8 inch Howitzer M1

The 8 inch Howitzer M1 was a 203-mm, heavy artillery piece, which was used by the US Army during World War II, the Korean, and the Vietnam War. Introduced and standardized in 1940, it shared the same type of carriage with the 155-mm Gun M1. In 1962, it would officially be redesignated the M115 203-mm Howtizer. It was a very accurate and powerful weapon, which was used to provide fire support to infantry spearhead units, to destroy concrete bunkers and pillboxes, and also in the counter-battery role.

As soon as the 8-inch howitzer M1 entered service, it became a very popular artillery piece. Because of its precision and fire power, it could be employed to bring down heavy fire on spot targets close to friendly troops as it was also frequently used to eliminate enemy strongpoints. It fired 90.7-kg (200-lb) high-explosive shells to the maximum distance of 16.60 km (18,150 yards). It was towed to the battlefield by the M5 HST tracked vehicle during WW2 and by heavy trucks during the Vietnam War. Later, it would be developed into the M110 self-propelled howitzer.

Specifications

Type: heavy howitzer

Caliber: 203-mm (8-in)

Barrel Length: 5.1 m (16 feet, 9 inches), or L/25

Weight: 14,515 kg (32,000 pounds)

Elevation: -2 to +65 degrees

Traverse: 60 degrees

Breech Type: interrupted step thread

Muzzle Velocity: 594 m/s

Maximum Range: 16,596 m (18,150 yards)

Below, the 8 inch Howitzer M1 being towed in France, in August 1944.

The 203-mm M1 shared the same carriage with the 155-mm Gun M1. The only difference was the caliber and shorter barrel.

US Army official video of the 8-in Howitzer M1, mentioned here as the M115