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Rock Island Arsenal M198

1979 COLD WAR GULF WAR MODERN

History of Rock Island Arsenal M198

The medium M198 replaced the heavily guarded M114 developed in the 1930s. The M198 continues to face the need for an upgraded howitzer that can fire a larger range of shells and has excellent high-altitude firing heights. This upgrade also requires the adaptability to accept and fire all types of NATO 155mm shells from the contractor Rock Island Arsenal.

Additional ammunition for the M198 includes anti-tank rounds, laser-guided grenades for stationary or moving targets, high-explosive anti-personnel rounds, flares, smoke bombs, and tactical nuclear bombs, rounding out the diverse weapons package.

With the end of the Vietnam War, the first prototype XM198 began trials. In 1979, the U.S. Army received 18 delivered from the first battalion. Shortly afterward, battalion-level orders were placed by the U.S. Marine Corps and Australia, as well as some Middle Eastern militaries.

The M198 is not a self-propelled howitzer, towed by a 5-ton truck to transport supplies and ammunition for a crew of 9. Other wheeled vehicles in the U.S. fleet can use the M198 as well as the U.S. Army Chinook CH-47C and U.S.M.C. Super Stallion CH-53E aerial maneuvering arms.

Howitzers are hung underneath for transport or dropped with parachutes to support ground troops.

The main body of the M198 is a split rear frame with improved suspension. The 155mm gun was the M199, which used a bolt-on breech and thermal warning device. On launch, the platform is lowered to the ground and the wheels are lifted off the ground. Together with the split rear end, this results in three points of stability.

The fire control system uses the M137 panoramic telescope.

In combat roles, the M198 served in the Middle East and Lebanon. Through a continuous improvement program, the M198 is the standard 155mm howitzer for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps and will serve in the 21st century.

The M107 and M540A1 projectiles (missile assisted) have reported ranges of 19,850 and 32,810 yards, respectively. -5 degrees to +72 degrees in elevation and 45 degrees in lateral. A rate of fire of 4 rounds per minute and 2 rounds per minute can be achieved.