechts)
Elevatie: +65° tot -5°
Motor: een Continental AV-1790-5B vloeistofgekoelde benzinemotor, 12 cilinder in V-vorm van 525 kW (704 pk).
Afmetingen: L= 7,9 m, Br= 3,6 m, H= 3,6 m.

Uit: Le chars et le vehicules terrestres (KLM Brussel)

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