Rock Island Arsenal M101

History of Rock Island Arsenal M101

The M101 105mm medium howitzer has its origins in the interwar, postwar (1914-1918) and prewar (1939-1945) periods. Originally named "M1", the prototype was developed in 1920 by Rock Island Arsenal specialists. After extensive testing, the M1 was replaced by the "M2" in 1934, with additional support for shrapnel-based projectiles.

M2 was not standardized as "M2A1" until 1940.

It was normal that U.S. artillery systems took so long to develop until Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941after that, military hardware development became a major focus of the U.S. government. The M2, which began production in 1941 and saw significant action against the Axis powers on all fronts, was the standard mid-level field howitzer for U.S. troops in conflict.

It was issued to both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps, proved to be very reliable and accurate, and was well received by ground forces. After World War II, the M2 was reclassified as "M101". The production run continued until 1953, with 10,202 built.

The horizontal breech block is used with the shock firing system, which is mounted above and below the short barrel section for consistent stability (and therefore aiding in accuracy). -5 degrees to +66 degrees above sea level and 46 degrees horizontally. The M1 projectile reportedly has a range of 12,325 yards, while the M548 projectile has a range of up to 15,965 yards.

A burst of 3 rounds per minute can achieve a rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute.

The M101 is a solid and reliable product, although not without its drawbacks - the range is moderate and the rate of fire is reduced from 10 rpm to 3 rpm during sustained fire. In their favor are the 20,000-round lifespan and a large inventory of entire units and individual parts (spare parts). The ammunition used is the standard NATO 105mm High Explosive (HE) projectile. Other projectile types supported by the projectile include a version with an 18 x M39 shell and a HESH (High Explosive, Squash Head) bullet that can penetrate 102 mm (4 in) of armor at 1,500 m (1,640 yd). Different blast types were used - shock and fuze base.

The operator consists of a crew of eight, and the car has a traditional split design. The gun fires on the wheels in front of its mount and has an excellent center of gravity.

During World War II, the M101 served longer than its useful life, long enough to contribute to U.S. operations in the Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1955-1975). These guns provide excellent non-line-of-sight (sprinting fire) against the enemy when the 155mm howitzer type is overkill or impractical.

The gun's reliability and high production volume led many U.S. allies to purchase the M101 even after it was retired from U.S. stockpiles. Nearly 70 countries have purchased the weapon, making it one of the most successful field devices ever built. The gun is also suitable for vehicle designs, as seen in several WWII American trials and production types.

Other self-propelled models have also appeared outside the United States.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on the ammunition carrier.

Changes