M109 in IDF service reference

gtdeath13 · 9 May 2024 18:56

The M109 was first used by the IDF in 1973. The most common designation for these vehicles I have seen is M109 Rochev. They had the short barrel and at some point the muzzle brake was changed to that of the Sholtam

M109-L23-w-2

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Some photos of the interior

Later the IDF received more vehicles which were referred to as Rochev Alef

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First operational use was in the 1982 Operation Peace for Galilei

Some more photos

gtdeath13 · 9 May 2024 18:58

Interior photos of the Rochev Alef

SableLiger · 9 May 2024 19:03

Thanks for creating this thread, Nikos. I hope our resident IDF veterans will pitch in with valuable information on the Doher and Rochev Howitzers.

gtdeath13 · 9 May 2024 19:06

Next version is the Doher. The most distinguishing features for distinguishing the Doher are:

The travel lock is larger and mechanically operated:

The commanders cupola/hatch is elevated

There is an APU (I think) at the rear right corner of the turret instead of the basket

or its mount only

More photos:

gtdeath13 · 9 May 2024 19:08

I have posted a build of the AFV Club Rochev Alef kit here

HeavyArty · 9 May 2024 19:13

Some type info below from an earlier thread on them.

The Rochev can have either the older pop-up sight, or later armored sight cover with glass depending on which version of M109 (A1, A2, or A3) that it was updated from. The M109 - M109A1 had the pop-up sight, A2 and newer had the armored sight. Like just about all IDF vehicles, they have been updated many times from different starting points, so you will see different variations on them.

The Doher is updated with these external visual differences:

Two sub machine guns on the Doher’s turret, only one in the Rochev. The additional SMG is positioned near the sight ballistic shield.
Electrical travel lock (known in Hebrew as “BiFoot”) – in the Rochev one of the crewmen has to lock manually the barrel, most of the time the driver, with the assistance of the sight operator. In the Doher the crewmen can do it automatically, by electrical operation. The Doher’s travel lock is thicker than the Rochev’s, and has a rectangle box in its front side.
External Generator – the Doher is equipped with an external generator, positioned instead of the right-back basket and its two external cells. Due to the lack of one basket, the left basket is a bit bigger (to contain the camouflage cover).
Different shape of the commander’s turret – the Doher’s NCO turret can be locked in slit position, a position that does not exist in the Rochev.

Earlier post with lots of info and pics.
AFV Club M109 Rochev - Armor/AFV / Modern - KitMaker Network

Johnnych01 · 9 May 2024 19:17

Great ref photos Nikos …

gtdeath13 · 9 May 2024 19:18

Can you distinguish which m109 version are the early and alef Rochevs? Are they m109 and m109a2?

HeavyArty · 9 May 2024 19:26

The short barrel Rochev is what the US referred to as an M109. These also had the uncovered, pop-up sights.

The longer barrel Rochev is what the US called an M109A1, also with the uncovered, pop-up sights.

The long-barrel Rochev’s with armored sight box is closer to the US M109A2/A3 versions.

A Doher is basically equivalent to a US M109A6 Paladin in capabilities. It has a similar automatic travel lock, GPS-guided digital fire direction system, same raised gunner’s cupola, etc., etc…