The 8-inch (203 mm) M110 self-propelled howitzer is an American self-propelled artillery system consisting of an M115 203 mm howitzer installed on a purpose-built chassis. Before its retirement from US service, it was the largest available self-propelled howitzer in the U. S. Army’s inventory, it continues in service with the armed forces of other countries, to which it was exported. Missions included widespread support, counter-battery fire, and suppression of enemy air defense systems.
The M110’s typical rate of fire was three rounds per two minutes when operated at maximum speed, and one round per two minutes with sustained fire. It featured a hydraulically operated rammer to automatically chamber the 200 lbs. projectile. Under manual operations, a trained crew could fire 2 to 4 rounds per minute for short periods. The M110’s range varied from 10.4 miles to approximately 16 miles when firing standard projectiles, and up to 19 miles when firing rocket-assisted projectiles.
The M110 howitzer first entered service with the U.S. Army in 1963 and was used in the Vietnam War by the United States Army. Later versions were used in the Gulf War – Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm by U.S. Marines, and the British Army. In 1977 the upgraded M110A1 entered service, featuring a longer M201 series barrel which gave it an increased range. The last version, the M110A2, added a double muzzle brake. All M110s were retired from the U.S. Military in late summer 1994. It was replaced by the M270 multiple launch rocket system.
