6 inch Howitzer, Model of 1908 | |
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Type | Heavy howitzer |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1910-1920 |
Used by | United States |
Wars | World War I |
Production history | |
Designer | Bethlehem Steel |
Designed | 1906-1909 |
Manufacturer |
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Produced | 1910-1916 |
No. built | 42 |
Specifications | |
Weight | 7,354 pounds (3,336 kg) |
Barrel length | 81.5 inches (207 cm) bore (13.6 calibers) |
Crew | 9 |
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Shell | 120 pounds (54 kg), common steel or shrapnel, separate loading, bag charge with brass obturation case |
Calibre | 6 in (152.4 mm) |
Breech | interrupted screw |
Recoil | hydrospring |
Elevation | -5° to 40° |
Traverse | 6° |
Muzzle velocity | 900 feet per second (270 m/s) |
Maximum firing range | 6,700 yards (6,125 m) (40° max elevation) |
The 6 inch Howitzer, Model of 1908 was the standard American heavy howitzer before World War I. Forty-two of these weapons had been produced before 1917 and all were employed for training stateside in that war. For combat use in France the Canon de 155 C mle 1917 Schneider was purchased. All surviving weapons were retired during the 1920s.
It is unusual among American-designed field artillery weapons in that it has the recoil cylinder situated above the barrel. The 4.7-inch howitzer M1908/M1912 shared this feature. The 75 mm Gun M1917 also had this, but is based on the British Ordnance QF 18-pounder.
Ammunition was either common steel shell with a base fuze or shrapnel with a combination time/percussion fuze.
In Ft. Bliss, TX in 1910s
In travelling position