View source for 130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)

{{Short description|Towed field gun}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = M-46 or KS-30
| image              = M-46 Lutsk.jpg
| image_size         = 300px
| caption            = M-46 130 mm field gun
| origin             = [[Soviet Union]]
| type               = Towed [[field gun]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          =
| is_explosive       =
| is_artillery       = yes
| is_vehicle         =
| is_UK              = <!-- Service history -->
| service            =
| used_by            =
| wars               = {{bulleted list
|[[Vietnam War]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaviet00tuck|url-access=limited|edition=2|editor-first=Spencer C. |editor-last=Tucker |isbn=978-1-85109-960-3|date=May 2011|page=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaviet00tuck/page/n1417 1251]}}</ref>
|[[Eritrean War of Independence]]
|[[South African Border War]]
|[[Six-Day War]]<ref name="Syria">{{cite book|title=The Six Day War 1967: Jordan and Syria|url=https://archive.org/details/sixdaywarsinaica00duns|url-access=limited|series=Campaign 212|publisher=Osprey Publishing|first=Simon|last=Dunstan |date=10 Nov 2009|isbn=978-1-84603-364-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/sixdaywarsinaica00duns/page/n66 65]}}</ref>
|[[Yom Kippur War]]
|[[Ethiopian Civil War]]
|[[Angolan Civil War]]
|[[Uganda–Tanzania War]]
|[[Sino-Vietnamese conflicts (1979–1991)]]
|[[Iran–Iraq War]]
|[[First Nagorno-Karabakh War]]
|[[Yugoslav Wars]]
|[[Kosovo War]]
|[[Syrian Civil War]]
|[[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)]]
|[[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]]
|[[Tigray War]]
|[[Israeli–Lebanese conflict]]
|[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]<ref>{{cite news|author=[[David Axe]] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/10/27/ukraine-is-collecting-a-lot-of-russias-old-t-62-tanks/ |date=October 27, 2022  |title=Ukraine Is Collecting A Lot Of Russia's Old T-62 Tanks
|newspaper=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>
}}
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           =
| design_date        = 1946–1950
| manufacturer       = [[Motovilikha Plants|MOTZ]]
| production_date    = 1951–1971
| number             =
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| weight             = {{convert|7700|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}
| length             = {{convert|11.73|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| part_length        = Bore: {{convert|7.15|m|ftin|abbr=on}} L/55
| width              = {{convert|2.45|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}
| height             = {{convert|2.55|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| crew               = 8
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = 130 x 845 mm R <ref>ordnanceandmilitaria.com/110-to-149mm-ammo</ref><br>(R/184.6mm)<br> separate-loading charge and projectile
| caliber            = {{convert|130|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| rate               = 6 rpm (normal)<br/>8 rpm (burst)<br/>5 rpm (sustained)
| velocity           = 930 m/s (3,051 ft/s)
| range              =
| max_range          = {{convert|27|km|mi|abbr=on}} (unassisted)<br/> {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} (assisted)
| feed               = manual
| sights             = <!-- Artillery specifications -->
| breech             = Horizontal [[Rifled breech loader#The sliding block|sliding-wedge]]
| recoil             = [[Hydraulic recoil mechanism|hydro-pneumatic]]
| carriage           = [[Gun carriage#Modern gun carriages|Split-trail]]
| elevation          = −2.5° to 45°
| traverse           = 50°
<!-- Bladed weapon specifications -->| blade_type         =
| hilt_type          =
| sheath_type        =
| head_type          =
| haft_type          = <!-- Explosive specifications -->
| diameter           =
| filling            =
| filling_weight     =
| detonation         =
| yield              = <!-- Vehicle specifications -->
| armour             =
| primary_armament   =
| secondary_armament =
| engine             =
| engine_power       =
| pw_ratio           =
| suspension         =
| vehicle_range      =
| speed              =
}}
The '''130&nbsp;mm towed field gun M-46''' ({{langx|ru|130-мм пушка M-46}}) is a manually loaded, towed 130&nbsp;mm [[artillery]] piece, manufactured in the [[Soviet Union]] in the 1950s. It was first observed by the West in 1954.
