M119 howitzer
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| M119 howitzer | |
|---|---|
| Name | M119 howitzer |
| Caption | An M119A3 in Afghanistan, 2011. |
| Type | Light howitzer |
| Origin | United Kingdom / United States |
| Service | 1989–present |
| Used by | See #Operators |
| Wars | Gulf War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War, 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Designer | Royal Ordnance |
| Design date | 1970s |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems, Watervliet Arsenal |
| Production date | 1989–present |
| Number | 600+ (U.S.) |
| Variants | See #Variants |
| Weight | 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) |
| Length | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Width | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Height | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Crew | 6–8 |
| Caliber | 105 mm (4.13 in) |
| Carriage | Split trail |
| Elevation | -5.5° to +70° |
| Traverse | 5.5° left and right |
| Rate | 6–8 rpm (maximum); 3 rpm (sustained) |
| Velocity | 1,545 ft/s (471 m/s) |
| Range | 14,300 yd (13,080 m) (standard); 19,500 yd (17,830 m) (M913 HERA projectile) |
| Sights | M90A1 panoramic telescope |
M119 howitzer. The M119 is a lightweight, towed 105 mm howitzer used by the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps. Derived from the British L118 light gun, it entered U.S. military service in the late 1980s to provide airborne forces and light infantry with potent, mobile fire support. The system is renowned for its reliability, rapid deployment capability, and has seen extensive combat from the Gulf War to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Development and history
The weapon's origins trace to the British Army's requirement for a new light artillery piece, leading to the development of the L118 light gun by Royal Ordnance in the 1970s. Following successful use by the British Army during the Falklands War, the United States Army evaluated the design to replace its aging M102 howitzer. After a competitive trial against the Italian Army's OTO Melara Mod 56, the U.S. licensed the design in 1987. Initial production for the U.S. military was undertaken by Watervliet Arsenal in New York, with later manufacturing handled by BAE Systems.
Design and features
The design utilizes a split trail carriage and a hydro-pneumatic recoil system, allowing it to be air-dropped or transported underslung by helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk. Its 105 mm caliber ammunition includes high-explosive, illumination, smoke, and M913 HERA extended-range rounds. Key components include the M90A1 panoramic sight for indirect fire and a digital fire-control system interface. The howitzer's lightweight aluminum construction enables a crew of six to manhandle it into position quickly, a critical feature for air assault operations.
Operational history
The system saw its first major combat with the U.S. military during Operation Desert Storm, providing fire support for units like the 82nd Airborne Division. It was extensively deployed throughout the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War, often deployed to remote forward operating bases. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have received numerous examples as part of military aid during the Russo-Ukrainian War, employing them effectively against Russian Armed Forces positions. Its service with other operators, including the Australian Army and the Canadian Army, has included deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan.
Variants
* M119: The original base model, identical to the L118 light gun. * M119A1: Incorporated a modified breech and firing mechanism for improved reliability. * M119A2: Featured upgraded traverse and elevation controls and strengthened components. * M119A3: The current standard, integrated with a digital fire-control system (DFCS) and inertial navigation for enhanced accuracy and faster deployment. The United States Marine Corps designation for this variant is the M119A3.
Operators
* : Used by the Australian Army. * : Designated the C3, used by the Canadian Army. * : Operated by the Iraqi Army. * : In service with the Royal Jordanian Army. * : Used by the Pakistan Army. * : Received from the United States and other allies. * : The original L118 light gun remains in service. * : Primary operator, used by the United States Army and United States Marine Corps.
Category:105 mm artillery Category:Towed artillery Category:Weapons of the United States