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M425 SPH - Royal Thai Army’s Obscure Howitzer
Hi and welcome to my 77th suggestion, which is about the Thai M425 SPH, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
- Disclaimer: Unfortunately, not much is known about this SPH in general, which is why this Suggestion is comparatively very short
Basic Background
Between 2010 and 2013, the Defense Industry and Energy Center (DEM) of Thailand developed the M425 105mm/37 towed light howitzer, created by the Weapon Production Center in the 1980’s, mounted on a KIA KM500 6x6 cargo truck, creating a self-propelled wheeled howitzer system.
Many of South Korea’s armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) are either directly inspired by or derived from American designs. For instance, the K1A1 main battle tank, often called the “baby Abrams,” shares similarities with the U.S. M1 Abrams. Additionally, the Kia KM500 truck, a modern workhorse of the ROKA, is based on the U.S. M809 series truck from the 1950s. Both the cab and the cargo section of the KM500 are covered with removable canvas, and its windshield can fold down for increased flexibility. The slatted cargo body walls can also be lowered to serve as troop seating, enhancing the vehicle’s versatility for various military operations.
Three prototypes of the M425 SPH were built, and eight serially built and introduced for the Royal Thai Army. Following this success, DEM also produced 155mm ATMG self-propelled wheeled howitzers for both the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy, specifically for the Royal Thai Marine Corps.
The M425 SPH Overall
The self-propelled howitzer offers a maximum firing angle of 1,100 mm and a minimum firing angle** of -94 mm. In terms of mobility, the vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h on roads and 15 km/h on rough terrain. The maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute, while maintaining a continuous rate of fire of 3 rounds per minute. It comes equipped with 40 rounds.
The vehicle is manned by a crew of six crew members and is based on the 5-ton 6x6 KM 500 model D6AZ chassis. Powered by a 270 horsepower engine running at 2,200 rpm, the engine is water-cooled with an oil capacity of 295 liters, ensuring reliable performance during extended operations.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
Monsoon Photo&News: สรุปข่าวทหารปี 2012
https://diec.mod.go.th/getattachment/diec-data/03-งานวจย.pdf.aspx
https://wpc.mod.go.th/Article/pdf/องคความรฯ-ป-105-มม-อจ-(ฉบบสมบรณ).aspx
AAG_th บันทึกประจำวัน: Defense & Security 2015: อุตสาหกรรมและงานวิจัยพัฒนาอาวุธยุทโธปกรณ์ของไทย-๓
AAG_th บันทึกประจำวัน: DTI ไทยจะพัฒนาปืนใหญ่เบากระสุนวิถีโค้ง CS/AH2 105mm ร่วมกับจีน
https://wpc.mod.go.th/Product/R-Dcompletandproduction/Cannon/M425.aspx
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