For many years, the M-46 was one of the longest range artillery pieces in existence, with a range of more than {{convert|27|km|mi|abbr=on}} (unassisted) and {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} (assisted).
==Design history==
The order was given in April 1946 to design a "duplex" artillery piece to replace the obsolete [[122 mm gun M1931/37 (A-19)]], [[152 mm howitzer-gun M1937 (ML-20)]] and other World War II era field guns, such as 122&nbsp;mm Model 1931, 152&nbsp;mm Model 1910/30, 152&nbsp;mm Model 1935 (BR-2). The new pieces, designed by the [[Motovilikha Plants|factory No 172]] (MOTZ), shared the same carriage and were given the designators M-46 (130&nbsp;mm) and M-47 (152&nbsp;mm). The respective [[GRAU]] designators are '''52-P-482''' and '''52-P-547'''.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} The development phase was finished in 1950 and one year later, series production began. Many M-46s were exported.
A second "duplex" artillery system was subsequently designed by FF Petrov's design bureau at Artillery Factory No 9. This comprised a 122&nbsp;mm gun and a 152&nbsp;mm [[howitzer]]. The [[D-74 122 mm field gun]] was a competitor to the M-46; and while many were produced, the M-46 became the only long range gun in Soviet service until new 152&nbsp;mm guns were made in the 1970s.
==Description==
[[File:Finnish Army 130 mm Gun M-46 direct fire.png|thumb|The [[Finnish Defence Forces]] using 130 mm gun M-46 during a direct fire mission in a live fire exercise in 2010.]]
The M-46 was developed from the [[130 mm/50 B13 Pattern 1936|M-36 130&nbsp;mm naval gun]] used on ships and for coast defence. It is a [[Gun#Terminology|true gun]], being unable to fire much above 45° and having a long barrel and a single propelling charge. In contrast, most Western field guns of this period had a dual high and low angle fire ability, a [[gun-howitzer]].
It has a 55 calibre barrel with a tied jaw horizontal [[Rifled breech loader#The sliding block|sliding-block]] breech and 'pepperpot' [[muzzle brake]]. The latter is not notably efficient, but subjective reports suggest that it is quite effective in reducing muzzle flash. The [[Hydraulic recoil mechanism|hydro-pneumatic]] recoil system comprises a buffer below the barrel and a recuperator above the barrel. The long barrel enables a substantial propelling charge by providing more length in which to achieve 'all-burnt' and hence projectile acceleration space and thus achieve its 930&nbsp;m/s muzzle velocity.
The barrel is mounted on a [[Gun carriage#Modern gun carriages|split-trail]] carriage, with deep box section trails and foam filled road wheels on the ground when firing and 50° of top traverse. The small shield protects little more than the sights, possible including from the effects of muzzle blast, and some protection from machine gun fire in anti-tank engagements. The gun has long and robust trails to provide stability when firing, a large detachable spade is fitted to the end of each when the gun is brought into action.
Non-reciprocating sights are standard Soviet pattern, designed for one-man laying. Included are a direct fire anti-tank telescope, a panoramic periscopic indirect-fire sight (a dial sight) in a reciprocating mounting, an angle of sight scale, and a range drum engraved with the range (distance) scale, coupled to a mounted elevation levelling bubble. The range drum enables the standard Soviet technique of semi-direct fire when the piece is laid visually on the target and the range set on the range drum. An APN-3 was later provided for direct fire at night in place of the day telescope.
For travel, the gun is towed via a two-wheeled limber fitted to the end of the closed trails, with the spades removed and carried on each trail. Simple jacks on the trails just behind the main wheels are used to lift and support the closed trails so that the limber can be connected. The barrel and recuperator are pulled back between the closed trails and locked in a travelling position. There is a large bicycle chain arrangement on the right trail for this, and a compressed air cylinder, charged by the gun firing, is used to bring the barrel forward when the gun is brought back into action. It takes about four minutes to bring the gun into action, the normal detachment is eight strong.
