The M101/M101A1 is a 105 mm towed howitzer of US origin. Under the original designation M2 it was widely used during World War 2. It is a further development of the horse-drawn Howitzer M1. In 1962 this system was renamed the M101
The U.S. military artillery designation system was changed in 1962, renamed the M101A1. The gun continued to see service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Though a similar model, the M102 howitzer, shared the same roles in battle, it never fully replaced the M101A1. Today, the M101A1 has been retired by the U.S. military, though it continues to see service with many other countries. The gun continued to see service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Though a similar model, the M102 howitzer, shared the same roles in battle, it never fully replaced the M101A1. Today, the M101A1 has been retired by the U.S. military, though it continues to see service with many other countries.
Design
The M101 uses a two wheel split trail carriage. The 22-caliber, 105mm gun uses a hydro pneumatic recoil mechanism and has no muzzle brake. A metal shield protects the crew of 8 against small arms fire and shell splinters over the frontal arc.
The M101 fires its own range of 105 mm ammunition, which has become the NATO standard for 105mm howitzer ammunition. The maximum range is 11.5 km with standard ammunition and 15.1 km with rocket assisted ammunition. The maximum rate of fire is 10 rounds per minute, which is reduced to 3 rpm during sustained fire.
Origin United States
Type Towed howitzer
Entered service 1940
Status In service
Development 1919 - 1939
Developer Rock Island Arsenal
Production 1940 - 1953
Producer United States - Rock Island Arsenal
Number produced 10.202 in total, of which 8.536 produced during WW2
Mobility
A 2.5 ton 6x6 truck is used to tow the gun and to carry the crew and ammunition. The lighter M102 was developed for increased mobility.
PROJECTILES USED IN 105 MILLIMETER TOWED AND TRACK HOWITZE
Projectile 1
Cartridge, 105 mm, HE, M1
The projectile of this cartridge contains high explosive and is used for fragmentation, blast, and mining in support of ground troops and armored columns. One is a sectional of the shell showing the explosive filler (normally TNT) in yellow. Maximum range: 12,590 yards.
Projectile 2
Cartridge, 105 mm, Dummy, M14
This dummy cartridge is used as a drill round and to train gun crews in handling ammunition and loading the 105 mm gun cannon. This round looks like the standard HE round, but contains no explosives.
Projectile 3
Cartridge, 105 mm, High Explosive (HE) with mechanical time fuze. This cartridge is used for Air burst against enemy troop formations and light vehicle movement.
Projectile 4
Cartridge, 105 mm, Smoke, M84,
This cartridge is used for screening movements by units,
Projectile 5
Cartridge, 105 mm, HEP-T, M327 (T81E28)
This cartridge is used for both anti-tank and antipersonnel purposes. (HEP stands for High Explosive Plastic), using 6.6 pounds of Composition (A3). It uses a base detonating fuse. The HEP round is the third round in the photo. Maximum range: 9,500 yards.
Projectile 6
Cartridge, 105 mm, Smoke, White Phosphorus (WP), M60 Series
The projectile of this cartridge contains WP which is disbursed over the target area for screening purposes. WP also has a limited incendiary effect, and this round has a TNT burster to help dissipate the WP over a wider area. WP does not need any means of ignition; it has a spontaneous reaction with air and will burn through flesh. Maximum range: 12,590 yards.