- Yes
- No
General Info
The SP-70 was a trilateral program involving Italy, Germany and the UK which aimed to create and mass produce a new self propelled artillery platform during the cold war. The origins of this program could be traced back to just after the successful FH-70 program which Italy, Germany and the UK also were involved in. Once the FH-70 howitzer began to enter service and see itself being mass produced, the need for a self propelled platform was evident as the FH-70 despite all of its redeeming qualities, was still just a towed artillery piece. All 3 countries involved signed an agreement for the collaborative development of the SP-70 platform and by 1973 the Project Definition Phase would be completed. The Italian OTO Melara company dealt with the autoloader, auxiliary power unit, cradle, damper and recoil systems, azimuth aiming mechanisms and some parts of the hull and charging system. Germany’s contribution included dealing with the ordnance, chassis, and main engine whilst the UK was responsible for the turret, traverse drive, ammunition handling system, and sights. The main armament was comprised of a 155mm cannon which was able to fire all FH-70 munitions, including all other NATO standard 155mm munitions of the era. The rate of fire of the SP-70 would depend on the mode, if it was sustained it could fire 2 rounds per minute for 1 hour, if rapid it could fire 6 rounds per minute and lastly if it was in burst mode it could fire 3 rounds in 10 seconds. In terms of mobility the SP-70 had access to a MTU MB871 diesel engine which produced 1000hp. This allowed the SP-70 to reach speeds of up to 68km an hour, with an overall road range of 550km and a cross-country range of 420km. Mobility trials of the SP-70 confirmed that it possessed high manoeuvre capabilities and that it had the ability to support short action manoeuvres. In terms of survivability, the platform could sustain hits from 14.5mm munitions from the front but on the side was only protected from 7.62mm munitions. It could also withstand shell fragments from a 10 meter range. By 1976, 5 complete prototypes of the platform would be created which subsequently would undergo rigorous testing for several years. Initally development goals for the SP-70 program were met, and the tests ended without any major failures reported. Thus all countries involved assumed that the serial production of the SP-70 would have began in 1985, and that the first units were to enter full time service within the following years. Inital plans included the purchase of 650 units of the SP-70 platform. They had also planned to export the system to other NATO members who at the time were also looking to modernise their armies. Behind the scenes however there were some technical problems which involved the reliability of the equipment used for the SP-70. The turret and ammunition handling systems were likely the cause, this lead to Germany to leave the project and ceased funding it. Germany believed the current SP-70 project had no prospects and would go a seperate route for their self propelled artillery needs. For a short amount of time Italy and the UK would continue to work on the SP-70 but did not go far. Germany leaving the program caused a lot more probems than initally planned. These problems put the final nail in the coffin for both Italy and the UK. All development of the SP-70 would cease, not all was lost as Germany would go unto design the PzH 2000, UK would design the AS-90, and Italy would go unto design the Palmaria and use the experience gained to upgrade the Italian M109’s into the L standard. Thankfully most of the SP-70 prototypes seemed to have survived. One of prototypes tested by the Italian army still exists at the Museo storico della motorizzazione militare.
Armament+Equipment
x1 155mm cannon (able to fire all nato standard 155mm munitions of the era)
x1 7.62 machine gun
x12 smoke grenades (8 front, 4 back)
Specifications
Why it should be in game
I believe it should be added in game as it would provide not only Italy, but also Germany and the UK with a really good artillery vehicle. Would help flesh out the mid tiers of each tree and would be more unique than the current M109’s.
Sources
Spoiler
OTO Melara product range
OTO Melara SP-70 Brochure
Jane’s Weapon systems 1977
Eserciti e Armi issues 9, 27, 31, 36, 42, 50
SP 70 / PzH 155-1 | Secret Projects Forum
SP70 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer | MilitaryToday.com
SP70 155mm Self Propelled Howitzer
https://tradocfcoeccafcoepfwprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/fires-bulletin-archive/1983/MAY_JUN_1983/MAY_JUN_1983_FULL_EDITION.pdf
Preserved Tanks .Com | Locations
x.com
SP70 - Wikipedia
https://topwar.ru/39541-sau-sp70-neudachnoe-evropeyskoe-sotrudnichestvo.html
Photos
