XM104

The XM104 was a U.S.-developed self-propelled amphibious/air-droppable/heliborne 105 mm howitzer. Pilot models of the howitzer were built by the U.S. Army Ordnance Tank Automotive Command's Experimental Division at the Detroit Tank Arsenal shops, Warren, Mich.

Mobility 
The vehicle represented a new concept of self-propelled artillery, it could be stripped for air delivery by helicopter, parachute drop or ground-landing by the Army's DHC-4 Caribou and Air Force C-130 Hercules. Brig. Gen. J. Frederick Thorlin, Commanding General of OTAC, said the full-tracked vehicle, designated the XM104, was developed in answer to the Army's urgent request for a "heavyweight puncher with featherweight mobility."

Characteristics 
XM104 had a 4-man crew, was to travel at 35 miles per hour, negotiate swamps and desert sand, cross rivers and lakes. Combat weight of the vehicle was around 6,400 pounds.

Capabilities 
The XM104 was designed to provide ground troops with a "scatback" artillery piece which could travel anywhere in the world with airborne combat troops. Once on line, it could follow right behind infantry or armour units.

References 
 OTAC Developing Self-Propelled Howitzer, XM-104. // Army Research and Development, June 1962, v. 3, no. 6, p. 15. 

Category:Abandoned military projects of the United States
Category:105 mm artillery
Category:Self-propelled howitzers of the United States
Category:Tracked self-propelled howitzers
Category:Self-propelled artillery of the United States
Category:Cold War artillery of the United States