The M198 155mm towed howitzer is a medium artillery system that
provides direct support fires on an interim basis to the Stryker
Brigade Combat Teams and direct general support fires to light and
special purpose forces (Airborne and Air Assault). As the successor
to the older M114A1 155mm towed system fielded in World War II, the
M198 provides significant improvements in lethality, range,
reliability, availability, emplacement and movement. Normally towed
by a 5-ton truck, the M198 system can also be dropped by parachute
or transported by a CH47 Chinook helicopter or C130 aircraft.
The carriage of the M198 has a retractable suspension system and
a top carriage which can be rotated 180 degrees to decrease overall
length for shipment or storage. The fire control equipment may be
used by one or two crewman for direct or indirect fire. The gunner
on the left side controls left and right (traversing) settings and
the assistant gunner on the right side controls up and down
(elevation) settings.