M3 howitzer

105 mm Howitzer M3
A M3 howitzer outside the Army Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Type	Light Howitzer
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1943–present
Used by	United States
Wars	World War II First Indochina War Korean War
Production history
Designed	1941
Produced	1943–1945
No. built	2,580
Specifications
Mass	2,495 lb (1,130 kg)
Length	12 ft 11 in (3.94 m)
Barrel length	Overall: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) L/17.9 Bore: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) L/16
Width	5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Height	4 ft 2 in (1.27 m)
Crew	10
Shell	105 × 372 mm R
Shell weight	36 lb 10 oz – 43 lb 3 oz (16.6–19.6 kg)
Caliber	4.1 in (105 mm)
Breech	Horizontal-block
Recoil	Hydro-pneumatic, constant
Carriage	Split trail
Elevation	−9° to 30°
Traverse	45°
Rate of fire	Burst: 4 rpm Sustained: 2 rpm
Muzzle velocity	1,020 ft/s (311 m/s)
Maximum firing range	HE: 8,300 yd (7,600 m)

The 105 mm Howitzer M3 was a U.S. light howitzer designed for use by airborne troops. The gun utilized the barrel of the 105 mm Howitzer M2, shortened and fitted to a slightly modified split trail carriage of the 75 mm pack howitzer.

The howitzer was used by the U.S. Army during World War II. It was issued to airborne units and the cannon companies of infantry regiments.