Propelling charges are in metal cartridge cases and loaded separately from the projectile. Projectiles originally included HE fragmentation, Armour Piercing solid shot, smoke, illuminating and chemical. HE shells weigh ~{{convert|33|kg|lbs|abbr=on}}. Illuminating shells have a substantially lower muzzle velocity. APHE and extended range shells were introduced later. Maximum rate of fire is probably 6-7 rounds/minute, and about 70 rounds/hour. The standard Soviet unit of fire was 80 rounds.<ref>''Red God of War – Soviet Artillery and Rocket Forces'', Chris Bellamy, Brasseys, 1986. {{ISBN|0-08-031200-4}}</ref><ref>Artillery of the World, ed. Shelford Bidwell, Brasseys, 1977. {{ISBN|0-904609-04-9}}</ref><ref>''The Encyclopedia of World Military Weapons'' 1988. {{ISBN|0-517-65341-9}}</ref>
==Operational history==
[[File:Israeli Artillery - Flickr - The Central Intelligence Agency (1).jpg|thumb|Israeli M-46s open fire on Syrian positions during the [[Yom Kippur War]].]]
The M-46 was first seen openly at the 1954 May Day Parade in Moscow. It initially replaced the [[100 mm field gun M1944 (BS-3)|100&nbsp;mm BS-3]] field and anti-tank gun. However, its long range made it well suited for [[counter-battery]] actions. There are reports of poor fragmentation. Its Soviet use with an integrated [[fire-control system]] including SNAR-2 [[radar]]s has also been reported.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} In Soviet service, M-46 battalions were in Army and Front artillery brigades.
It is or has been in service with at least 25 countries and has been license manufactured in China as the Type 59. It was replaced in Soviet/Russian inventory by the [[2A36 Giatsint-B]] and the self-propelled [[2S5 Giatsint-S]]. Several companies, like [[Soltam]] and [[RDM Technology BV]], have presented upgrade packages for the gun. These include, for instance, an upgrade to a 45 caliber 155&nbsp;mm gun. Its long range made it especially useful in the Vietnam War.<ref>{{Cite web |title=M-46 130 mm Field Gun |url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/m46.htm |access-date=2021-03-20 |website=Military-Today.com}}</ref><!--Increasing the diameter of a gun barrel from 130&nbsp;mm to 155&nbsp;mm is pointless unless the breach is enlarged also!-->
The M-46 saw extensive combat service with the [[People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola]] (FAPLA) during the [[Angolan Civil War]] and [[South African Border War]].<ref name=Vanneman>{{cite book|last=Vanneman|first=Peter|title=Soviet Strategy in Southern Africa: Gorbachev's Pragmatic Approach|url=https://archive.org/details/sovietstrategyin00vann|url-access=registration|date=1990|pages=[https://archive.org/details/sovietstrategyin00vann/page/41 41–51]|publisher=Hoover Institution Press|location=Stanford|isbn=978-0-8179-8902-6}}</ref> From the mid to late 1970s Angolan M-46s were deployed with some success in the counter-battery role against South African artillery units, which possessed comparatively short-ranged [[BL 5.5-inch medium gun]]s.<ref name=Harmse>{{cite book|last1=Harmse|first1=Kyle|last2=Dunstan|first2=Simon|title=South African Armour of the Border War 1975–89|date=23 February 2017|pages=31–38|publisher=Osprey Publishing|location=Oxford|isbn=978-1-4728-1743-3}}</ref> South Africa later acquired six M-46s from Israel for evaluation purposes; this likely influenced its development of the [[G5 howitzer]], which was adopted to counter the range and effectiveness of the FAPLA field guns.<ref name="ZA">{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13537:fact-file-g6-l45-self-propelled-towed-gun-howitzer-&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159|title=G6 L45 self-propelled towed gun-howitzer|author=Leon Engelbrecht|date=10 February 2011 |access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109033607/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13537:fact-file-g6-l45-self-propelled-towed-gun-howitzer-&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159|archive-date=9 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Cuba also deployed M-46 batteries of its own in support of FAPLA operations during its lengthy military intervention in Angola.