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List of howitzers facts for kids

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Howitzers are a special type of field artillery weapon. Historically, they fired heavy shells in a high arc, like throwing a ball high into the air. They had shorter barrels than other cannons and couldn't shoot as far. However, they were a bit easier to move around than other large guns of their size.

After World War II, howitzers changed a lot. They got longer barrels, which helped them shoot much farther. Because of these changes, many modern howitzers are now called gun-howitzers, as they combine features of both guns and howitzers.

Types of Howitzers

Howitzers come in different types, depending on how they are moved and used. The main types are towed, self-propelled, and fixed.

Towed Howitzers

A modern M198 howitzer being fired. This type is towed by a vehicle.

Towed howitzers are cannons that need to be pulled by another vehicle, like a truck. When they reach their firing spot, soldiers have to set them up before they can shoot. This means they take a little longer to get ready for action.

Towed howitzers are often lighter than other types. This makes them easier to transport, especially in difficult terrain. They are widely used by armies around the world.

Some examples of towed howitzers include:

  • The Ordnance QF 25-pounder gun-howitzer from the UK, used in World War II.
  • The M101 howitzer from the USA, also used in World War II and later conflicts.
  • The L118 light gun from the UK, which has been used in many modern wars like the Falklands War and the Iraq War.
  • The M777 howitzer, a very modern and lightweight howitzer used by several countries today.

Self-Propelled Howitzers

A PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer firing. It moves on its own, like a tank.

Self-propelled howitzers are built onto a vehicle, usually a tracked vehicle similar to a tank. This means they can move on their own without being pulled. They offer protection for the crew inside.

These howitzers can move quickly from one firing position to another. They can also get ready to shoot much faster than towed howitzers. This makes them very useful in fast-moving battles.

Some well-known self-propelled howitzers are:

  • The M7 Priest from the USA, a famous howitzer from World War II.
  • The M109 howitzer series from the USA, which has been used in many conflicts since the Cold War.
  • The PzH 2000 from Germany, known for its powerful and accurate firing.
  • The K9 Thunder from South Korea, a modern and widely exported self-propelled howitzer.
  • The AS-90 from the UK, another important modern self-propelled howitzer.

Fixed Howitzers

A fixed howitzer inside a bunker in Switzerland.

Fixed howitzers are cannons that are permanently built into defensive structures. These structures can be forts, bunkers, or other strongholds. They are not designed to move.

These howitzers are used to defend specific areas, like borders or important military bases. They are very strong and can withstand attacks. They are less common in modern warfare compared to towed or self-propelled howitzers.

Examples of fixed howitzers include:

  • Various cannons used in Swiss fortifications, like the 15 cm L42 Bunkerkanone.
  • The 16-inch howitzer M1920 used by the USA in World War II.
  • The 42 cm Gamma Mörser used by Germany in both World War I and II.
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List of howitzers Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.