M108 howitzer

The M108 Howitzer is an American self-propelled 105 mm howitzer, first introduced in the early 1960s as a replacement for the M52 self-propelled howitzer.[1]

M108 Howitzer
A Taiwanese M108 self-propelled howitzer
TypeSelf-propelled gun
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1962–1975
WarsVietnam War
Production history
ManufacturerCadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors Corp
Specifications
Mass21 tons
Length6.11 m
Width3.15 m
Height3.28 m
Crew5
Shellseparate loading, bagged charge
Caliber105 mm caliber
Breechinterrupted screw
Traverse360°
Effective firing rangeConventional: 11.5 km
Armor31.8mm
Main
armament
M103 105 mm Howitzer
Secondary
armament
.50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2 machine gun
EngineDetroit Diesel turbocharged 8V-71T 8-cylinders
Suspensiontorsion-bar
Operational
range
360 km
Maximum speed 56 km/h (35 mph)

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.[2]

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 Both M108 battalions were withdrawn and phased out of U.S. Army service in 1975.[3]

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:
    • Primary: M103 105 mm Howitzer
    • Secondary: .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2 machine gun
  • Rate of fire: 4 rds/min
  • Shooting range: 11.5 km (HE) 15 km (HERA)

Users
An M108 self-propelled howitzer in Vietnam.
M108 (middle) at the Texas Military Forces Museum

Current users

Former users

Comparable weapons
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See also

References
  1. M108 Archived 2019-02-25 at the Wayback Machine. Military-Today.
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-03-05. Retrieved 2019-05-27.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. Zaloga, Steven (2005). M109 155mm Self_Propelled Howitzer 1960-2005. Osprey Publishing. pp. 9–13. ISBN 1-84176-631-3.
  4. 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.
  5. "Weapons Transfers and Violations of the Laws of War in Turkey". James Ron. Google. Archived from the original on 19 January 2019. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
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