Description
The howitzer M1 or M1A1 consisted of tube and breech, which were joined together by interrupted threads, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. One eighth of a turn was required to connect or disconnect tube and breech. The tube had uniform, right hand rifling with one turn in 20 calibers. The breech was of horizontal sliding block type, with continuous-pull firing mechanism.
The recoil system was hydropneumatic. Both recoil buffer and recuperator were located under the barrel.
The pack howitzer carriage M1 had dismantling construction. The carriage was of box trail type, with steel-rimmed wooden wheels. For transportation, the howitzer M1 or M1A1 on carriage M1 could be broken down into six mule loads, with payload weight between 73 and 107 kg each:
- Tube
- Breech and wheels
- Top sleigh and cradle
- Bottom sleigh and recoil mechanism
- Front trail
- Rear trail and axle.
The carriage M8 was identical, except for axle arms and wheels, which were metal with pneumatic tires. The howitzer on carriage M8 could be broken down into seven mule loads or into nine parachute loads (the latter arrangement included 18 rounds of ammunition). It could also be towed by vehicle such as 1/4 ton jeep, or transported by plane or glider such as CG-4 Waco.
The field howitzer carriages of the M3 family were non-dismantling, split trail. All these were fitted with metal wheels with pneumatic tires; all had an additional retractable support, referred to as a firing base. In firing position, the firing base could be lowered and wheels raised, leaving the weapon to rest on the firing base and trails.
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75 mm howitzer on carriage M1.
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75 mm howitzer on carriage M8.
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75 mm howitzer on carriage M3A3.
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75 mm howitzer on carriage M3A3.
Read more about this topic: M116 Howitzer
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