M-102 105MM HOWITZER

The M102 is a modern American towed 105 mm field howitzer. Its first prototypes were built in the early 1960s, and serial production began in 1964 at Rock Island Arsenal. The initial velocity of the high-impact shell fired from this gun was up to 494 m / s, and the maximum range was 15,000 meters. The practical rate of fire is 9-10 rounds per minute. The M102 was put into service to supplement and later replace the M101A1 howitzer of the same caliber used since World War II. Compared to its predecessor, the M102 is characterized by a significantly lower curb weight (it weighs about 1,500 kg, compared to 2,500 kg M101A1), which significantly improves its mobility in the field (e.g. by HMMWV vehicles), but also allows air transport by a UH- helicopter. 60 Black Hawk. The M102 also has a much better and less emergency landing gear. It also has a slightly better range and rate of fire. The M102 underwent its baptism of fire during the Vietnam War (1964 / 1965-1975). Later, it was also used, among others, in the Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991). The M102 in the US Armed Forces was replaced by the M109 howitzer of the same caliber, but is still used by the National Guard. The M102 howitzer was also sold to several foreign recipients, including Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Turkey.