Whose Name We Share

120 M198 Howitzer Following the Second World War, Rockford Island Arsenal were commissioned to replace the M114 155mm Howitzer for the US Army and Marine Corps. It wouldn’t be until 1978 that the gun went into full scale production, spending over 9 years in production. 1600 pieces were built from 1978 – 1992 and were sold the world over with Australia procuring 36 for themselves. The battery got a hold of them in 1984, replacing the 5.5in guns after 40 years of service. Although the M198 is a towed howitzer, its light weight as a medium gun allowed it to be carried by a Chinook or Super Stallion. It also offers the flexibility to allow the barrel to be swung over the trails to reduce its length during towed travel, although it’s wiser to leave it in the firing position for faster deployment. The gun features a baseplate for rapid emplacement, as well as generously wide trails for stability and a clear working area. As with many 155mm guns the rate of fire sits at 4 rounds per minute or 2 rounds for sustained rates, but a well-oiled detachment can push the envelope. The screw breech is operated manually and requires some grunt to close. The range of the gun sits at 22km, but with the development of rocket assisted ammunition that can be pushed to 30km. The gun’s muzzle velocity clocks in at a face -melting 680m/s. Compatible ammunition features everything from your standard HE and WP to the laser guided Copperhead, covering every need you could possibly want from a gun.