The 3Ro Italian Truck with 100/17 100mm Howitzer (Cassone 2) was a unique and versatile mobile artillery system used by the Italian Army during World War II.

The 3Ro truck, produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat, was a heavy-duty, three-axle vehicle with robust off-road capabilities.

It was adapted to carry a 100/17 100mm howitzer, a field artillery piece originally designed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later used by Italian forces.

This specific version, referred to as Cassone 2, featured a flatbed design (“cassone” in Italian means “large box” or “container”) that allowed the howitzer to be mounted on the rear of the vehicle.

The flatbed configuration provided ample space for the artillery piece and its crew, along with additional ammunition storage.

The 100/17 howitzer had a reputation for being a reliable and effective medium-range artillery gun, capable of delivering high-explosive shells.

With a calibre of 100mm and a barrel length of 17 calibres (hence the designation), it was used primarily for both direct and indirect fire against enemy positions, fortifications, and even lightly armoured vehicles.

The integration of this howitzer onto the Fiat 3Ro truck allowed for increased mobility, providing Italian forces with a self-propelled artillery system that could be quickly repositioned on the battlefield.

This was especially useful in the North African campaign, where mobility and adaptability were key.

In summary, the 3Ro truck with the 100/17 100mm howitzer (Cassone 2) was a significant piece of military engineering, blending mobility with firepower, and serving as an important asset in Italy’s artillery units during the conflict.

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