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Technology Model - M2A2 105mm Howitzer

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Overview

Handcrafted model of 105 mm M2A2 Howitzer

The M2A2 105 millimetre howitzer is a general purpose, towed, light field artillery weapon which consists of a barrel, recoil mechanism and carriage. The barrel consists of a tube assembly, breech ring, and locking ring. The barrel is mounted on a recoil sleigh assembly. The firing mechanism is a continuous pull (self cocking) type activated by pulling a lanyard. The cannon barrel 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 during emplacement and are drawn together and locked during travel. A drawbar is provided for attachment 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 system which is installed in the cradle of the carriage.

Historical information

The M2A2 105 millimetre howitzer was the standard artillery weapon used by most field regiments of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) during the Vietnam conflict. M2 Howitzers are still in limited service in the Australian Army Reserve, but are being replaced with 81-millimetre mortars with an emphasis on the retention of indirect fire support skills. A number will be retained for ceremonial saluting purposes. In regular service they were replaced by the 105 mm L119 Hamel gun and the 155-millimetre (6.1 in) M198 howitzers.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-54-908

Contextual Information

The models in this collection were crafted from scratch by Mr Tom Runeckles. They were periodically displayed at the Museum before their eventual donation as part of the Mobility and Firepower story.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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