General Facts

TYPE
Towed howitzer

ORIGIN
United States

NICKNAMES
-

DESIGNED
1960 - 1963

DESIGNER
Rock Island Arsenal

PRODUCTION
1965 - early 1970's

PRODUCERS
United States

QUANTITY
Over 1.200 produced

UNIT COST
Unknown

CHARACTERISTICS
Limited weight
Ammunition commonality with M101
Twice as expensive as M101

Introduction

The M102 is a towed 105mm howitzer of US origin. It was developed in the early 1960's as a lighter and more mobile alternative to the M101. It was widely employed by US forces during the later stages of the Vietnam war.

Layout

The main focus of the M102 design was on light weight. As such the M102 uses an aluminum box chassis with two wheels. A circular base plate below the axle allows for quick traverse. There is no gun shield.

Firepower

The M102 fires the same ammunition as the earlier M101 and has a slightly improved range. The maximum range is 11.5 km with standard ammunition and 15.1 km with rocket assisted ammunition. The maximum rate of fire is 10 rounds per minute.

Mobility

The M102 is a third lighter than the M101. This makes it easier to transport using helicopters and lighter vehicles can be used to tow it.

Users

The main user of the M102 was the US army. In active service it has been replaced by the US version of the 105mm Light Gun. The M102 has been exported to various nations in South America and Asia.

M102

The M102 is a towed light weight howitzer. Unlike most towed howitzers it does not use a split trail carriage, but a box chassis. It fires the same 105mm shells as used in the M101, but at a slightly higher velocity.