The Mod 56, a widely used howitzer, was originally designed in Italy for the mountain artillery units. It is light enough to be lifted by Westland Wessex helicopters or towed by Land Rovers. It could also be dismantled into several separate pieces, none heavier than 128 kg, to be transported by mules or horses. However, it lacked range (making it potentially vulnerable to counter-battery fire), was not notably robust, had poor sights and was not entirely popular. Nor was its rate of fire and time to prepare for opening fire satisfactory.