The self-propelled gun mount is a fixed connection between a gun and a land vehicle, whereby the vehicle must by definition be able to move under its own power. The gun is firmly attached to the vehicle and can be aimed and fired directly at the vehicle. The task of the self-propelled gun is to bring the vehicle flexibly into the right position in a short time in order to act against the enemy. This focus on the attack distinguishes the self-propelled gun from the tank. In contrast to the self-propelled gun, the tank focuses on protecting people and material.
A self-propelled howitzer can also be described as a self-propelled gun. These are regional terms rather than technical differences. During the Cold War, the term "self-propelled howitzer" became established in the West for tracked chassis with an artillery piece, while the Warsaw Pact countries stuck with the term "self-propelled gun".
The self-propelled gun has the following varying vehicle technology:
- Running gear: wheeled vehicle, half-track or full track
- Ballistic protection or armor: none, light, medium, heavy
- Armament: Short/long barrels, 20 mm to heavy guns or rocket launchers
- Type of gun carriage: Limited mobility, pivoted or capable of steep firing
With the onset of motorization at the beginning of the 20th century, attempts were made to install weapons on trucks and similar mobile vehicles. What used to be an important part of special vehicle construction in the military has now developed into an independent armaments industry under the name of self-propelled guns.
