modern howitzer

Direct-fire piece of artillery that launches a round of oval projectiles (shells); its size is between that of a cannon and a mortar.

float

Metal plate that supports the trail during firing and prevents the spades from sinking too deeply into the ground.

spade

Cone-shaped double plate that is used to anchor the weapon to the ground in firing position.

lifting handle

Handle used to lift the trail to move the howitzer.

trail

Support for the carriage; it is used to point the howitzer toward the target.

towing eye

Ring used to attach the howitzer to a towing vehicle.

drawbar

Metal rod that supports the towing eye; it is used to tow the howitzer and move the spades.

drawbar lock

Device that makes it possible to pivot and lock the drawbar.

barrel

Tubular part that guides the trajectory of the projectile.

locking ring

Piece that locks the barrel assembly and the recoil system.

carriage

Mounting for the barrel that sits on top of the trail; its function is to aim and move the barrel.

elevating hand-wheel

Wheel that controls the movement of the elevating arc.

equilibrator

Hydraulic or spring-loaded system used to apply force to the cradle so that the barrel assembly and the recoil system are balanced on the carriage.

firing lanyard

Device that makes it possible to fire a projectile.

cradle

Piece on which the barrel rests.

firing shaft

Metal rod that transfers the thrust of the firing lanyard to the trigger when the howitzer is fired.

sliding breech

Metal casing that houses the breechblock.

breechblock

Sliding part at the back of the howitzer that contains the firing mechanism.

breechblock operating lever assembly

Lever that opens and closes the breechblock to load and unload the howitzer.

recuperator cylinder front head

Part that is removed to check and replace the recuperator cylinder’s hydraulic fluid.

recoil sleigh

Double ring on the end of the cradle that allows the barrel to recoil when the charge explodes.

recuperator cylinder

Hydraulic cylinder used to bring the barrel back into firing position.

elevating arc

Device with an arc-shaped cogwheel that is used to adjust the height of the shot.