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In early September 1997, it was reported that Iran had successfully tested a locally built rapid fire mobile field gun known as Raad-2 (Thunder-2).[2]
It uses a turret that has a similar layout to the M109A1 155mm/39-cal self-propelled howitzer.[1] The Iranian Defense Industries Organization claimed that the 155 mm HM44 howitzer manufactured by the Hadid facility of the Iranian Defense Industries Organization had a high firing rate and accuracy.[3] The gun's range was reported as Template:Convert, and it also includes features such as a laser range-finder and a semi-automatic loading system.
The gun looks exactly like 155mm/39-cal M185 gun from M109A1 and is fitted with a double baffle muzzle brake, fume extractor, screw breech mechanism, hydro-pneumatic recuperator and a hydraulic recoil brake. DIO says that the barrel life is around 5,000 rounds.[3]
The vehicle uses a chassis based on the T-72, distinctive due to the cover of the cooling fan on the chassis.[4] The hull is apparently based on the BMP-1.[1]
The Raad-2 is crewed by 5 persons, with the driver stationed at the left with the power pack at the right.[3]
Operators
The Raad-2 is operated by both the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.[5]
Variants
Raad-2 - basic SPG version with a Russian V12-type V-84MS diesel engine[6]
