The Slammer self-propelled howitzer was developed by the Soltam company together with the Israeli factories MABAT and ELTA in the early 80s. The self-propelled guns were created based on the requirements of the Israel Defense Forces artillery corps. The first prototype was ready by mid-1983. Tests of the self-propelled guns "Sholef" at the IDF began in 1984. The next prototype was built by 1986. The data on the creation of the Sholef self-propelled howitzer were declassified only in the early 90s. Based on the available information, about $ 70 million was spent on the development of this weapon and the modernization of the M-109 self-propelled howitzer.
Self-propelled howitzer gun is made on the basis of a modified chassis of the main Israeli tank "Merkava". A turret with a 155mm cannon was installed on the chassis. Barrel length 52 caliber. The ammunition carried was 75 ammunition. The rate of fire of the self-propelled guns is up to 9 rounds per minute, with the possibility of firing the first three shells in 15 seconds. The range of destruction by the ERFB-BB projectile (extended range with a gas generator) is more than 40 kilometers.
Self-propelled howitzer "Sholef", belonging to the class of heavy weapons, has successfully passed all tests and, according to experts, could be considered one of the best in the world. But due to insufficient funding, the howitzer did not go into service with the IDF. There were no foreign customers for the Slammer ACS either, although Israeli designers suggested installing a turret with a 155mm gun on a different type of tank chassis, at the customer's request.
The name "Sholef" is the internal name of the SPG in Israel, sometimes it was called "TOMAT Merkava" (because of the chassis used from the tank "Merkava"). In other countries, the name "Slammer" is more common.
Device and design of ACS "Slammer"
The self-propelled howitzer received an armored wheelhouse and could conduct direct fire while moving. The designers have provided for the ability to install two types of guns with an enlarged barrel, a semi-automatic wedge-type breechblock and with a manual supply of ammunition:
- the first type - barrel length 45 calibers, effective firing range up to 30 kilometers;
- the second type - barrel length 52 caliber. Effective firing range up to 40 kilometers.
A feature of the self-propelled howitzer is an autofreted monoblock barrel with an ejector, which made it possible to fire ammunition with an improved aerodynamic shape at a distance of 40 kilometers or more. The barrel with recoil devices, most likely, was taken from a towed-type "mod.845R" howitzer. A ballistic computer and a radio station were installed on the self-propelled howitzer, there is protection against weapons of mass destruction. To execute a shot, only two people are needed, the systems are provided with manual override, with the help of which it is possible to fire at a rate of fire of up to 4 rounds per minute (this requires three people). All types of 155mm cannon shells can be fired from the Slammer self-propelled guns.
The modernization of the M-109 ACS consisted of replacing the artillery unit and automatic loader of the American ACS with used parts from the "Sholef" ACS. Only two prototypes were built; the self-propelled howitzer "Sholef" did not enter service with the Israel Defense Forces. It was not produced serially and for export.
The main characteristics of the ACS "Slammer":
- combat weight - 60 tons;
- crew - 4 people;
- width 3.7 meters;
- ground clearance - 47 centimeters;
- booking class - splinterproof;
- main caliber - 155mm;
- barrel length 45 or 52 caliber (8.05 meters);
- ammunition - 75 shells;
- rate of fire max / manual feed - 9/4 rds / min;
- range of fire 39.6 (more than 40) kilometers;
- engine - diesel engine "AVDS-1790-5A" with a capacity of 850 hp;
- travel speed up to 46 km / h;
- cruising range - 400 kilometers;
- guidance angles horizontal / vertical - 360 / -5 + 70 degrees;
- obstacles to be overcome: height 0.95 meters, depth 1.38 meters, width 3 meters.
