130-mm field gun M-46 was developed as a tool, Purpose for suppressing enemy artillery, intended to replace outdated 122mm field gun A-19 (M1931 /37). In accordance with these requirements, the prototype was created in the early 50s, and 1954 came the first commercial batches. The roots of the 130-mm barrel is likely to be found among marine artillery systems, For the Soviet Navy made extensive use of this caliber.
130-mm cannon M-46 – video
M-46 - bulky and heavy gun, but this is offset by higher maximum firing range (to 27 150 m), provided that long-barreled (length of approximately 58 calibres). It is a great range of fire determines the, that M-46 has an important place in the artillery parks armies of many countries, although at present it is gradually removed from service due to their excessive gravity - in the stowed position M-46 weighs 8550 kg. A large part of the weight falls on the bulky gun carriage with sliding supports to, making it necessary to use when towing a two-wheeled front end, especially in the case, If towing is performed crawler tractors, and the barrel is placed on the frame. The extra weight creates massive recoil mechanisms, great openers and ballistic shield.
Chinese military, highly appreciated the M-46, We have created their own version, were designated 130-mm Type 59-1, along with a wide range of different ammunition thereto, including 130-mm projectile ERFB-BB, allowing to increase the maximum range shots to 38 000 m. countries, Israel (where M-46 are in service) South Africa, We found it possible to produce ammunition for M-46 for export. Although the M-46 is the official designation of "gun", it allows you to use different types of propellants.
Despite the large mass of M-46, Only one state has created for her self-propelled chassis, namely India. On the Indian army is worth a certain number of guns M-46 to "vijayanta" modified tank chassis, with designation “Catapult”. Due to the gradual removal of M-46 guns with arms arose bid flitches used to set the 155 mm length stem 45 calibres, allowing the use of ammunition, satisfy the standard of NATO, and ERFB-shells. Modernization kits offered Israel, China and one time former Yugoslavia.
The performance characteristics of M-46 guns
| Crew | 8-10 people |
| Full combat weight | 7700 kg |
| barrel length | 7,6 m |
| gun Overall length stowed position |
11,73 m |
| The width of the tools in the stowed position | 2,45 m |
| Maximum range | 27 150 m |
| The initial velocity of the projectile | 930 m / s |
| The mass of the projectile | 33,4 kg |
| The maximum angle of declination / exaltation, city. |
— 2,5/+45 |
| Angle horizontal guidance, city. | 50 |
Photo gun M-46
