A howitzer is a type of artillery weapon used for ground assaults, with a flexible angle of attack. It evolved from firing cannonballs to explosive shells, and saw great use in World War I trench warfare. There are several types of howitzers, including field, siege, and self-propelled versions. Famous historical versions include the British QF 25 pounder and the M198 and M109 howitzers used by the US. Modern versions include the M777, PzH 2000, and SSPH Primus. The M777 is replacing the M198 for most field operations in the US Army.
A howitzer is a type of artillery weapon used by militaries for ground assaults. Traditionally, the size of this gun fell between a pistol-type assault weapon and a larger mortar-type assault weapon. In the past century however, especially in the United States, the term has generally been used for a type of weapon more accurately described as a howitzer gun. It has long played an important role in warfare, and its use is an important strategic decision for many military operations, as commanders are forced to choose between superior firepower and improved mobility.
The modern version of this weapon dates back to the late 17th century, when the Swedes used them to great effect in their land battles to demolish enemy fortifications. This version differed mainly from the mortar in its flexibility, as it could be moved to attack at different angles, as opposed to mortars, which could only attack in a fixed arc. This meant that the howitzers could be adjusted relatively easily, giving the troops greater accuracy in their attacks.
By the mid-19th century, the howitzer had evolved substantially. They were capable of firing both cannonballs and explosive shells, leading to the term howitzer gun. They were also considerably more mobile than earlier guns, so that field infantry could carry them into battle and position them on the fly. Field versions continued to get heavier and have larger shells, making for very heavy weapons that could decimate walls and easily penetrate any intervening obstacle.
By World War I, the weapon had evolved further, with longer barrels, higher velocities, and larger projectiles. It saw great use during World War I, as their angle of attack lent them to trench warfare, where they could be fired from a trench and properly aimed to land in an enemy trench, exploding and causing extensive damage. By World War II, the traditional version had largely been phased out, with the gun howitzer replacing all but a few field guns.
There are several types of howitzer, usually divided into groups according to the form of mobility. For example, a field howitzer is one that can be brought into battle with field infantry, generally with some sort of carriage. One version of the pack is meant to be carried with piecemeal field infantry and then assembled at a battle site. A siege version, on the other hand, is generally large enough that it is not easily portable and must be flown into position by helicopter, and is therefore a semi-permanent installation. Finally, a self-propelled howitzer resembles a tank, as it is mounted on a motor vehicle and is often armored, but unlike a tank, it can shift its angle of attack.
Famous historical versions include the British QF 25 pounder from WWII, the M198 and M109 howitzers used by the US in the latter part of the 20th century, and the G5 used in South Africa in the 1980s. Modern versions include the M777, flown to a site by helicopter; the German self-propelled PzH 2000 and the Singaporean SSPH Primus. In the US Army, the M777 is rapidly replacing the M198 for most field operations and has seen significant action in Afghanistan.
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