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Manufacturer: US Army Ordnance
Production Years: 1940-1945 (M2, M2A1)
Caliber: 105-mm (4.134-inches)
Length: 8-feet, 5-1/4-inches (gun tube)
Width: 7-feet
Maximum Elevation: + 65-degrees
Weight: 4,260-pounds (with carriage)
Maximum Range: Approximately 7-miles
Muzzle Velocity: 1,550-feet-per-second
Rate of Fire: 2 to 4-rounds-per-minute
Projectile Weight: 33-pounds (HE-high explosive)
Weight of Complete Round: 42-pounds
Crew: Up to eight
Markings: US Army, Divisional Artillery Unit
Demilitarized
The US 105-mm Howitzer originated in a study by the US Army in 1919, which made recommendations for future equipment as a result of combat experiences during World War I. In regards to artillery, the study recommended a weapon of about 105-mm, capable of 65-degrees of elevation and able to fire a projectile of approximately 35-pounds. A maximum range of 12,000-yards was desired, and the ammunition was to be semi-fixed (projectile and powder charge). Development began in 1920 with the 105-mm Howitzer M1 and Carriage M1 standardized in January 1928. Manufacture was not authorized since an immediate need was not foreseen. In 1936, during the mechanization of the US Army, an order was issued to redesign the M1 Howitzer and Carriage. The improved M2 Howitzer and M2 Carriage entered production in 1940. During the course of WWII, several improvements were incorporated, resulting in the M2A1 Howitzer and M2A1 Carriage and followed, in 1943, by the M2A2 Carriage with a larger gun shield. The 105-mm was used on a variety of self-propelled mounts, the most noteworthy being the M7 “Priest.” Over 8,500 M2 and M2A1 105-mm Howitzers were built.