The 105 mm Howitzer M2A1(M101) was the standard medium field howitzer for the U.S. in World War II, seeing action in both European and Pacific theatres. Entering production in 1941, it quickly entered the war against the Japanese Imperial Army in the Pacific, where it gained a reputation for its accuracy and powerful punch. The M101 fired 105 mm H.E. semi-fixed ammunition and had a range of 11,200 m, making it suitable for supporting infantry. All these important qualities of the weapon, along with its widespread production, led to its adoption by many countries after the war. Its ammunition type also became the standard for many foreign countries' later models. After minor changes in the post war era, the howitzer became known as the M101A1. It continued to see service in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Though a similar model, the M102 howitzer, shared the same roles in battle, it never fully replaced the M101. Today the 101A1 has been retired by the U.S. military, though it continues to see service with many other countries.
 

Specifications Manufacturer: Rock Island Arsenal Length: 19.5 feet (5.94 meters) Width: 7.25 feet (2.21 meters) Height: 5.66 feet (1.73 meters) Weight: 4,980 pounds (2,260 kilograms) Unit Cost: $196,341

Performance Bore diameter: 105mm Maxium Effective Range: 6.99 miles (11.27 kilometers) Rates of Fire: Maximum 10 rounds per minute, Sustained 3 rounds per minute

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