Editing M198 howitzer (section)

==Description==
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The M198 155&nbsp;mm [[howitzer]] weighs less than {{convert|16000|lb|kg}}, allowing it to be dropped by [[parachute]] or transported by a [[CH-53E Super Stallion]] or [[CH-47 Chinook]]. The M198 is towed by a {{convert|5|ST|t LT|abbr=on|adj=on}} truck that is used to carry the nine person crew with supplies and ammunition; it is transported tail first. The gun tube can be rotated over the howitzer's trail legs to reduce its length, though this requires removal of the [[muzzle brake]], or left in the firing position for faster deployment. When firing, the weapon is lowered onto its baseplate rather than anchored to the ground, allowing for rapid emplacement. The breech is operated manually via a screw type mechanism that rests low in an ergonomic position.

The M198 fires separate-loading (non-fixed or semi-fixed) ammunition and can be loaded with a variety of propellants and projectiles. The effective range is {{convert|18.1|km|abbr=on}} when firing standard projectiles, which increases to {{convert|30|km|abbr=on}} when firing [[rocket-assisted projectile]]s and guided ammunition. With the 52-caliber modification, the range can surpass {{convert|40|km|abbr=on}}. The weapon system requires a crew of nine, and is capable of firing at a maximum rate of four rounds per minute, two sustained.

The M198 was deployed in separate [[corps]]- and [[Military organization#Hierarchy of modern armies|army]]-level field artillery units, as well as in artillery [[battalion]]s of [[light infantry|light]] and [[airborne forces|airborne]] divisions. It provided field artillery fire support for all [[Marine Air-Ground Task Force]] organizations until the adoption of the M777 howitzer.