F-3 155-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer

Entered service in	1966
Crew	1+7
Dimensions and weight
Total weight in combat order	17.4 t
Overall length	6 220 mm
Chassis length	4 340 mm
Overall width	2 700 mm
Overall height	2 090 mm
Armament
Main gun	M-50 155-mm howitzer
Barrel length	33 calibers
Machine gun	-
Traverse range	50 degrees
Elevation range	0 to + 50 degrees
Maximum rate of fire	4 rounds/min
Combat load
Machine gun	-
Projectile's weight	42.0 - 43.7 kg
Projectile's initial speed	725 m/s
Maximum range of fire	23.3 km
Mobility
Engine power	250 hp.
Maximum road speed	65 km/h
Autonomy on roads	300 km
Maneuverability
Slope	50 °
Vertical step	0.6 m
Trench	1.5 m

The F-3 Self-Propelled Howitzer was developed by French "Crezo-Luar" company in 50-ties. It was intended to replace American M41 Howitzers in the French Army. First test vehicle was built in 1962 and artillery unit's serial production began in 1966. Overall number of vehicles ever produced is approximately 600 howitzers. It is in service with French, The F-3 155-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer in combat order

The F-3 155-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer in combat order

Argentina, Chile, Cyprus, Ecuador, Morocco, Sudan, Qatar and Venezuela armed forces.

Howitzer is based on shortened AMX-13 Light Tank's chassis. Front engine compartment arrangement made possible to place gun at the rear of the hull. Light tank's chassis was slightly modified - the last directing roll sprocket as suspension bearing roll at the same time. In addition two spades were mounted in the rear part to ensure fire stability.

Self-propelled howitzer is armed with M-50 155-mm Field Howitzer. Aiming device allows to aim gun from 0° to +50° in elevation range. Travers range is 50° (25° to the each side). Main gun is fitted with 33 caliber length barrel.

Ammunition load consists from modular rounds with high-explosion fragmentation (ordinary and active reaction), smoke, and illumination projectiles. It is able to fire new redeveloped 155-mm projectiles, but with a lower power load.

During the march howitzer crew is transported separately from artillery unit - in AMX-13VCA Armored Personnel Carrier which also tows two wheel hitch with ammunition load. Self-propelled howitzer is run by a driver, placed in his compartment in the front part of vehicle.

At the moment F-3 is out-dated artillery unit. A number of improvements are intended to keep howitzer tactical-technical characteristics at the required level. Old engine is replaced with the new "SOFAM" company engine, which is more economical and powerful b The F-3 155-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer in combat order oth. Howitzer gun is replaced to 155-mm gun used in TR towed howitzer. It has 39 caliber barrels length, which provides range of fire in 31 km.

Original F-3 Self-Propelled Howitzer modernization works were made in Argentina, where M-50 Howitzers were disassembled from vehicles and mounted on the towed artillery carriages. In the French Army it was replaced by F-1 GCT Self-Propelled Howitzers.

Advantages

Powerful artillery gun. The greatest part of mechanisms are interchangeable with the AMX-13 Light Tank.

Disadvantages

Short autonomy on roads without fuel supply time. Morally out-dated equipment comparing with modern self-propelled howitzers. It is not completed with machine gun to protect from ground and air targets.