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155mm M114


155mm Howitzer M1


Overview

M114

US Army M114 used during an excersize.
Source: US Army - © public domain

Origin
United States
Type
Towed howitzer
Entered service
1941
Status
In service
Development
1939 - 1941
Developer
United States - Rock Island Arsenal
Production
1941 - 1953
Producer
United States - Rock Island Arsenal
Number produced
Over 10.300
Designations
155mm Howitzer M1 (original designation)
M114 (post WW2 designation)
M65 (Yugoslav designation)
T-65 (Taiwanese designation)
Notable users

Description

Introduction

The M114 is a World War 2 era towed howitzer of US origin. It was developed in the early 1940's and was used in large numbers during World War 2. The original designation was 155mm Howitzer M1, but after World War 2 it was redesignated as the M114.

Design

The M114 uses a two wheel split trail carriage. A single jack in front of the axles raises the wheels from the ground. The 155mm ordnance is derived from the 1917 Schneider, but is longer and features a new breech. The 24-caliber ordnance does not feature a muzzle brake. A gun shields adds a limited degree of protection for the 11 men crew.

Firepower

The M114 fires M107 range of 155mm NATO standard ammunition. The maximum range is 14.6 km. The maximum rate of fire is 4 rounds per minute. In four minutes 8 rounds can be fired and the sustained rate of fire is 40 rounds in one hour.

Mobility

The M114 is usually towed by a 5 ton truck, which also transports the crew and ammunition. It is too heavy to be man handled over all but very short distances. Emplacement time is about 5 minutes.

Users

The M114 was used in large quantites by US forces during World War 2. After World War 2 it remained in active use for several decades and was widely used in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Later on it was replaced by the more capable towed M198 and by self-propelled howitzers. The M114 was adopted by many US allies during and after World War 2. In several nations it remains in active use today.

Variants

M114

Taiwanese M114 in firing position.
Source: Unknown author - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

List of M114 variants

M114
Original 155mm Howitzer M1, later redesignated as M114.
M114A1
mproved model with air brakes instead of electrical brakes. Originally known as 155mm Howitzer M1A1. Redesignated M114A1 in 1962.
M114A2
Post war production model with slightly longer ordnance.

Details

Facts M114
General
Origin
United States
Type
Towed howitzer
Crew
11
Dimensions
Weight
5.6 t (firing position)
5.8 t (travelling)
Length
7.32 m (travelling)
Width
2.44 m (travelling)
Height
1.8 m (travelling)
Ordnance
Type
155mm L/24.5 howitzer
Barrel length
3.79 m
Muzzle brake
No
Elevation
-2 to +63°
Traverse
25° left and right
Firepower
Rate of fire
4 rpm (max)
40 rounds per hour (sustained)
Range
14.6 km
Carriage
Type
2 wheel split trail carriage
Limber
No
Gun shield
Yes
Mobility
Towing vehicle
6x6 truck
APU
No

Media

Related articles

155mm M198

The M114 was replaced in US service by the longer range M198.

Read more about 155mm M198

M41 Gorilla

The M114 ordnance was mated with a modified M24 Chaffee light tank chassis to creat the M41 Howitzer Motor Carriage.

Read more about M41 Gorilla

152mm D-20

The Soviet D-20 can be considered the M114 counterpart throughout the early Cold War era.

Read more about 152mm D-20

155mm FH-70

The FH-70 was developed as a longe range and more mobility successor for the American World War 2 era 155mm M114 towed howitzer that served with various European armies.

Read more about 155mm FH-70