The Soltam Systems towed 155 mm M-71 gun-howitzer is a further development of the Soltam Systems towed 155 mm M-68 gun-howitzer and uses the same recoil system, breech and carriage. The first prototype was completed in 1974 and first production units the following year. The main differences between the M-71 and the M-68 are that the former has a longer 155 mm/39 calibre barrel and is fitted with a rammer driven by compressed air. This permits rapid loading at all angles of elevation. The rechargeable cylinder for the M-71 is mounted on the right trail. The barrel has 48 grooves, length of rifling is 5.038 m, width of groove 6.6 mm, width of land 3.5 mm and depth of groove is 1.2 mm.
Soltam Systems is now concentrating its marketing on the latest 155 mm TIG 2000 artillery system which is available with a 39, 45 or 52 calibre ordnance. Details of this system, which is understood to have been developed for the export market, are given in a separate entry. Details of recent Israeli 155 mm artillery exports through 2006 are provided in the entry for the Soltam Systems 155 mm TIG gun-howitzer family.
Variants
Soltam Systems developed to the prototype stage a self-propelled model of the M-71 gun-howitzer based on a Centurion MBT chassis. This never entered service and is no longer marketed.