<ref name="George">{{cite book|title=The Cuban intervention in Angola |url=https://archive.org/details/cubaninterventio00geor |url-access=limited |last=George|first=Edward|location=New York|publisher=Frank Cass Publishers|year=2005|isbn=978-0-415-64710-6|page=[https://archive.org/details/cubaninterventio00geor/page/n240 226]}}</ref> Cuban and FAPLA M-46s were used most notably during the [[Battle of Cuito Cuanavale]], where individual guns were deployed in ones or twos rather than concentrated in single positions to reduce the threat posed by counter-battery fire from South African G5s.<ref name="Bridgland">{{cite book |first=Fred |last=Bridgland |title=The War for Africa: Twelve months that transformed a continent |year=1990 |publisher=Ashanti Publishing |location=Gibraltar |pages=300–327 |isbn=978-1-874800-12-5}}</ref> Cuban tacticians were able to repeatedly stall a South African mechanized and armored offensive by using minefields to channel the attackers into bottlenecks where the M-46s could concentrate their fire.<ref name="Bridgland"/>
[[Tanzania People's Defence Force]] fielded some M-46 guns during [[Uganda–Tanzania War]] in 1978–1979.<ref>{{cite magazine|first1=Tom|last1=Cooper|first2=Adrien|last2=Fontanellaz |title=La guerre du Kagera|magazine=Batailles et Blindés|language=fr|date=October 2016|publisher=Caraktère|issn=1765-0828|issue=75|pages=72–81}}</ref>
A version of this gun, possibly the Chinese-manufactured Type 59–1, is suspected to have been used by North Korea for [[Bombardment of Yeonpyeong|shelling the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong]] in the Yellow Sea on 23 November 2010.
The [[Russian Ground Forces]] deployed M-46 guns during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref name=":0">{{cite news |date=30 June 2024 |title=North Korean Ammo Keeps 70-Year-Old Russian Guns Firing |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/35075 |access-date=1 July 2024 |publisher=The Kyiv Post |language=en}}</ref> Up to half the M-46s in reserve storage were scheduled to be reactivated in 2024 to replace heavy losses of Russian towed artillery.<ref name="Van Brugen">{{cite news |title=Russia Deploys Stalin-Era Howitzers to Ukraine Front Lines |last=Van Brugen |first=Isabel |url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-m-46-howitzers-equipment-losses-ukraine-war-1926916 |work=Newsweek |location=New York City |date=18 July 2024 |access-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816122525/https://www.newsweek.com/russia-m-46-howitzers-equipment-losses-ukraine-war-1926916 |archive-date=16 August 2024}}</ref> According to Ukrainian press reports, Russia has increasingly sourced the guns' 130mm shells from North Korea as its domestic stockpiles of this ammunition type have been depleted by the war.<ref name=":0"/>
==Variants==
===Soviet Union===
* '''M-47''' – This is a 152&nbsp;mm field gun ({{langx|ru|152-мм пушка M-47 обр. 1953 г.}}) that was developed alongside the M-46. The M-47 had a range of 20,470&nbsp;m and was far less successful than its 130&nbsp;mm counterpart. Only a small number was built between 1954 and 1957. Externally, the M-46 and M-47 are virtually identical, except for the calibre.
===China===
[[File:Iraqi Type 59 130 mm field gun.JPEG|thumbnail|Iraqi Type 59-1]]
* '''Type 59''' – This is a licensed version of the M-46.<ref name="ReferenceA">Janes Armour and Artillery 2003–2004</ref>
* '''Type 59-1''' – This is a combination of the 130&nbsp;mm ordnance of the Type 59 with the carriage of the [[D-74 122 mm field gun|Type 60 (D-74 copy)]]. The result is a gun with the same range as the M-46, but with a much lower weight of 6.3 t. The '''M59-1M''' is the Egyptian licence version. For the export market, a version with APU and redesigned carriage was developed. Also for the export market, a self-propelled variant, based on the [[Type 83 SPH]] was designed.<ref name="ReferenceB">Janes Armour and Artillery 1993–1994 {{ISBN|0-7106-1074-2}}</ref>
* '''Type GM-45''' – For the export market, [[NORINCO]] (China North Industries Corporation) developed this upgrade package where the original barrel of the Type 59 is replaced by the 155/45&nbsp;mm ordnance of the [[WA 021]]. The Type GM-45 has a maximum range of 39&nbsp;km when ERFB-BB ammunition is used.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
===Cuba===
