picture 191120

The M107 self-propelled howitzer was based on the chassis of the M578 light recovery vehicle. The lightly protected body (the armour was only 13mm thick), carried the 175mm cannon, installed on the rear of the vehicle without an armoured encasing – in turn offering more space for movement of the crew. The Iranians acquired only 38 M107s (and 38 similar M110s, armed with a 203mm howitzer) in the 1970s, but these were in much demand because they outranged most artillery pieces in Iraqi service. As far as is known, most went into battle still painted in olive drab overall, over which disruptive patterns in sand (as shown here), or other shades of green, were applied. (Artwork by Peter Penev)