Howitzers

Howitzers are an intermediate between the cannon and the mortar and are intended for long-range fire while elevated at up to 45° - or simply a cannon used when so elevated. Howitzers tend to have shorter barrels and are usually made more mobile than cannon. The word howitzer comes from the Bohemian for catapult, houfnice, through German. Many of the names of artillery pieces come from earlier mechanical artillery.

Marines from Kilo Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, prepare to provide supporting arms fire with an M-114 155mm howitzer during Operation Kernel Blitz, 31 January 1984.
Photograph: Sergeant Dewey.
US Marine Corps.
US Department of Defense.