Oto Melara PALMARIA

In 1977, the Oto Melara’s development team began the study for a new 155mm caliber self-propelled howitzer, rather, the turret, the aiming and loading systems. A modified OF-40 main battle tank chassis was chosen for the new vehicle because this tank was manufactured by the company for the export market, which saved costs and development time. The new vehicle was designated as Oto Palmaria 155/41mm, and a complete prototype of the turret, was finished in 1980. The turret was built in aluminum and had a 40 hp diesel engine, a gearbox, a hydraulic pump and a 9 Kw electric generator that allowed the autonomous movement without having to use the vehicle’s engine. They also have an automatic magazine for 23 shells which allows a maximum firing rate of 4 rounds per minute. A new range of ammunition was also designed for the Palmaria, as HE shells, HE base-bleed of greater range or another type assisted by rocket, (RAP), with 30 km of maximum range. The range was completed with one illuminant shell and another one to create smoke screens. The Palmaria howitzer can fire the ammunition used by the FH-70 towed howitzer and all types of 155mm ammunition used by NATO countries.

PALMARIA gallery and more info