M-46 130mm Towed Field Gun (M-46 cannon )

The M-46 is a venerable Soviet-designed 130mm towed field gun that has been widely produced under license and used by China and many other nations. It is valued for its long range and potent shell, offering powerful indirect fire support. Although an older design, the M-46 remains in service globally, often upgraded with modern fire control systems to maintain its relevance as a reliable piece of medium-to-long-range field artillery.

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The M-46 130mm field gun was developed by the former Soviet Union in the early 1950s. It was primarily designed for suppressing enemy personnel and destroying fortifications and field engineering structures. It could also be employed in anti-tank operations and in counter-battery engagements against enemy artillery.

The M-46 features a long firing range, high accuracy, and significant destructive power. It is known for its reliable mechanical performance and low malfunction rate. The gun also offers an extended direct-fire range, enabling effective direct engagement against armored targets.

However, the transition time between travel and combat configuration is relatively long, its cross-country mobility is limited, and it has a comparatively large dead zone in firing coverage.

规格
大量的 7,700 公斤(17,000 磅)
长度 11.73 m(38 英尺 6 英寸)
枪管 长度 缸径:7.15 m(23 英尺 5 英寸)L/55
宽度 2.45 m(8 英尺)
高度 2.55 m(8 英尺 4 英寸)
全体人员 8

130 x 845 mm R
(R/184.6mm)
装药和弹丸分开装填
口径 130 毫米(5.1 英寸)
臀位 水平 滑动楔块
畏缩 液压气动
运输 分路
海拔 −2.5°至45°
遍历 50°
射速 6 rpm (normal)
8 rpm (burst)
5 rpm (sustained)
Muzzle velocity 930 m/s (3,051 ft/s)
Maximum firing range 27 km (17 mi) (unassisted)
40 km (25 mi) (assisted

Representative Specifications (indicative)

Parameter Typical Value Notes
Caliber 130 mm Standard M-46 cannon
Barrel length 6.09 m (46 calibers) Provides high muzzle velocity
Maximum range 27–30 km (HE) Depends on charge and projectile type
Maximum muzzle velocity ~930 m/s High-velocity design for extended range
Ammunition types HE, fragmentation, anti-concrete, illumination, training Multiple warhead types for tactical flexibility
Rate of fire 5–6 rounds/min (sustained) Initial burst 6–8 rounds/min possible
Elevation range -2° to +45° Adjustable for high-angle fire
Traverse range ±25° (manual) Field-limited traverse; platform rotation possible
Towed weight ~8,500–9,000 kg Depends on mount and auxiliary equipment
Crew 6–8 Gun commander, gunners, loaders, driver (tractor crew separate)
Carriage type Split-trail towed Provides stability and ease of transport
Environmental rating All-weather, rugged terrain Suitable for field deployment
Fire-control Manual or integrated optical/electronic FCS Optional digital upgrade available

Key Features

  • Long-range, high-velocity firepower: 130 mm caliber gun capable of sustained, accurate indirect fire.

  • Towed mobility: Compatible with standard artillery tractors and suitable for rapid deployment.

  • Versatile ammunition: HE, fragmentation, anti-concrete, illumination, and training rounds.

  • Durable design: Designed for rugged terrain and all-weather operation.

  • Manual or semi-automatic aiming: Adjustable for elevation and traverse with optical or electronic fire-control assistance.

  • Rapid setup and displacement: Designed for “shoot-and-scoot” operations to enhance survivability.

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