SP-70 Self-Propelled Howitzer

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In 1973 a joint project was started, under West German leadership, to produce a self-propelled version of the highly successful FH-70 155mm howitzer. The partners were Great Britain (turret and ammunition handling system), West Germany (hull and powerpack, and main ordnance) and Italy (auxiliary systems, including elevation system). Within the German part of the project Rheinmetall were responsible for the ordnance, MTU for the powerpack (an MB 871 8-cylinder turbocharged diesel) and MaK for the chassis. The prototypes were based on the automotive and suspension components of the Leopard 1, although some Leopard 2 parts were used, along with transmissions from the Marder Schützenpanzer. However, unlike the Leopard series the hull is of all-welded aluminium construction. The project was not a success as it was found that the system had many teething problems, including an inability to sustain the high rate of fire required by the partners. In 1986, after a huge budget had been wasted, the project was cancelled. All that remained to show for it were 15 unreliable prototypes — the fate of the majority of them is not known. Model Id: 760 Manufacture: MaK, Kiel (Chassis manufacturer) 1) Erprobungstelle 51, Meppen, Germany Number of Photos: 0 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 326 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: Text in original Preserved German Tanks publication: It is believed that there is an SP-70 prototype belonging to Munster in storage at one of the German Army’s test sites, such as Meppen or Trier. (Source: T. Royall). Text in Preserved German Tanks Update: In 2002 it was reported that there was a PzH 70 displayed at Meppen (source: M. Tegge via Scale Model Team).

2) Defence College of Management and Technology, Shrivenham, Britain Number of Photos: 21 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 1033 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: Small white elephant emblem painted on left rear hull. Text in Preserved German Tanks Update: A small platform is provided next to this SP-70, which has its turret side door open, so the interior can be viewed. It also has its engine decks open and its ammunition loading system deployed.

3) Museo Storico della Motorizzazione Militare, Cecchignola, Italy Number of Photos: 0 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 1515 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: Text in Preserved German Tanks Update: New entry. This SP-70 was seen at Cecchignola in 2006.

4) Museé Des Blindés, Saumur, France Number of Photos: 1 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 1516 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: Text in Preserved German Tanks Update: New entry. This SP-70 was seen in the car park at Saumur in the early 1990’s. It is missing its main armament and mantlet.

5) The Tank Museum - Reserve Collection, Bovington, Britain Number of Photos: 2 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 1491 Serial Number: Registration: 99 SP 11: “99 SP 11” painted on nose in white and stencilled in yellow (visible while in storage at Bovington). Name: Other Identification: Text in Preserved German Tanks Update: This SP-70 was recorded as being in storage at Bovington in 1996 (source: Tracklink 37/14). Marked ‘GONE’ in museum database on 17 August 2005. It appears to be unique in having a large box on the turret rear, beside the ammunition loading system.

6) Firepower Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich, Britain Number of Photos: 17 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 325 Serial Number: Registration: 99SP44: “99 SP 44” painted on lower nose. Name: Other Identification: Text in original Preserved German Tanks publication: This is one of the prototypes of the SP-70. (Source: T. Royall, J. Harris). Text in Preserved German Tanks Update: This SP-70 was previously on display at the Rotunda Artillery Museum at Woolwich. It is now part of the Firepower collection.