155mm M198
Overview
M198
A US Marine Corps M198 firing a shell near the town of Fallujah in Iraq.
Source: Looper5920 -
© public domain
United States - Watervliet arsenal
United States - Marine Corps
Iraq
Pakistan
Thailand
Description
Introduction
The M198 is a towed howitzer of US origin. It was developed in the 1970's to replace the World War 2 era and shorter range M114. The M198 has the benefit of having a low weight but lacks rate of fire.
Design
The M198 uses a split trail two wheel carriage that is characterized by the heavy trails and small wheels. The 155mm L/39 ordnance is mounted in a large cradle and uses hydropneumatic recoil absorbers. During travelling the ordnance remains facing rearwards. For transport over long distances and for storage the ordnance can be rotated over the trails. The M198 can be easily identified by its small wheels and large round cradle. There are no variants although it has been upgraded in US military service. Alongside various minor improvements an automated fire control system has been added.
Firepower
The M198 fires NATO standard 155mm rounds including a range developed specifically for use with the M198. The maximum range is 18.2 km with the M107 round, 22 km with the M483A1 and 30 km with the M549A1 rocket assisted projectile. The rate of fire is rather low with 4 rpm maximum and 2 rpm sustained.
Mobility
Normally the prime mover for the M198 is a 6x6 truck but it can be transported underneath a Chinook heavy lift helicopter. The M198 has no APU and cannot be manhandled.
Users
The main user of the M198 are the US army and marine corps. In the army is has been upgraded and in the marine corps it is being replaced by the M777. Large quantities have been exported to the Middle East, Asia, South America and Australia.
Media
M198
A US Marine Corps M198 firing a shell near the town of Fallujah in Iraq.
Source: US Marine Corps (Lance Corporal Samantha L. Jones)
Copyright: public domain
M198
Two US Marine Corps M198 firing shells during an exercise in the United Arab Emirates.
Source: US Marine Corps (Corporal Branden P. O'Brien)
Copyright: public domain
M198
The muzzle blast of an US Army M198.
Source: US Army (unknown photographer)
Copyright: public domain
M198
A battery of US Marine Corps M198 in the firing position.
Source: US Marine Corps (Sgt Kevin R. Reed)
Copyright: public domain
M198
Close up of the M198 muzzle. Note the pedestal mounted between the two wheels.
Source: US Navy (PM2 Michael Sandberg)
Copyright: public domain