Military Vehicles

The rascal is the one of a new generation of lightweight fighting military vehicles. Produced by Soltam Ltd of Israel, It is a 20-ton 155mm (6.1in) self-propelled howitzer, light enough to be airlifted by modern transport aircraft, including c-130 Hercules.

Its low weight is combined with apowerful engine to provide fast speeds both on and off-road.  When firing, two hydraulically power spades drop down to the rear of the hull, and the gun is elevated on a turntable, also hydraulically powered.

The howitzer has a range of 24 km (15 miles). Rascal is armoured throughout, and has sophisticated features such as night-vision devices, armoured shutters for the windows and high-performance breakes.

Country of Origin    :Israel
Crew                        :4
Weight                     :19,500kg (43,000lb)
Dimension            :Length (with gun): 7.5m(24.6ft); width: 2.46m(8.07ft); height 2.3m(7.55ft)
Range                     :350km (220miles)
Armour                   :Not available
Armament               :1 x 155mm(6.1in) howitzer
Powerplant             :1 x diesel, developing 350hp (261kW)
Performance          :Maximum road speed: 50km/h (31mph); fording: 1.2m (3.9ft); gradient: 22 percent; vertical obstacle: 1m (3.3ft)