United States Marine Corps Weapons & Equipment
M101A1 105mm Light Howitzer, Towed
Primary function: Light, towed, general purpose field artillery weapon
used as a contingency weapon during Marine Air Ground Task Force deployments which are not conducive to mobility
deficiencies of the M198 155mm Howitzer.
Manufacturer: Rock Island Arsenal
Length: 19.5 feet (5.94 meters)
Width: 7.25 feet (2.21 meters)
Height: 5.66 feet (1.73 meters)
Weight: 4,980 pounds (2,260 kilograms)
Bore diameter: 105 mm
Maximum effective range: 6.99 miles (11.27 kilometers)
Rates of fire:
Maximum: 10 rounds per minute
Sustained: 3 rounds per minute
Unit Replacement Cost: $196,341
Features: The M101A1 105mm Light Howitzer, Towed is a general purpose, light field artillery weapon consisting
of a cannon, 105mm howitzer (M2A2); recoil mechanism, M2 series; and carriage, 105mm Howitzer, M2A2. It can be
used for direct or indirect fire. The cannon consists of a tube assembly, breech ring, and locking ring. The cannon
is mounted on the recoil sleigh assembly. The firing mechanism is a continuous pull (self cocking) type activated
by pulling a lanyard. The cannon is single-loaded, air-cooled and uses semi-fixed ammunition. The carriage is of
the single axle and split trail type. The trails are divided at emplacement, but are drawn together and locked
during travel. A drawbar is provided for securing to a prime mover. The carriage consists of an equilibrator, shield,
elevating mechanism, cradle, gear, elevating arcs, traversing mechanism, top carriage, wheels, and trails. The
recoil mechanism is a constant hydropneumatic type shock absorber that decreases the energy of the recoil gradually
and so avoids violent movement of the cannon or carriage. It is installed in the cradle of the carriage.
Inventory: 248
Information and Photos Courtesy of United States Marine Corps
