M198

The M198 is a medium towed howitzer developed by the United States. It was designed to provide artillery support for ground forces, capable of firing various types of ammunition over long distances. The M198 entered service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

This howitzer has a 155 mm caliber and a barrel length of 39 calibers. It can be towed by a variety of vehicles, including trucks and tactical vehicles, making it relatively mobile for its size. The M198 can be emplaced and fired quickly by a crew of seven. Its maximum effective range is approximately 22 kilometers with standard ammunition and can be extended significantly with rocket-assisted projectiles or modular extended-range ammunition.

The M198 has seen combat service in various conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm and operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. While still in service with some nations, the United States has largely replaced the M198 with the M777, a lighter and more advanced howitzer. However, the M198 remains a capable artillery piece and continues to be operated by numerous allied countries worldwide. Its design emphasizes reliability and ease of maintenance, contributing to its longevity in military arsenals.