105mm M101 A1 Howitzer - Vietnam

Plastic model kit of a 105mm M101 A1 howitzer as used in Vietnam

• 1:35 scale
• Includes turned metal barrel
• Gun capable of elevation and traverse adjustment
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The 105mm M101A1 howitzer was one of the US military's key light towed artillery pieces during the Vietnam War. It evolved from the M2A1 105mm howitzer - which had already seen service in World War II - and was designated the M101A1 in 1962. At the start of the Vietnam War, it was the standard light field artillery weapon, used primarily to provide direct fire support for infantry units.

The M101A1 featured a 105mm barrel, a hydropneumatic recoil system, and a distinctive split-trail carriage with a single-axle undercarriage. Weighing approximately 2.26 tonnes, it could be transported by a 2½-ton truck. Its maximum range was around 11 km, depending on the ammunition used.

In Vietnam, the robust and reliable howitzer proved particularly valuable for the defense and support of Fire Support Bases (FSBs). Its relatively high rate of fire and reliability allowed artillery crews to rapidly deliver substantial fire support to infantry operating in the field. Ammunition types fired included high-explosive (HE) shells, smoke, white phosphorus, illumination rounds, and "Beehive" anti-personnel rounds.

Starting in March 1966, the US Army in Vietnam began the gradual introduction of the more modern and significantly lighter M102 105mm howitzer. However, the process of replacing the M101A1 took several years; Many experienced artillerymen continued to value the proven M101A1 for its ruggedness and familiar operation.