In the 1950’s a universal chassis was developed to mount different bore calibre artillery guns and a Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle.
The US M110 Self propelled Gun mounted the 203mm howitzer main gun and entered US service in 1963. The main gun can be elevated from -2 to +65 degree’s and can traverse left or right by 30 degree’s giving the vehicle a top range of 21300m for non-assisted High Explosive rounds.
A hydraulic spade at the rear of the vehicle is lowered in to position with the ground and continues to lower as the vehicle reveres, pushing the spade into the ground, so as to stabilize the vehicle whilst firing.
The time line of the vehicles production saw it manufactured by a number of companies. The first was Pacific Car & Foundry, then FMC and finally by BMY.
The M110A1 saw the replacement of the older 203mm howitzer, with an increased calibre Length, therefore increasing the muzzle velocity, which increases the vehicles top range for non-assisted High Explosive rounds.
The M110A2 was the introduction of a muzzle break. This reduces the visible flash when the round is fired, making the vehicle harder to locate by the enemy.
Both upgrades were manufactured vehicles and implemented on older vehicles.
The vehicle requires a crew of 13! The commander, driver and three gunners ride on the M110 and subjected to the elements as it has no cab/turret. The remaining 8 ride on the M548 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle, with the rounds, fuel and charges.
The US M110 Self propelled Gun Rounds/shells used:
M14 Dummy
M106 HE
M650 HE rocket assisted
M509 ICM
M404 ICM anti-personal (airburst)
M426 agent GB Sarin
M422A1 W33 (nuclear weapon)
The US M110 Self propelled Gun Operators:
Bahrain – Status Unknown
Greece – Still in service
Iran – Status Unknown
Israel – Status Unknown
Japan – Status Unknown (Licensed producer)
Jordan – Status Unknown
Morocco – Status Unknown
Pakistan – Status Unknown
South Korea – Status Unknown
Spain – Still in service
Taiwan – Status Unknown
Turkey – Still in service
United Kingdom – Retired & Replaced with the MLRS
United States of America – Retired & Replaced with the MLRS