155mm FH70 Howitzer

In service: 1979 to present day. Calibre: 155mm (6.1in) Weight in action: 9300kg Gun length: 38 calibre; 6.02m (19.75ft) Rate of fire: normal 6 rounds per minute burst 3 rounds in 15 seconds sustained 2 rounds per minute for 1 hour Maximum range: 24,700m (27,010 yds) approx. 15 miles The FH70 was a co-operative development between Britain, Germany and Italy in 1968-74. The result was one of the most advanced pieces of artillery used by the British Army. It uses a VW power unit to provide self propulsion over short distances so it can `Shoot and Scoot`, firing off some rounds then moving quickly to another location before retaliatory fire arrived. It can fire it's own special separate-loading ammunition as well as standard NATO types. In addition to the three original partners, the gun is also used by Japan, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.