8in M1 HOWITZER

8in M1 HOWITZER
Image: 8in M1 Howitzer (Olive-Drab)
YearJanuary 1944
Weapon Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced1.006
CrewSergeant/Section Chief + .30 cal M1 Rifle.
Corporal/Gunner + .30 cal M1 Carbine.
Pvt/Assistant Gunner + .30 cal M1 Carbine.
9 x Pvts/Cannoneers + .30 cal M1 Carbines.
Pvt/Gun Mechanic + .30 cal M1 Carbine.
Corporal/Ammunition + .30 cal M1 Carbine.
9 x Pvts/Ammunition Bearers + .30 cal M1 Carbines.
2 x Pvt/Driver (Towing Vehicle) + .30 cal M1 Rifles w/M7 Grenade Launchers.
Calibre203mm
Elevation-2° to +64°
Traverse30°
BreechInterrupted Screw
RecoilHydropeumatic
Gun SightM12
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
CarriageM1: Split Trail
Trailers[@trailers]
Gun Shield[@gun_shield]
Armoured Plate[@armoured_plate]
Barrel Length5.140mm (L/25)
Overall Length10.972m
Width[@width]
Height[@height]
WeightWeight in Transit: 14.378 kg
Weight in Action: 13.471 kg
Round WeightHE (M106) 90.12 kg.
Bagged Charge (M1) 6.3 kg & 13.56 kg (M2).
Muzzle Velocity594 m/s
Feed[@feed]
Magazine Capacity[@magazine_capacity]
Practical Rate of Fire[@practical_rate_of_fire]
Rate of Fire1 r.p.m.
Maximum Rate of Fire[@maximum_rate_of_fire]
Maximum Ceiling[@maximum_ceiling]
Maximum Ground Range[@maximum_ground_range]
Maximum Range16.800m
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
TractionMotorised (M4 Tractor or Mack 7 ½ -ton 6x6 Truck)
Variants[@variants]
NotesDesigned as a long ranged support weapon to partner its close relative the M1 155mm gun the M1 8in howitzer was also shelved only to be revived later. It was standardized in 1940 but priority went to the M2A1 gun. The first howitzers were produced in 1942 and were kept in production until 1945. The M1 was very accurate and first saw action in Italy in 1943. It was issued at Corps level to US army and the Marine Corps. After WW2 It was redesignated as the M115 howitzer and continued in service through the Korea war and Vietnam.