Intro
Explore the 5 main types of howitzers, their ranges, and capabilities. From field artillery to siege howitzers, learn about the different types, including the M777, M109, and more. Discover how howitzer range and calibers impact battlefield effectiveness. Get the inside scoop on these powerful artillery pieces and their roles in modern warfare.
Howitzers have been a crucial part of modern warfare for centuries, providing military forces with the ability to deliver high-explosive shells over long distances. These artillery pieces have evolved significantly over the years, with various types of howitzers being developed to suit different operational requirements. In this article, we will explore five types of howitzers and their ranges, highlighting their capabilities and characteristics.
Understanding Howitzers
Before diving into the different types of howitzers, it's essential to understand what they are and how they work. A howitzer is a type of artillery piece that is designed to fire shells at a high angle of elevation, typically between 45° to 90°. This allows the shell to follow a curved trajectory, enabling the howitzer to engage targets that are not in direct line of sight.
Howitzers are typically characterized by their caliber, range, and type of ammunition used. They can be towed, self-propelled, or even airborne, depending on the specific design.
1. Towed Howitzers
Towed howitzers are the most common type of howitzer and are typically used by infantry and artillery units. These howitzers are towed behind a vehicle, such as a truck or armored personnel carrier, and can be quickly deployed in the field.
Towed Howitzers
The M119A3 is a 105mm towed howitzer used by the US military. It has a range of approximately 14 km (8.7 miles) and can fire up to 10 rounds per minute.
2. Self-Propelled Howitzers
Self-propelled howitzers are mounted on a vehicle, such as a tank or armored personnel carrier, and can move independently on the battlefield. These howitzers are typically used by armored units and provide a high degree of mobility and flexibility.
Self-Propelled Howitzers
The M109A7 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer used by the US military. It has a range of approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) and can fire up to 4 rounds per minute.
3. Mountain Howitzers
Mountain howitzers are designed for use in rugged terrain and are typically used by special forces and mountain warfare units. These howitzers are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and deploy in difficult environments.
Mountain Howitzers
The 105mm M101A1 is a mountain howitzer used by the US military. It has a range of approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) and can be easily transported by helicopter or pack animal.
4. Airborne Howitzers
Airborne howitzers are designed for use by airborne units and are typically used in rapid deployment scenarios. These howitzers are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport by aircraft or helicopter.
Airborne Howitzers
The M777A2 is a 155mm airborne howitzer used by the US military. It has a range of approximately 25 km (15.5 miles) and can be easily transported by C-130 aircraft or CH-47 helicopter.
5. Naval Gun-Howitzers
Naval gun-howitzers are designed for use on warships and are typically used for coastal defense and naval gunfire support. These howitzers are designed to fire shells at high angles of elevation, enabling them to engage targets in the coastal zone.
Naval Gun-Howitzers
The 127mm/54 Compact is a naval gun-howitzer used by the Italian Navy. It has a range of approximately 23 km (14.3 miles) and can fire up to 40 rounds per minute.
Gallery of Howitzers
Howitzer Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a howitzer and a gun?
+A howitzer is designed to fire shells at high angles of elevation, typically between 45° to 90°, while a gun is designed to fire shells at lower angles of elevation.
What is the range of a howitzer?
+The range of a howitzer depends on the type and caliber of the howitzer, but can range from 10 km to over 40 km.
What is the purpose of a howitzer?
+The purpose of a howitzer is to provide high-explosive firepower on the battlefield, enabling military forces to engage targets that are not in direct line of sight.
In conclusion, howitzers are a crucial part of modern warfare, providing military forces with the ability to deliver high-explosive firepower on the battlefield. With various types of howitzers available, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities, military forces can choose the right howitzer for their specific operational requirements.