A howitzer is a type of artillery piece characterized as a short cannon designed to fire a shell in a high, arcing trajectory.
Understanding the Howitzer
A howitzer functions as a powerful artillery weapon, primarily used for indirect fire. Unlike traditional cannons that fire shells directly at a target (flat trajectory), a howitzer is specifically engineered to launch projectiles high into the air. This high-angle capability allows shells to drop down on targets that might be behind obstacles like hills or buildings, making it highly effective for shelling entrenched positions or areas not visible to the gun crew.
Etymology of "Howitzer"
The term "howitzer" has a rich linguistic history, tracing its roots through European languages:
| Origin Stage | Word / Concept | Language | Meaning / Derivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Root | A word for | Czechoslovakian | Originally meaning "catapult" |
| Intermediate | Houwitser | Dutch | Directly adopted the concept, became the Dutch term |
| Modern Term | Howitzer | English | Adopted from the Dutch term |
This etymology highlights its historical function, linking it to early siege weapons known for lobbing projectiles over defenses.
Key Characteristics
Howitzers are distinguished by several key features that define their role on the battlefield:
- Short Barrel: Compared to a field gun, a howitzer typically has a shorter barrel relative to its caliber.
- High-Angle Fire: Its primary function is to deliver shells in a high arc, allowing for indirect fire over obstacles.
- Versatility: Modern howitzers can often fire a variety of ammunition types, including high explosive, smoke, illumination, and precision-guided munitions.
- Mobility: While some are towed, many modern howitzers are self-propelled, mounted on tracked or wheeled chassis for rapid deployment and repositioning.