* The Cuban army operates two different, locally designed self-propelled versions of the M-46. One is based on the tracked chassis of the [[T-34-85]] tank, while the other is based on a heavily modified [[KrAZ]] 6x6 truck. These and other modifications were shown for the first time during the 2006 military parade.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
===Egypt===
* The [[Egyptian Army]] operates a locally assembled variant of the M-46<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://fact100.momp.gov.eg/Ar/MilProductDetials.aspx?pro=XjiF9LBV19a3++CNT0INaidlrOH9Qhh1Fwf%2FthUi7WA%3D |title=Egypt :: Abou Zaabal Co. For Engineering Industries .::. ابو زعبل للصناعات الهندسية :: تفاصيل المنتجات الحربيه |access-date=22 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425055427/http://fact100.momp.gov.eg/Ar/MilProductDetials.aspx?pro=XjiF9LBV19a3++CNT0INaidlrOH9Qhh1Fwf%2FthUi7WA%3D |archive-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
===India===
* The Indian Army has a total of around 1,000 of the 130&nbsp;mm towed guns that were acquired from the former Soviet Union starting in 1968.<ref name="IndiaToday26102018">{{cite web |title=Defence Ministry signs Rs 200 crore contract to upgun 130 mm howitzers |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-ministry-signs-rs-200-crore-contract-to-upgun-130-mm-howitzers-1376475-2018-10-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127111146/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-ministry-signs-rs-200-crore-contract-to-upgun-130-mm-howitzers-1376475-2018-10-26 |archive-date=2024-11-27 |access-date=18 October 2018 |work=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Military Balance India Vs China Part-3 Indian artillery systems |url=https://fullafterburner.weebly.com/next-gen-weapons/military-balance-india-vs-china-part-3-indian-artillery-systems |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Full Afterburner |language=en}}</ref>
* '''Project Karan''' – Indian Army contracted the Israeli firm [[Soltam Systems|Soltam]] to upgun a total of 180 M-46 guns of 9 [[Regiment of Artillery (India)|artillery regiments]] to 155&nbsp;mm 45-calibre guns. All were delivered as of 2018.<ref name="IndiaToday26102018"/>
* '''Project Sharang''' – Another 155&nbsp;mm upgrade of M-46 towed guns is being careied out by state-owned [[Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination & Services)|Ordnance Factory Board]] (OFB). The upgraded M-46, weighing 8.4 tonnes, has a range of 39&nbsp;km.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.nic.in/products/data/weapons/wlc/4.htm|title=Ordnance Factory Board|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119094945/http://ofbindia.nic.in/products/data/weapons/wlc/4.htm|archive-date=19 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The warhead per round has been increased from 3.4 kg of [[TNT]] to 8 kg of TNT. After the upgrade the total length and width of the gun measured 11.84&nbsp;m and 2.45&nbsp;m with a 6.9&nbsp;m-long barrel. On 25 October 2018, the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) has awarded an {{INRConvert|2|b|lk=on|year=2018}} contract to the OFB for the upgrade. As per the contract, 300 units of M-46 field guns of 15 artillery regiments will be upgraded to 155 mm 45-calibre to augment the Army's firepower. Post corporisation of Ordnance Factories, the order of these guns is with [[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India|AWEIL]] and [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam|AVNL]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sharang 155mm 45 calibre gun |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/sharang.htm |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/84153/india-s-ofb-wins-tender-to-upgrade-300-m-46-field-guns |title=India's OFB wins tender to upgrade 300 M-46 field guns |url-access=subscription |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210704/https://www.janes.com/article/84153/india-s-ofb-wins-tender-to-upgrade-300-m-46-field-guns |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The upgrade is being carried out at [[Vehicle Factory Jabalpur]] and [[Gun Carriage Factory Jabalpur]] of AVNL and AWEIL, respectively. AVNL has delivered 26 units of Sharang as of July 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sharang 155mm 45 calibre gun |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/sharang.htm |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Upgunned Sharang - AVNL |url=https://avnl.co.in/products/gunning-sharang-gun |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=avnl.co.in}}</ref>
