KH178 105 mm Towed Howitzer

The republic of Korea, Army begun development in 1978 and completed 1982. The army has deployed this howitzer since 1984.[2] The defence Science Research Institute has developed a howitzer called the KH-178 by improving the length of gun barrel based on the M2/M101 105 mm  trailer howitzer series.[1]

The cannon is made up of a tube, breech mechanism, muzzle brake, and locking ring. The tube of high strength alloy steel, heat-treated and autofrettaged to provide maximum fatigue life, 7,500 EFC and has progressively increased to 18 calibers from 35 calibers with 36 Iands and grooves.[3] The firing mechanism is a continuous pull (self-cocking) type. The weapon is fired by pulling a lanyard and return to firing position when releasing a lanyard. The carriage is the single axle and split trail type. Spread the trails at emplacement, but draw them together and lock them for travel. The carriage consists of an equilibrator, shield, elevating mechanism, cradle, traversing mechanism, top carriage, wheels and trails. The traversing of the carriage is a screw type. The recoil mechanism is a hydro-pneumatic system that absorbs the energy or recoils by the forcing of oil through orifices and returns the gun to battery by compressed gas.[4] It is installed in the cradle of the carriage and attached to the cradle and the barrel. Indirect fire instruments includes the panoramic telescope KM12A8 and telescope mount KM21A2. Direct fire instruments includes the elbow telescope KM16A2, and fire control range quadrant KM4A3. The KH-178 is a towed 105 mm field artillery howitzer, transportable by a UH-60 helicopter or a C-130 carrier thank to its light weight.[5]

KH-178, Its ammunition is compatible with NATO’s and the U.S.’s. Firing range is 14.7 km using HE ammunition and It can extend to 18 km firing range using RAP ammunition.