The HM-41 is an Iranian 155 mm howitzer based on the KH179, which was imported from South Korea during the Iran–Iraq War.[1][2] It has a 155 mm/39 caliber barrel with a muzzle brake to lessen the recoil.[3]

HM-41 155mm Howitzer
The HM-41 during the Zulfiqar 1400 exercise.
TypeHowitzer
Place of originIran
Service history
Used byIran
Production history
ManufacturerDefense Industries Organization
Specifications
Mass6,890 kg (15,190 lb)

Caliber155 mm (6.1 in)
RecoilHydro-pneumatic
Carriagetripod
Elevation0° to 66°
Traverse25° right, 23.5° left
Rate of fire4 round per minute
Effective firing range22 km (14 mi)
Maximum firing range30–34 km (19–21 mi)
(with rocket-assisted ammunition)

The HM-41 has been offered for export, but no country is known to be using it except Iran.[4]

Development

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HM-41 Howitzer

A wheeled self-propelled version was reported to be under development. The first prototype was finished in 2011.[5]

In 2012, Iran unveiled laser guided Basir 155 mm artillery shells which were tested by an HM 41 howitzer.[6] In 2017, a new version of the Iranian-made 155mm self-propelled howitzer dubbed (Ashura) is based on a 6x6 IVECO Trakker truck chassis using the same HM-41 towed howitzer mounted at the rear of the truck.[7]

Design

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According to Iranian sources, the HM-41 weighs 6,890 kg, the same weight as the South Korean KH179. The HM-41's main components are also very similar in appearance to the KH179's CN79 barrel, RM79 recoil buffer, and CG79 mount and firing a rocket-assisted High-Explosive (HE) projectile, a maximum range of 30 km can be achieved. Firing an unassisted HE projectile, a maximum range of 22 km can be obtained.

Users

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References

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  1. ^ Kim Gwanyong (26 March 2017). "[e-무기]화포 개발의 '독립선언', 국산 견인곡사포 KH-179". Edaily. Archived from the original on 30 April 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  2. ^ Kim Hangyeong (14 May 2018). "[한국무기 디테일] ⑥ 사거리 30km인 한국형 155mm 견인곡사포, 기아기공(현 현대 위아)의 KH179". Security Fact. Archived from the original on 30 April 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  3. ^ "Modlex product: MXF03-000350 HM41-155 mm Howitzer". Modlex.ir. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
  4. ^ "Jane's Armour and Artillery: DIO 155 mm 39-calibre HM41 howitzer (Iran)". Janes.com. 9 March 2011. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
  5. ^ "Iran Unveils Self-Propelled 155mm Artillery". Fars News Agency. 6 March 2011. Archived from the original on 31 August 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
  6. ^ "در آستانه دهه مبارک فجر؛ مهمات هوشمند و لیزری "بصیر" رونمایی شد". Mashregh News (in Persian). 1 February 2012.
  7. ^ "New Iranian-made HM-41 155mm 6x6 self-propelled howitzer | October 2017 Global Defense Security news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2017 | Archive News year". www.armyrecognition.com. 27 October 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Nowa wersja irańskiej haubicy HM 41". 29 October 2017.
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