M3 105MM Howitzer
The display reads:
M3 105MM Howitzer
1943
The M3 was designed early in World War II to meet the requirement for a 105mm howitzer that could be delivered by aircraft or glider because the M2A1 was too large and heavy. The M3 was created by shortening the 105mm gun tube by 17 inches, using the recoil mechanism of the M1A1 75mm Pack Howitzer, and mounting it on the M3A1 75mm carriage. The biggest problem the howitzer had was the weakness of the split trail carriage because it was only designed to absorb the recoil of the lighter 75mm gun. Although planned for the new airborne divisions, the M3 actually saw much more service in the cannon companies of infantry regiments. Each company had a total of six howitzers organized into three platoons. Unlike most US weapons during World War II, the M3 saw use with American forces in both Europe and the Pacific theaters.
This M3 was manufactured by Garwood Industries in 1943. Production began in February 1943 with a total production of 2,580 howitzers by the time production ended in June 1945. Following the end of World War II, the M3 was declared obsolete.
Caliber: 4.13 in (105mm)
Weight: 2,495 lbs (1,133 kg)
Range: 8,490 yards (7,763 m)
Shell Weight: 33 lbs (14.9 kg)
Muzzle Velocity: 1,020 ft/sec (533 m/sec)
Elevation: - 9 to + 30 degrees (- 160 to + 533 mils)
Traverse: 45 degrees (800 mils)
CCN # 122461
Taken December 17th, 2013.
M3 105MM Howitzer
The display reads:
M3 105MM Howitzer
1943
The M3 was designed early in World War II to meet the requirement for a 105mm howitzer that could be delivered by aircraft or glider because the M2A1 was too large and heavy. The M3 was created by shortening the 105mm gun tube by 17 inches, using the recoil mechanism of the M1A1 75mm Pack Howitzer, and mounting it on the M3A1 75mm carriage. The biggest problem the howitzer had was the weakness of the split trail carriage because it was only designed to absorb the recoil of the lighter 75mm gun. Although planned for the new airborne divisions, the M3 actually saw much more service in the cannon companies of infantry regiments. Each company had a total of six howitzers organized into three platoons. Unlike most US weapons during World War II, the M3 saw use with American forces in both Europe and the Pacific theaters.
This M3 was manufactured by Garwood Industries in 1943. Production began in February 1943 with a total production of 2,580 howitzers by the time production ended in June 1945. Following the end of World War II, the M3 was declared obsolete.
Caliber: 4.13 in (105mm)
Weight: 2,495 lbs (1,133 kg)
Range: 8,490 yards (7,763 m)
Shell Weight: 33 lbs (14.9 kg)
Muzzle Velocity: 1,020 ft/sec (533 m/sec)
Elevation: - 9 to + 30 degrees (- 160 to + 533 mils)
Traverse: 45 degrees (800 mils)
CCN # 122461
Taken December 17th, 2013.