M108 howitzer

A Taiwanese M108 self-propelled howitzer
M108 (middle) at the Texas Military Forces Museum

The M108 Howitzer is an American self-propelled 105 mm howitzer, first introduced in the early 1960s.

The M108 was powered by a Detroit Diesel turbocharged 8V-71T 8-cylinders 405 hp engine. It used the same hull and turret as the 155 mm M109 self-propelled howitzer, and components of the M113 armored vehicle. The M108 was phased out soon after the American intervention in the Vietnam War, as the M109's 155 mm calibre was considered better fitted for modern war.

The M108 was used by several NATO countries.[1]

Operational history

The M108 howitzer's sole use in combat occurred in the Vietnam War. M108s equipped the first U.S. Army field artillery unit deployed to the conflict, when the 3-6 Field Artillery Battalion was deployed to Pleiku on June 17, 1966. This was soon followed by the 1-40th Field Artillery Battalion in Dong Ha in October, 1966. M108s were generally employed from fortified fire bases providing artillery support to units in the field. Because M108 and M109 howitzers could traverse their main gun 360 degrees, unlike towed artillery, they were ideal for holding fire base positions, which might be subject to attack from any direction. Both M108 battalions were withdrawn by the mid 1970s, and the type then phased out of U.S. Army service. Towards the end of 2016, the military philosophy that had given up the need and concept of a traversable 105mm gun in the 70's post Vietnam-war time-frame, underwent a change with the presentation and revival of the idea on a lightweight self-propelled platform, the Hawkeye.

[2]

General characteristics

  • Length: 6.11 m
  • Width: 3.15 m
  • Height: 3.28 m
  • Weight: 21 t
  • Speed: 56 km/h (35 mph)
  • Range: 360 km
  • Crew: 5
  • Armament:
  • Rate of fire: 4 rds/min
  • Shooting range: 11.5 km (HE) 15 km (HERA)

Users

An M108 self-propelled howitzer in Vietnam.

Comparable weapons

FV433 Abbot SPG - British 105mm SPG

See also

References

  1. ↑ https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m108.htm
  2. ↑ Zaloga, Steven (2005). M109 15mmm Self_Propelled Howitzer 1960-2005. Osprey Publishing. pp. 9–13. ISBN 1-84176-631-3.
  3. ↑ Ross, Russell, ed. (1987). Cambodia, a Country Study. Area Handbook Series (Third ed.). Washington, D.C.: Department of the Army, American University. p. 313. ISBN 978-0160208386.
  4. ↑ "Weapons Transfers and Violations of the Laws of War in Turkey". James Ron. Google. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
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