* '''[[M-46 Catapult|SP-130 "Catapult"]]''' – Indian-designed self-propelled version, mounted on the hull of the [[Vijayanta]] tank.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
===Israel===
* '''M-46S''' – This is an upgrade of an existing M-46 or Type 59, carried out by [[Soltam Systems]] Ltd. The original barrel is replaced by a new model of 155/45mm (western ammunition) for a range of 25.8 (HE) to 39&nbsp;km (ERFB-BB). A 39-calibre barrel is optional. In March 2000, Soltam won a contract worth $47,524,137 for upgrading 180 M-46s to M-46S standard (Indian designator: '''155/45mm (E1) Soltam'''). A follow-on deal for 250 retrofit kits was optioned for. In 2005, after only 40 howitzers were modified, the M-46S programme was terminated due to a fatal barrel explosion.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
===North Korea===
The US [[Defense Intelligence Agency]] has reported the existence of a number of locally designed self-propelled artillery systems, including the '''SPG 130&nbsp;mm M1975''', the '''SPG 130&nbsp;mm M1981''' and the '''SPG 130&nbsp;mm M1991'''. Details are not available, but they appear to be M-46/Type 59s mounted on a tracked chassis “Tokchon”.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
===Serbia===
* '''M46/84''' – This is a conversion that involved replacing the original 130&nbsp;mm barrel with a new 155/45&nbsp;mm barrel or 152&nbsp;mm barrel. With ERFB-BB ammunition, this version has a range of 38,600&nbsp;m and with M05 152&nbsp;mm range exceeds 40&nbsp;km.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>
===Netherlands===
* [[RDM Technology BV]] is yet another company that offers an upgrade of the M-46/Type 59 that involves fitting a new 155mm/45 barrel.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
===Romania===
* '''A412''' – License-built Chinese Type 59–1 with [[152 mm towed gun-howitzer M1955 (D-20)|D-20]] carriage.<ref>Stroea, Adrian; Băjenaru, Gheorghe (2010) – ''Artileria română în date și imagini'' – Editura Centrului Tehnic-Editorial al Armatei - {{ISBN|978-606-524-080-3}}</ref> In [[Romanian Army]] service, the A412 is known as the '''130&nbsp;mm towed gun M1982''' ({{langx|ro|Tun calibrul 130-mm tractat M1982}}). The A412 was also exported.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
Type 59-1 was manufactured by Arsenal Resita under the designation A412 Model 1982 between 1982 and 1989. A maximum range of {{convert|33|km|mi|abbr=on}} was reached Using NORINCO's Base Bleed ammunition. The A412 cannon can fire a 7-8 rounds per minute. The A412 was exported to four other countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cameroon, Guinea, and Nigeria.
=== Vietnam ===
* '''PTH130-K225B''' – A self-propelled prototype placed on [[KrAZ]] 6x6 truck was revealed, based on [[Cuba]]'s variant.<ref>{{Cite web|last=QPVN|title=Học viện Kỹ thuật Quân sự - Thời cơ và khát vọng|url=http://www.qpvn.vn/tin-video/hoc-vien-ky-thuat-quan-su-thoi-co-va-khat-vong.html|access-date=2021-10-27|website=www.qpvn.vn|language=vi-VN}}</ref>
==Projectiles==
[[File:M-46 cannon firing (2024-06-02).webm|thumb|Russian M-46 cannon firing.]]
* '''Frag-HE''', '''3OF33 (with full charge 3VOF43)''' – range: 27,490 meters
* '''Frag-HE''', '''3OF33 (with separate charge 3VOF44)''' – range: 22,490 meters
* '''Frag-HE''', '''ERFB-BB''' – Extended Range Full Bore – Base Bleed, range: 38,000 meters
* '''APCBC-HE-T''', '''BR-482''' and '''BR-482B''' – range: 1,140 meters
* '''Guided Shell''', '''Firn-1''' – range: 24,000 meters
* '''Smoke'''
* '''Chemical'''
* '''Illumination'''
==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries with no citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:M1954 operators.png|thumb|400px|Map with M1954 operators in blue with former operators in red]]
[[File:M-46-beyt-hatotchan-1.jpg|thumb|right|M-46 in an Israeli museum. The carriage is fitted with an extra axle and wheels to give a 'walking' suspension, and a sole plate is added.]]
