M108 howitzer

M108 howitzer
Country	USA
Role	Self-propelled 105 mm howitzer
Developed	Mid-1950s
Built	Unknow

The M108 Howitzer is an American self-propelled 105 mm howitzer, first introduced in the early 1960s as a replacement for the M52 self-propelled howitzer. The M108 was powered by a Detroit Diesel turbocharged 8V-71T 8-cylinders 405 hp engine. It used the same hull and turret as the 155 mm M109 self-propelled howitzer, and components of the M113 armored vehicle. The M108 was phased out soon after the American intervention in the Vietnam War, as the M109’s 155 mm calibre was considered better fitted for modern war.

Source: M108 howitzer on Wikipedia

M-108 105mm Self Propelled Howitzer Walk Around
Photographer	Bill Maloney
Localisation	Military Museum of Southern New England
Photos	17

M-108 105mm Self Propelled Howitzer 01

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M-108 105mm Self Propelled Howitzer 09

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M-108 Walk Around
Photographer	Gino Marcomini
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	38

M-108

General Characteristics and Role

The M-108 is an American self-propelled howitzer (SPH) developed in the early 1960s. It was designed to provide artillery support for mechanized infantry and armored divisions, offering a significant improvement in mobility and protection over towed artillery systems. The M-108 utilized a fully enclosed, revolving turret housing a 105mm M103 howitzer, built on the same chassis as the larger M109 155mm SPH and the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. Although the 105mm caliber quickly proved too light for the demands of the Vietnam War and modern combat, leading to its replacement by the M109, the M-108 was widely exported and served as an important stepping stone in the development of highly mobile, mechanized artillery.

Property	Typical Value (M-108)
Role	Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	General Motors (Cadillac Gage)
Service Entry	1963
Crew	5 (Commander, Driver, Gunner, Loader, Radio Operator)
Main Armament	105 mm M103 howitzer
Secondary Armament	1 x 12.7 mm (.50 caliber) M2 machine gun
Length	6.11 m (20 ft 1 in)
Width	3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
Height	3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
Combat Weight	23,587 kg (52,000 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: Detroit Diesel 8V-71T 8-cylinder, liquid-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine.
Power Output: 300 kW (405 hp).
Maximum Speed (Road): 56 km/h (35 mph).
Range (Road): 370 km (230 mi).
Suspension: Torsion bar type.
Amphibious Capability: The M-108 was originally intended to be amphibious with the use of a flotation screen, though this capability was rarely used in service.

Firepower and Protection

Ammunition Capacity: 90 rounds of 105 mm ammunition carried onboard.
Rate of Fire: Maximum of 10 rounds per minute (first minute); Sustained rate of 3 rounds per minute.
Range (Maximum): Approximately 11.5 km (7.1 mi).
Armour: Aluminium armor construction, providing protection against small arms fire and shell splinters.
Deployment: Primarily used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before being replaced by the M109, and later sold to several international clients.