Military


Oto Melara Palmaria 155 mm SPH

The Palmaria self-propelled howitzer was developed by Oto Melara specially for export. It evolved from the cancelled international SP70 project. Development of the Palmaria began in 1977. First prototypes were built in late 1970s. Production commenced in 1982 and ceased in early 1990s. Export operators are Libya (160 or 210) and Nigeria (25). A further 20 Palmaria turrets were exported to Argentina and fitted on the locally built TAM light tank chassis.

Production of this system has now been completed.In 1990, Oto Melara completed a further batch of 25 155 mm Palmaria systems for an undisclosed customer. Some sources indicate that this was a repeat order from Nigeria.According to the United Nations Arms Transfer List for the period 1992 through to 2009 the only customer for the Palmaria was Nigeria who took delivery of the following complete systems:Oto Melara is now building the German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann 155 mm/52-calibre PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery system under licence for the Italian Army.

This vehicle shares many components with the Italian OF-40 main battle tank, which saw service in the United Arab Emirates Army. A total of 36 of these were built for the United Arab Emirates plus a small number of armored recovery vehicles on a similar chassis. These OF-40 MBTs have been phased out of front line service and may be converted into heavy infantry fighting vehicles under the leadership of the Belgian company of Sabiex.

The primary armament in the turret and a howitzer 155 mm 39 calibres long, developed by cannon FH-70, with automatic loading system. It can fire all types of 155 mm NATO ammunition and has a range of 24 km when using standard ammunition and 30 km with assisted ones. The medium carries 30 rounds, including 23 in automatic loader. The Palmaria turret has 360° traverse and the gun can be elevated from -4° to 70° hydraulically, with manual controls for emergency use. As the secondary armament it carries a 7.62 mm machine gun.

The the hull and the turret of Palmaria is made in all-welded steel, which provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The driver is seated at the front of the hull on the right side the center under armor. The driver is provided with a single-piece hatch cover and three day periscopes, the center of which can be replaced by a passive periscope for night driving. The other four crew members - commander, gunner, charge handler and magazine operator - are seated in the aluminium turret in the center of the hull. The commander is seated in the right forward part of the turret which has eight day periscopes for all-round observation and a single-piece hatch cover that opens to the rear. There are two external stowage racks at the rear of the turret.

11.4 m2.3 m 2.8 m 46 t 8-cylinder diesel engine 750 hp 16 60 km / hr 500 km155/39 mm mtg. 7.62 mm steel 5
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