Ukraine received self-propelled howitzers with a Volkswagen engine
The FH70 has its own 1,700 cc Volkswagen engine, which feeds the hydraulics of the gun when translating it into combat or folding. In addition, this engine allows the FH70 to move independently, without a tractor for distances up to 20 km at low speeds. That is, the FH70 is a trailed, but still self-propelled howitzer.
The howitzer weighs 9.6 tons with a power plant. The service consists of 8 people. The wheels are equipped with hydraulic mechanisms. In shooting mode, the howitzer drops to the ground.
The auxiliary power plant is located in the frame of the front of the carriage. The howitzer is capable of moving at a speed of 16 km / h. When towing, the howitzer can overcome the ford up to 1.5 m, and with its own power plant up to 0.75 m. In the absence of a power plant, the howitzer is controlled by a hand pump.
Thanks to the semi-automatic projectile loader, a trained crew can make up to 6 shots per minute, almost every 10 seconds.
Howitzers began to enter the service of European countries in 1978. Currently, they are used by the armed forces of countries such as Germany, Italy, Britain, Lebanon, Morocco, Estonia, Norway, and the Netherlands.