[[File:M-46 cannon crew destroyed an AFU stronghold (2024-06-06).webm|thumb|Russian M-46 cannon crew destroyed an [[Armed Forces of Ukraine|AFU]] stronghold on the territory of [[Kharkiv Oblast|Kharkiv region]]. 6 June 2024.]]
* {{ALG}} − 10 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=343}}
* {{ANG}} − 48 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=471}}
* {{AZE}} − 35 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=180}}
* {{BGD}} − 62 Type-59-1 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=249}}
* {{CAM}} − Type 59-1, unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=253}}
* {{CMR}} − 12 A412 (reported) and 12 Type 59 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=479}}
* {{CHN}} − 100 Type 59 and Type 59-1 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=256}}
* {{flag|Congo-Brazzaville}} − 5 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=483}}
* {{flag|Congo-Kinshasa}} − 42 Type 59 and Type-59-I as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=486}}
* {{CUB}} − Unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=428}}
* {{EGY}} − 420 as of 2024, unknown number of guns converted into self-propelled guns{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=302}}
* {{ERI}} − 19 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=490}}
* {{ETH}} − Unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=486}}
* {{GUI}} − 12 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=496}}
* {{GUY}} − 6 as of 2024, serviceability doubtful{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=436}}
* {{IND}} − ~600 in service and ~500 in storage as of 2024; 200 modified to 155&nbsp;mm caliber{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=266}}
* {{IRN}} − The first batch of 136 supplied in 1970.<ref name=StateDept1972>{{cite web |url=https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76ve04/d181  |title=RECENT TRENDS IN IRANIAN ARMS PROCUREMENT - Department of State |date=May 1972  |via=Office of the Historian |series=Foreign Relations of the U.S., 1969–1976, Volume E–4, Documents on Iran and Iraq, 1969–1972 }}</ref> 985 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=353}}
* {{IRQ}} − 60+ M-46 and Type 59 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=358}}
** {{flagicon image|}} [[Popular Mobilization Forces]]{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=359}}
* {{LAO}} − 10 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=290}}
* {{LBN}} − 15 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=368}}
**{{flag|Hezbollah}} − Used in Syria{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=369}}
* {{MNG}} − Unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=295}}
* {{MOR}} − 18 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=374}}
* {{MOZ}} − 6 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=505}}
* {{MYA}} − unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=296}}
* {{NGA}} − 7 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=510}}
* {{PRK}} − Unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=282}}
* {{OMN}} − 12 M-46s and 12 Type 59-I as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=377}}
* {{PAK}} − 410 Type 59-I as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=302}}
* {{PER}} − 36 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=447}}
* {{RUS}} − 350 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=193}}
* {{SRB}} − 18 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=133}}
* {{SSD}} − Unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=519}}
* {{SRI}} − 30 Type 59-I as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=313}}
* {{SDN}} − Unknown number of M-46 and Type 59-I in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=521}}
* {{SYR}} − Unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=386}}
** {{flagicon|Syria|1932}} [[Free Syrian Army]]<ref>{{cite news|language=fr|url=http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/syrie-rudes-combats-abou-dali-entre-les-djihadistes-hayat-tahrir-al-cham-contre-regime-syrien-damas-bachar-al-assad-organisation-etat-islamique-guerre-civile-province-idlid-stephane-mantoux|title=Syrie: rudes combats à Abou Dali entre les djihadistes d'Hayat Tahrir al-Cham et le régime de Damas|date=19 October 2017|website=[[France Soir]]|access-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629022041/http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/syrie-rudes-combats-abou-dali-entre-les-djihadistes-hayat-tahrir-al-cham-contre-regime-syrien-damas-bachar-al-assad-organisation-etat-islamique-guerre-civile-province-idlid-stephane-mantoux|archive-date=29 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{TZA}} − 30 Type 59-I as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=523}}
* {{TKM}} − 6 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=209}}
* {{UGA}}{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}} − 221 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=526}}
* {{UKR}} − 15 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=212}}
* {{UAE}}: 20 Type 59-I as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=391}}
* {{VIE}} − Unknown number in service as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=324}}
* {{flag|Zambia}} − 18 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=528}}
===Former operators===
[[File:M46 130mm Guns of the Army of Republika Srpska.JPEG|thumb|200px|M-46 guns of the [[Army of Republika Srpska]] during the [[Bosnian War]].]]
