Israel unveils new self-propelled gun capable of hitting multiple targets
PHOTO/VIDEO

WORLD  27 May 2023 - 16:19

The Israeli army is completing the acceptance of the new Roehm (רועם - "thunder" in Hebrew) self-propelled artillery unit.

As reported by Ynet, this is one of the best howitzers of its kind in the world.

Produced by Israel's Elbit Concern, the Roehm howitzer will replace the Doer (דוהר - "hurtling"), as it is called in Israel the well-known American M109AL SAU, adopted by the IDF in the 1990s.

The new gun is considered one of the biggest projects of the Israeli defence industry by the Elbit Yabash division. Most of the components of this project are still considered secret.

To date, a limited number of prototypes have been produced, one of which is intended for introduction to potential customers abroad. The presentation was made at an artillery range near the Shivta base (southern Israel).

The shots were fired with practical shells produced by Elbit, which mimicked the corresponding live ammunition of various types. The results were impressive: Roehm showed not only accuracy but also an enviable rate of fire - at least 8 rounds per minute, which far exceeds the rate of fire of the American M109.

The rate of fire of one Roehm unit is comparable to that of two M109s. The actual rate of fire of M109 in combat is about 2 rounds per minute (vs. 4 rounds per minute according to the manufacturer).

This is achieved by using a semi-automatic loading system.

The MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) techniques is capable of firing multiple projectiles in a single shot, with each projectile fired simultaneously at different angles of the rifle's elevation.

The demonstration range was up to 20kms, but the Roehm is capable of engaging targets at 40kms, nearly double the range of the M109.

The SAU is operated by a crew of three (commander, driver mechanic, and gunner operator), while the M109 required seven men.

The caliber remained the same as that of most foreign counterparts - 155 mm (NATO standard). Export versions will use the barrel produced by the German company Rheinmetall AG. The gun will also be based on a slightly different platform (in Israel it is a 10x10 American Oshkosh Defence), although its structure will remain the same.

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