World War II Database

Country of Origin	Germany
Type	Field Gun
Caliber	105.000 mm
Length	2.941 m
Barrel Length	2.612 m
Weight	1985.000 kg
Ammunition Weight	14.80 kg
Rate of Fire	5 rounds/min
Range	10.675 km
Muzzle Velocity	470 m/s

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseThe 10.5 cm leFH 18 (leichte FeldHaubitze in German, or "light field howitzer") weapons were the standard divisional light field howitzers of the German Army in the WW2-era. Designed by the firm Rheinmetall between 1929 and 1930, they were officially adopted for service in 1935. Until 1938, they were also exported to nations friendly to Germany such as Hungary, Spain, and Finland (53 guns, designated as 105 H 33). They were towed on split trail carriages with either wooden or metal wheels, both equipped with rubber tires. Starting in 1941, they were upgraded with muzzle brakes, which extended their range by about 1650 meters; the upgraded models with muzzle brakes were designated 10.5 cm leFH 18M. In 1942, the 10.5 cm leFH 18/40 variant began production per a German Army requirement dated Mar 1942, which asked for lighter howitzers; 10.5 cm leFH 18/40 light howitzers were not only lighter in weight, but also enjoyed a higher rate of fire. In late 1943, independent artillery battalions began receiving 10.5 cm leFH 18M and 10.5 cm leFH 18/40 howitzers. Production of these weapons continued through the end of the European War.

Source: Wikipedia. ww2dbase

Last Major Revision: Nov 2008

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