M198 Howitzer as a Direct Support Weapon During Amphibious Operations (Paperback)

This study attempts to determine the impact of the M198 howitzer's mobility on its ability to perform as a direct support weapon during amphibious operations. The focus of this analysis is on the weapon's amphibious adaptability, ground mobility and helicopter transportability as compared to the howitzer it is replacing. The study indicates that the M198 suffers a relative loss of mobility in two critical areas. It requires a greater effort to be transported in the landing craft currently available and it requires an auxiliary mover for positioning in the absence of its prime mover. The most significant of these deficiencies is the degraded ground mobility. The development of an auxiliary propulsion unit which is an integral part of the howitzer will tremendously improve its maneuverability.