M-46 (Model 1954)

History

The M-46 (officially known as "130mm Towed Field Gun M1954") was a Soviet Cold War battlefield machine used for various purposes. From missions in support of infantry and armament operations. First introduced to Western observers in 1954 (hence the name M1954), the system was subsequently deployed by multiple Soviet-linked countries, including many militaries in the Middle East, Africa, and South America, as well as Eastern European Union countries.

Despite its early Cold War roots, the M-46 Still having a place in the battlefield inventory today, its modernization program is designed to increase the longevity and tactical usefulness of such systems.

The extensive use of this weapon system by its operators and the countless wars in which it has been involved attests to its success. Their notable operators include Afghanistan, Czechoslovakia, China, Croatia, Cuba, Finland (like "130 K54"), India, Iraq, Israel, Laos, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia (Soviet Union), Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Thailand , Vietnam, Yemen and Yugoslavia. Czechoslovakia, Finland and Serbia have all phased out their M-46 systems. Israel only received M-46s as trophies from its many conflicts in the Middle East, with about 100 captured.

The Chinese-licensed production copy of the Soviet M-46 was designated Type 59-1 and manufactured under the NORINCO banner.

Their actions led the M-46 to take part in the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009), the Sino-Indian War (1962), the Indo-Pakistani War (1965) and the Angola Civil War (1975-2002)), the South African Border War (1966 1989), Six Day War (1967), Sino-Soviet border conflict (1969), Cambodian Civil War (19671975), Vietnam War (19591975), Yom Kippur War (1973), Sino-Vietnamese War (1979), Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979-1989), Gulf War (1990-1991), Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Yugoslav War (1991-2001) and Invasion of Iraq (2003).

The design of the M-46 is typical of this type of weapon. Her long, slender barrel sits above her base and carriage and supports two large wheels for transportation (sometimes a pair of extra wheels are added).

The weapon system is supported by legs that extend back, semi-sunk to the ground to absorb violent recoil. A square shield was placed on either side of the barrel base for limited protection of the operator from small arms fire. Her muzzle brake is vented and the barrel end is noticeably large.

Compared to her larger cousins, her size allows her to maneuver with relative ease and can be placed almost anywhere her size allows.

Specification

Base

Year of Service

1954

Origins

Soviet Union

Crew

8

Production

6,500

Manufacturer

National Factory, USSR

Operator

Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Angola; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Bulgaria; Cambodia; China; Cameroon; Ivory Coast; China; Croatia; Cuba; Czechoslovakia; Democratic Republic of Congo; Egypt ; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Finland; Guyana; India; Iraq; Iran; Israel; Lebanon; Libya; Laos; Mongolia; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar; Nigeria; Oman; North Korea; Pakistan; Peru; Republic of Congo; Russia; Serbia; Somalia ; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Syria; Tanzania; Thailand; United Arab Emirates; former Soviet Union; Vietnam; Yemen; Yugoslavia; Zambia

ROLLING

Fire Support/Attack/Breakthrough

Support allied forces with direct/indirect fire, attacking forward positions and/or breaking through fortified areas of the battlefield.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

38.5 feet

11.73m

Height

8.4 feet

2.55m

Weight

18,629 lbs

8,450 kg

Tonnage

9. 3 tons

Power and Performance

Engine:

No. This is a towed gun.

Area

17. 1 mile

(27.5 km)

Weapons

1 x 130 mm main gun

AMMOTION

Depends on the ammo carrier.

VARIANTS

M-46 - Original Soviet DesignationType 59 - Chinese DesignationM1954 - Western Designation of M-45 system.