Model 1968 Recoilless Gun
| Modelo 1968 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Recoilless rifle |
| Place of origin | Argentina |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Argentina |
| Wars | Falklands War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1960s |
| Manufacturer | Rio Tercero Military Factory |
| Produced | 1968 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 397 kg (875 lb) |
| Length | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Barrel length | 3.00 m (9.84 ft) |
| Height | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) (Model 1974) |
| Crew | 4 |
|
| |
| Shell | HEAT, HE |
| Elevation | -7 to +40°[1] |
| Traverse | 360° |
| Rate of fire | 3-5 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 400 m/s |
| Maximum firing range | 9,200 m (5.7 mi) |
| Sights |
4x optical stadiametric rangefinder |
The Model 1968 Recoilless Gun is a 105-mm antitank weapon developed and employed by Argentina. The weapon has been in active service since 1968 and 150 were still operational with Argentine forces as of 2000.[2] A similar weapon is the Argentine 105-mm Model 1974 FMK-1 recoilless gun.
Description
The Model 1968 is mounted on a towing carriage with wheels for transport and can be fired either with its wheels on or dismounted onto a tripod. Aiming is primarily done with the optical sight, but the weapon also includes a FAP (Fusil Automatico Pesado, heavy automatic rifle) spotting rifle.[3] Ammunition for the Model 1968 includes both an 11-kilogram high-explosive and a 15-kilogram HEAT round. The Model 1974 fires a 16.6-kilogram HE round with a muzzle velocity of 400 meters/second and a 14.7-kilogram HEAT round at 514 meters/second.
The maximum range of the piece is 9,200 meters. Direct fire is limited to 1,800 meters using the optical sight with stadiametric rangefinder or 1,200 meters using the spotting rifle. The Model 1974's range characteristics are the same. The Model 1968 is credited with a 200mm penetration of armor with its HEAT round.[4] The HEAT round for the Model 1974 can penetrate 400 mm of armor.[5]
Like many recoilless weapons, there is a significant back-blast from the Model 1968 with a 40-meter danger zone of 40 to the rear of the weapon.
Combat history
In the late 1960s or early 1970s, the Argentine military attempted to use it as a self-propelled gun or tank destroyer. At least two prototypes (an IHC M5 or M9 Half-track and a Bren carrier) were fitted with six cannons each. Between 1977 and 1978, on the eve of Operation Soberanía, many half-tracks were converted to self-propelled guns by having a single Model 1968 mounted on them.
The Model 1968 was employed in combat by the Argentine Army during the Falklands War. The Model 1974 is in service with Argentina and Guatemala.
References
Bibliography
- (JIW) Hogg, Ian. Jane's Infantry Weapons 1984-85, London: Jane's Publishing Company Ltd., 1984.
- (JIW 2008) Jones, Richard, and Ness, Leland. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2007-2008, Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group Ltd., 2007.
- (JWA) Keymer, Eleanor. Jane's World Armies Issue Twenty-three, Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group Ltd., 2000.
- (ATW) Norris, John. Anti-tank Weapons, London: Brassey's, 1996.
