Howitzer 149-19 – Photos & Video

Howitzer 149-19
Страна	Италия
Роля	Heavy howitzer
В експлоатация	1939–1951

1. Obice da 149/19 modello 37 was a heavy howitzer used by Italy during World War II. It was intended to replace Italy’s assortment of World War I-era heavy howitzers, but its prolonged development and slow production hindered this plan. Despite orders for 1,392 weapons, only 147 had been built by September 1942. There were three models—the 37, 41, and 42—differing only in minor details. The standard tractor was the Trattore SPA TM 40. After the Italian surrender in 1943, the Germans continued its production with the designation 15 cm sFH 404(i). Despite having the same weight as the German 15 cm sFH 18, it had a superior range. The Italian army used it until 1974.

Източник: Howitzer 149-19 on Wikipedia

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The Howitzer 149-19, officially known as the Obice da 149/19 modello 37, was a heavy howitzer developed and used by Italy during World War II. It was intended to replace a variety of older, World War I-era heavy howitzers in Italian service, but its production was hampered by complexity and the exigencies of wartime manufacturing.

Development and Purpose

• Replacement Role: Designed in the 1930s, the 149/19 howitzer was developed to modernize the heavy artillery battalions of the Italian Royal Army (Regio Esercito). It aimed to provide a more effective and standardized heavy support weapon.
• Design Influence: The howitzer’s development involved Italian firms like Ansaldo and OTO (Odero Terni Orlando), with OTO’s design being accepted in 1936, leading to the “modello 37” (Model 1937) designation.
• Production Challenges: Despite the urgent need for modern heavy artillery, the production of the 149/19 was slow. By September 1942, only 147 units had been built, far short of the over 1,300 ordered. This meant that older howitzers remained in service throughout the war.

Key Features and Specifications

• Caliber: 149.1 mm (approximately 5.87 inches). The “19” in its designation refers to the barrel length in calibers (L/19).
• Тип: Heavy Howitzer. Howitzers are designed to fire shells at high trajectories to clear obstacles and strike targets behind cover.
• Mass:
  • In firing position (in battery): Approximately 5,500 kg (12,100 lb).
  • In travel configuration: Around 5,780 kg (Modello 37). Later models could weigh up to 6,700 kg when towed in two loads.
• Barrel Length: 3.034 meters (9 ft 11 in) or L/20.4 (sometimes cited as 2.691 mm, L/19).
• Ammunition: It fired a 42.55 kg (93 lb 13 oz) high-explosive (HE) shell. Other shell types, including lighter HE shells, were also developed.
• Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 597 m/s (1,959 ft/s).
• Maximum Firing Range: Around 14,250 meters (15,580 yd), with some sources indicating up to 15,320 meters. This was considered good for its class at the time, even superior to the German 15 cm sFH 18 in range despite having a similar weight.
• Elevation: The gun could elevate from +5° to +60° (some sources state -3° to 60°), providing a wide range of trajectories typical for a howitzer.
• Traverse: It had a horizontal traverse of 50° (25° left and 25° right), enabled by its split trail carriage.
• Breech: It featured a horizontal sliding-block breech mechanism.
• Recoil System: A hydro-pneumatic recoil system was used.
• Carriage: 1. split trail carriage allowed for greater stability during firing and a wider arc of fire compared to older box-trail designs.
• Traction: The 149/19 was designed for motorized traction, typically towed by specialized tractors like the SPA TM 40. Early versions were sometimes towed in two loads (barrel separate from carriage) to reduce individual load weight, but later modifications (Modello 41 and 42) aimed to enable single-load towing.

Варианти

• Obice da 149/19 modello 37: The initial production version.
• Obice da 149/19 modello 41: Modified for single-load towing with an avant-train (limber).
• Obice da 149/19 modello 42: Further modifications, also for single-load towing.

Combat History and Legacy

• World War II: The 149/19 saw service with the Italian Royal Army during World War II, participating in various campaigns where Italian forces were engaged.
• German Use: After the Italian Armistice in September 1943, many captured 149/19 howitzers were pressed into service by the German Wehrmacht, receiving the designation 15 cm sFH 404(i) (schwere Feld Haubitze 404 italienische – heavy field howitzer 404 Italian).
• Post-War Service: Despite the war, the 149/19 remained in service with the reorganized Italian Army well into the post-war period, being used until around 1974, when it was finally retired, gradually replaced by more modern artillery pieces like the FH-70.

The Obice da 149/19 modello 37, despite its limited production numbers, was a modern and capable howitzer for its time, providing essential heavy fire support to Italian forces and later to the Germans. Its longevity in service after the war underscores its robust design and continued utility.