* {{AFG}}{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{ALB}} − 18 Type 59-I in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{BIH}} − 61 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{BUL}} − 60 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{CRO}} − 79 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{GDR}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=665}}
* {{FIN}} − 36 in 2011, designated as K 54{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{GER}} - Former East German guns; 166 sold to Finland in 1993<ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web |title=Arms transfer database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |website=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref>
* {{GNB}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=665}}
* {{flaglist|Islamic State}} − 34<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Vehicles And Equipment Captured By The Islamic State Inside Syria Until November 2014 |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2014/11/vehicles-and-equipment-captured-by.html |website=Oryx |access-date=28 April 2024 |date=10 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Etat islamique et chars d'assaut: comment les djihadistes emploient leurs blindés en Irak et en Syrie|language=fr|newspaper=[[France Soir]]|url=http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/etat-islamique-et-chars-d-assaut-analyse-emploi-blindes-par-les-djihadistes-conflit-syrie-irak-terrorisme-combats-mossoul-daech-guerre-ei-tactique-strat%C3%A9gie-inedit-exclu|date=2 February 2017|access-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203081337/http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/etat-islamique-et-chars-d-assaut-analyse-emploi-blindes-par-les-djihadistes-conflit-syrie-irak-terrorisme-combats-mossoul-daech-guerre-ei-tactique-strat%C3%A9gie-inedit-exclu|archive-date=3 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{ISR}} − 40 M-46 converted to 155&nbsp;mm in storage as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=361}}
* {{flagicon image|Tamil_Eelam_Flag.svg}} [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] − 12 Type 59-I<ref>{{cite book |title=Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 – May 2009 |publisher=Ministry Of Defence Democratic Socialist Republic Of Sri Lanka |url=http://slembassyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Sri-Lankan-Humanitarian-Operation-Factual-Analysis.pdf |access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref>
* {{flag|Libya|1977}} − 330 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{MLI}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=665}}
* {{MNE}} − 18 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{flag|Palestine Liberation Organization}} − 10 acquired from East Germany<ref name="SIPRI" />
* {{flag|Poland|1928}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=665}}
* {{ROM}} − 130&nbsp;mm towed gun M1982, no longer in front line service in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|pages=967−968}}
* {{SOM}}{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{flag|South Africa|1928}} − 6 on loan from Israel, later returned<ref name="ZA"/>
*[[South Lebanon Army]] − 5 acquired from Israel<ref name="SIPRI" />
* {{URS}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=665}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Tigray People's Liberation Front.svg}} [[Tigray Defense Forces]]  − At least 9 in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=The Tigray Defence Forces - Documenting Its Heavy Weaponry |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/09/the-tigray-defence-forces-documenting.html |website=Oryx |access-date=28 April 2024 |date=1 September 2021}}</ref> Surrendered to the Ethiopian forces in the aftermath of the [[Tigray War]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Misikir |first1=Maya |title=Tigray Forces Start Handing Over Heavy Weapons as Part of Peace Deal |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/tigray-forces-start-handing-over-heavy-weapons-as-part-of-peace-deal-/6913979.html |access-date=11 January 2024 |work=Voice of America |date=11 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* {{YEM}} − 60 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=976}}
* {{YUG}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=665}}
==See also==
* [[180 mm gun S-23]]
==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F. |editor1-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 1990-91 |date=1990 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-0909-0 |edition=11th}}
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F. |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2011-2012 |date=2011 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2960-9 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}}}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
* {{cite book|date=February 2021|title=The Military Balance 2021|volume=121|isbn=9781032012278|publisher=Routledge|ref={{harvid|The Military Balance 2021}}|author=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]}}
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/m-46.htm M-46]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071212223607/http://www.sinodefence.com/army/artillery/type59towed_130mm.asp Type 59 130mm towed gun]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abjk1QlDQQM 130 K 54 RT] Finnish 130 K 154 Training
{{Soviet and Russian artillery after WW2}}
[[Category:130 mm artillery]]
[[Category:Field artillery of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Artillery of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Motovilikha Plants products]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1950s]]