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The 105mm Howitzer M3 was a lighter version of the 105mm Howitzer M2 that was designed for use by the airborne forces.
In 1941 the US Army requested a 105mm howitzer that should weight no more than 1,134kg, with a range of at least 6,401m and that could be carried in a C-47 Dakota.
The new weapon was produced using components from existing designs. The breech and barrel came from the 105mm Howitzer M2A1, with the barrel shortened by 27in.
The carriage was the M3 carriage from the 75mm Field Howitzer, a heavy split trail carriage with wheels that could be raised to allow the base of the carriage to rest on the ground, improving stability. The M3 carriage was the standard 75mm version with 2mm plate for the sides of the trails. This wasn’t quite strong enough for the 105mm howitzer, and was only accepted as a substitute standard. The M3A1 carriage used 3mm plate, and was stronger, if not quite strong enough. The M3A2 carriage was intended for use with the infantry, and was given a gun shield. The M3 carriage had a split trail, and the wheels could be lifted so the gun would sit on a firing platform, giving it a three-point stable platform.
The recoil system came from the 75mm Pack Howitzer M1 with carriage M8, strengthened to deal with the extra power of the 105mm shells. The entire recoil system was carried below the barrel, unlike the M2, where part of it was above the barrel.
The use of the normal 105mm M2 breech meant that standard M2 ammo could be fired, but tests at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in March 1942 revealed that the slow burning powder used with these shells didn’t fully burn in the short barrel, producing too much muzzle blast and flash. However if a fast burning propellant was used, the gun performed very well.
The M3 was produced in two batches – in February 1943-May 44 and April-June 1945. A total of 2,579 were built – 1,965 in 1943, 410 in 1944 and 204 in 1945.
Away from the airborne forces the M3 was authorised for use by cannon companies in infantry regiments in triangular infantry divisions on 1 April 1942, almost a year before any were available. While they waited for the new gun these units used the 105mm howitzer M2 or motorised 75mm guns. When the M3 did become available the cannon companies were given six howitzers in three platoons, (two per platoon). The cannon companies were tried out in North Africa in 1942-43, but weren’t a success. The companies were dissolved in 1943 and the guns had their shields removed and went back to the airborne.
The M3 was slow to enter airborne service - by D-Day most airborne divisions preferred three field artillery battalions with the easier to move 75mm pack howitzer, and one with the 105mm M3 for general divisional support. This was made official on 16 December 1944.
A small number were given away in the lend-lease programme. Two went to Britain, 94 to France and 18 to Latin America.
Name |
|
Calibre |
105mm (4.13in) |
Barrel Length |
L/16.5 |
Weight for transport |
|
Weight in action |
1,132kg (2,495lb) |
Elevation |
-9 to +69 degrees |
Traverse |
45 degrees |
Shell Weight |
33lb (14.96kg) |
Muzzle Velocity |
311m/ sec (1,020ft/ sec) |
Maximum Range |
7,585m (8,295 yards) |
Rate of Fire |
15 rounds. Min CHECK |