- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The M108 was introduced in 1962 to replace the problematic M52 self-propelled howitzer. It was derived from the T195 self-propelled gun testbed, which was later further developed into the 155 mm T196 six months later.
The purpose of the M108 was to serve as the short-range component of a new generation of self-propelled artillery in the US Army. It was part of a lineup that included the 155 mm M109, the 203 mm M110, and the 175 mm M107. While not as impressive as the M109, the M108 filled a significant gap in range between the minimum range of 155 mm self-propelled artillery and 120 mm mortar carriers.
From the 1970s onwards, the ROCA acquired a total of 117 M108 Self Propelled Howitzers, which were then deployed in the Armored Artillery Battalions of the ROCA. However, in 1982, the ROCA recognized the limitations in terms of firepower and range of the M108, leading them to place orders for the more advanced M109 Self Propelled Howitzers. Fast forward to 1999, the retirement process for the M108 was initiated and by 2003, the last M108 had been officially decommissioned.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew -5
Total Weight - 22,452 kg
Length - 6.114m
Width - 3.295 m
Height - 3.155 m
Ground Clearance - 0.451 m
Ground Pressure - 0.69kg/cm²
Powerplant - General Motors 8V71T 8 Cylinder Supercharged Diesel Engine (313 kW at 2,300 rpm)
Transmission - Allison XTG-411-2A (+4 - 2)
Max Road Speed - 56 km/h
Max Grade - 60°
Tracks - T136
Suspension Type - Torsion
Range - 350 km
Turret Ring Diameter - 2.5 m
Armor
Vehicle Assembly - Welded
Armor Composition - Rolled 5083 Aluminum Alloy
Hull UFP - 31.8mm
Hull LFP - 31.8mm
Hull Sides - 31.8mm
Hull Rear - 31.8mm
Hull Roof - 31.8mm
Hull Floor - 31.8mm
Turret Front - 31.8mm
Turret Sides - 31.8mm
Turret Rear - 31.8mm
Turret Roof - 31.8mm
Fire Control and Armament
Main Armament - M103 105mm Howitzer
Shell Type - M1, M444, and M413 HE. M327 HEP-T. M60, M84 Smoke
Ammunition Count - 86 Rounds (16 Ready Rack)
Gunner Sight - M117 Panoramic Telescope
Main Armament Horizontal Reverse - 360 (Manual)
Main Armament Vertical Traverse - +75 -6 (Manual)
Secondary Armament - 12.7mm M2HB
Flexible Mount
360 Degree Rotation
Images
Sources
