The M1A1 Pack Howitzer was the standard US Army howitzer during World War II. The backpack design actually dates back to the development of the World War I howitzer, which was standardized as the M1 in the U.S. Army after the war. The WWII-era M1A1 was short-barreled, capable of a capable crew at a sustained rate of fire of 3 to 6 rounds per minute, and had a range of approximately 9,610 yards (8,790 m). The system was intentionally designed to be lightweight, easy to transport, and capable of being operated by a small crew (this is very effective for light sectors such as air units, as demonstrated by the M8 variant of the package).
The high-explosive shell of the M1 Pack howitzer weighs 6.3 kg. The weapon system can be used for suppression, attack, defense and limited anti-tank missions. Further developments allow for better off-road mobility.
The "pack" name of the pack howitzer derives from the fact that pack beasts can tow light systems (most common in WW1, but not uncommon in WW2 on either side). To this end, the system is designed to be easily disassembled into several pieces (the M1 frame can be disassembled into six pieces in total, while the weapon system can be disassembled into nine pieces). The M1A1 first used the aforementioned M1 carriage with wooden spoked wheels.
A later version was implemented in the follow-up M8 Carriage, with rubber-tread tires on metal wheels.
The M1A1 was used by the British at Arnhem and dropped from a glider during Operation Market Garden. The British Army also trained Yugoslav partisans to use weapons systems (with some success in mountain operations). The M1A1 served in the Far Eastern jungles of the Pacific Theater.
The system's disassembly capability makes it best suited for amphibious assaults that require artillery support immediately after landing on a beach.
The M1A1 howitzer was also tested on a half-track chassis and worked well in this role as well. Overall, the M1A1 became a classic of American artillery design. Portable, powerful and versatile, it has been the standard front-line light artillery weapon system for many years.
- fire support/attack/damage
1 ton (1,062 kg; 2,341 lb)
5 miles (9 km)
1 x 75mm barrel
Depends on the ammunition carrier. Available in HE, HEAT-T, Smoke, Chemical, Practice and Blank projectile types.
M1 - Basic Label Model
M1A1 - WWII Standard Model
M2 - M1 variant modified to use M8 motorized gun mount chassis.
M3 - Vehicle variant
M8 - Airborne Modification Variant
M116 - Designation after World War II
M120 - The name of the post-WWII pack weapon.