76 mm mountain gun M48
Yugoslavian mountain developed after WWII
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 76 mm mountain gun M-48 (AKA the Tito Gun), was developed after the Second World War to meet the requirements of Yugoslav People's Army mountain units, it can also be used as a field gun.
| M48 B-1 | |
|---|---|
A Croatian M48 photographed in 2011 | |
| Type | Mountain gun |
| Place of origin | Yugoslavia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1950−1992 (Yugoslavia) |
| Used by | See users |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1947[2] |
| Manufacturer | Crvena Zastava |
| Variants | See variants |
| Specifications (M48 B-1) | |
| Mass |
|
| Length | 2.42 m (7 ft 11 in) |
| Barrel length | 1.178 m (3 ft 10+1⁄2 in) |
| Width | 2.65 m (8 ft 8 in) |
| Height | 1.22 m (4 ft 0 in) |
| Crew | 6 |
| Shell | HE, HEAT, smoke |
| Caliber | 76.2 mm (3.00 in) |
| Carriage | Split trail |
| Elevation | -15° to +45° |
| Traverse | 50° |
| Rate of fire |
|
| Muzzle velocity | 222–398 m/s (730–1,310 ft/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 8,750 m (9,570 yd) |
| References | [3] |
Description and history
The original M-48 B-1 model which was designed in 1947 and adopted by Yugoslav People's Army in 1950,[2] it was specifically designed for mountain warfare, being able to be broken down and towed by horse or mule (with the exception of the B-1A1-I), though it also doubles as a field gun.[4] In Yugoslav service the Zastava AR51 4×4 vehicle was used for towing before it was replaced a license-built version of the Fiat 1107.[5]
The M48 was also a successful military export item, sold to South Asian countries such as India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka,[2] where weight instead of range was the main factor considered.[5]
The Romanian 76.2 mm Mountain Gun Model 1982 is related to the M48, firing some of the ammunition types used by the Yugoslav gun.[3]
Variants
Yugoslavia/Serbia
There have been at least five variants of the M48:
- M48 B-1 − First production version, its fitted with pneumatic tires and a maximum towing speed of 60 km/h (37 mph). The complete gun can also towed by pack animals or broken down for transport[4]
- M48 B-1A1-I − A variant combining the wheels and tires of the B-1 and some of the suspension components of the B-1A2 version[4]
- M48 B-1A2 − A dual-purpose variant featuring light alloy wheels with solid rubber tires and a modified suspension, its maximum towing speed is 30 km/h (19 mph). The B-1A2 can be used as a field gun, but it cannot be disassembled for transport or towed by pack animals[4]
- M48 B-2 − Last version produced in Yugoslavia, little is known about it[4]
- M48 B1 A5 − A Serbian variant offered for export by Yugoimport SDPR in 2004. Specifications are almost identical to the B-1, but its operated by a crew of seven[3]
Romania
- 76.2 mm Mountain Gun Model 1982 − A related design, it was designed to equip the Romanian Land Forces mountain units. The Model 82 is operated by a crew of seven, can be brought into action in about a minute, and broken down into eight pack-animal loads without the need of specialised tools[6]
- 98 mm Model 93 mountain howitzer − A 98 mm (3.9 in) caliber mountain gun and possibly an improved Model 82. Both Romanian mountain guns were never exported, even though they were offered for sale in the international market[7]
Ammunition
Ammunition is of the semi-fixed type with four charges. It is based on that used for the Soviet 76 mm regimental gun M1927 which fired fixed ammunition. Ammunition types include high-explosive (HE), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and smoke rounds:[3]
- HE M55 projectile weighing 6.2 kg with a muzzle velocity between 222 and 398 m/s;[8]
- High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) projectile weighing 5.1 kg which will penetrate 100 mm of conventional steel armour at a range of 450 m; and
- Smoke shell WP M60 weighing 6,2 kg.
- HE M70 projectile weighing 6.2 kg with a muzzle velocity up to 398 m/s;[9]
Users
Bosnia and Herzegovina[3]
Croatia − 57[3]
Guatemala[5]
India − 215[3]
Indonesia − 50 in 2011[3]
North Macedonia − 40 or 55[1][3]
Montenegro − 96[3][a]
Myanmar[10] − 100[3]
Papua New Guinea − 6, donated by Indonesia in 2012[11]
Romania − Model 82 and Model 93[7]
Serbia − 96[3][b]
Sri Lanka[10] − 14[3]
East Timor − 6, donated by Indonesia in 2012[11]
Yugoslavia[10] − Passed on to successor states[3]
Photo gallery
A close-up of an M48 76mm mountain gun belonging to the 28th BIH (Bosnia-Herzegovina) Division, 281st Brigade, 1st Tank Battalion, stationed in Visca, Bosnia.
Romanian M82 76mm mountain howitzer, mady by Arsenal Reșița. Based on the "Tito Gun".
