L-33 Roem

L-33 Roem
Country	Israel
Role	Self-propelled artillery
Built	200

The L-33 Roem is a self-propelled artillery piece mounting Soltam M-68 155 mm L/33 howitzer in large enclosed superstructure. Uses Sherman chassis with Cummins VT-8-460Bi diesel engine and HVSS. Probably about 200 units were produced. The gun saw combat in the Yom-Kippur War and the 1982 Lebanon War. Currently out of active service.

Source: L-33 Roem on Wikipedia

L-33 Roem Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	123

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General Characteristics and Role

The L-33 Ro’em (Hebrew for “thunder maker”) is an Israeli self-propelled howitzer developed by Soltam Systems in the late 1960s. Its role was to provide the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) with a capable, protected artillery support vehicle. It is a highly recognizable vehicle, built upon a heavily modified M4A3E8 Sherman tank chassis. The L-33 is defined by its large, fixed, box-shaped superstructure that replaced the Sherman’s turret. The designation L-33 refers to the caliber length of its main gun (33 calibers). It was successfully used in combat during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Property	Typical Value (L-33 Ro’em)
Type	Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
National Origin	Israel
Manufacturer	Soltam Systems (Conversion)
Entered Service	1973
Chassis	Modified M4A3E8 Sherman Tank (HVSS suspension)
Crew	8 (Commander, Driver, Gunner, 5 Loaders)
Combat Weight	41,500 kg (91,500 lb)
Length (Gun Forward)	8.47 m (27 ft 9 in)
Width	3.5 m (11 ft 6 in)

Armament and Performance

Main Armament: 1 x 155 mm Soltam M-68 gun-howitzer (L/33 caliber).
Maximum Range: 21 km (13 mi) using standard M107 projectiles.
Rate of Fire: Up to 6 rounds per minute (maximum burst).
Ammunition: 60 rounds carried (16 ready-use). The gun uses a pneumatic rammer to aid in loading at all elevations.
Engine: 1 x Cummins VT 8-460-Bi diesel engine.
Engine Power: 460 hp.
Maximum Road Speed: 38 km/h (24 mph).
Road Range: Approximately 260 km (160 mi).
Secondary Armament: 1 x 7.62 mm M1919A4 machine gun.

Service History and Design Notes

Operational Use: The L-33 was used extensively by the IDF in the Yom Kippur War (1973) and the 1982 Lebanon War, providing crucial long-range artillery support.
Chassis Recycling: The L-33 is a prime example of Israel’s ability to take older, obsolete World War II-era chassis (the Sherman tank) and refit them with modern, indigenous weaponry. The original gasoline engine was replaced with a diesel unit.
Superstructure: The large, fixed casemate protects the crew of eight. The main gun’s manual traverse is limited to 30° left and 30° right.
Retirement: The L-33 Ro’em was gradually phased out of frontline service as the IDF introduced the more modern, US-supplied M109 self-propelled howitzer.