Originally designated the M1 8-inch howitzer, then the M115 8-inch howitzer before becoming standardized as the 203-mm howitzer, the M115 was the United States’ standard heavy howitzer used during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Design of the gun began following the close of World War I and arose from the need of the U.S. Army’s reliance on British artillery in the war. After numerous program setbacks from 1920 to 1939, it finally entered production in 1942.

Despite having been produced in time for World War II deployment, its fielding was relatively small, requiring specialized tractors to move. Mobility was improved in the 1950s to make it better maneuverable by its prime mover. The M115 had two different carriages. The more agile of these was the “triple threat” carriage, which was used for 175-mm and 155-mm guns in addition to the 203-mm tube.

The “8-inch” and “M1” nomenclature was used through 1962, when the Army adopted the first of several nomenclature standardization policies. Following this, it became known as the M115 203-mm heavy howitzer, tracked.

Starting from 1957, the M115 was adopted by multiple NATO armies for multiple purposes. Chief among them was the deployment of atomic artillery for deterrence under the NATO nuclear sharing concept. The M115 could fire the M422 shell which carried a W33 which could yield up to 10 kilotons. It was later able to fire shells with the W79 one kiloton warhead. The atomic role ended in 1992 with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (also known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)). Despite its capabilities, it never fired an atomic round.

More commonly, the M115 was used by NATO nations in other conventional engagements. This included the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, the Iran-Iraq War, and Operation DESERT STORM.

In addition to its role as a towed howitzer, a few attempts were made to fit the M115 to self-propelled chassis. The two most successful attempts were the M43 and later the M110 and M110A2. The M110A2 was used by the United States until 1994.

This specific howitzer that is located at Rock Island Arsenal’s Memorial Field has a unique history associated with it. In 1977, the howitzer was overhauled at Rock Island Arsenal before being shipped to Iran. During the Iran-Iraq War, it was captured by Iraqi troops. The Iraqi Army then used the howitzer against Coalition Forces during DESERT STORM in 1991. The howitzer was then captured by the U.S. forces before being shipped back to Rock Island Arsenal for overhaul and restoration. It has been displayed at Memorial Field ever since.

The M115 remains in limited service with various nations around the world.

The first 130-mm field gun produced by China was the Type 59-1, a copy of the Soviet M-46. It fires high explosive and illuminating projectiles. The gun is towed by a 6x6 truck and is served by a crew of eight to 10 soldiers.

The original M-46 was developed from the Soviet M-36 naval gun designed for coastal defense. The design of the gun began after World War II, with the first units being fielded shortly after the Korean War began. When it was produced, it had one of the longest effective ranges in the world, at 17 miles unassisted and over 23 miles assisted. The first public display of the M-46 occurred at the May Day Parade in Moscow in 1954.

The Type 59 was one of 10 variants that were produced by countries outside of the Soviet Union. The Chinese-built Type 59 was the licensed version; two modified versions were later built by the Chinese. The Type 59-1 was the lighter variant, weighing 1.4 tons less than the M-46. The GM-45 was the exported version of the Type 59. The lighter weight of the 59-1 was accomplished by using a lighter carriage that was designed for the Type 60 (D-74) — a smaller towed gun also from the Soviet Union.

The M-46 has variants associated with Cuba, Egypt, India, Israel, North Korea and Serbia. The weapon remains in service with many countries in Asia and Africa, including Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Thailand.

The Type 59-1 displayed at Memorial Field is a lightweight Chinese variant that was sold to Iraq. It is one of about 675 guns that were in the Iraqi inventory during Operation DESERT STORM. The weapon was recovered by the Center of Military History and shipped to Rock Island Arsenal in 1992.

Design of the M4 Sherman can be traced back to the development of the 1935 M2 light tank, which in itself was derived from infantry design from the 1920s. Between 1935 and 1940, multiple iterations of tank were designed with a handful produced. The M4 was explicitly designed to replace the stopgap M3 tank, which featured a smaller gun system. Once a larger mount could be devised, the plan was to replace the M3 with whatever weapon system was to come. Thus, the development of a turret mount for a 75-mm gun resulted in the design and production of the M4 Sherman Tank.

The M4 Sherman was a culmination of over 20 years of U.S. Army research on perfecting tank design. This included later iterations such as the M4A2, A3, A4, and A6 variants. The modular design of the platform enabled easy modification and upgrading of components on the system. Because of this, the M4 saw over 50 different variants and a wide array of mission capabilities that far exceeded the original production intention. This included three different gun barrels on these models, with 75-mm, 76-mm, and 105-mm tubes being used. However, the 75-mm tube that the platform was designed for remained the most used.

Other M4 Sherman modifications included anti-personnel systems (including mines and flamethrower turrets), rocket launchers, artillery tractors, recovery tanks, engineer tanks, and self-propelled howitzers.

The M4 remained in U.S. service through the Korean War, eventually being replaced by the M47, M48, and M60 Patton series of tanks. However, many Sherman tanks remained in other Ally possession following the close of World War II. In addition, the M4 Sherman was exported to many NATO nations and international partners. This included licensed Sherman tanks produced by Britain, many of which went to Paraguay. Many American-produced Sherman tanks were sent to Israel where they remained in service through the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The last Sherman tank was removed from service in 2018, when Paraguay removed them from their inventory. This ended a life of service of 78 years.

The Sherman on display at Rock Island Arsenal’s Memorial Field is an M4A3 variant. Many of these tanks were produced by the Ford Motor Company and were powered by a 500 horsepower Ford V8 engine. It was considered one of the most reliable of the Sherman variants and featured enhanced armor that increased survivability. Many of the M4A3 variants utilized either the 75- or 76-mm tube, with the larger M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo’s also having thicker armor. A total of seven M4A3 configurations existed in the U.S. arsenal, making it the largest family of configurations for the tank. Of all the different variants of M4, the M4A3 was the preferred design of the U.S. Army.

The yellow marks on the tank represent individual locations where the system was struck by enemy fire. Studies were conducted on Sherman tanks, much like B-17 bombers, to assess where armor was most needed to increase survivability. This Sherman received damaging blows to its tread gears and the turret, effectively putting it out of service.

Designed to be an air-deployable tank-destroyer, the M50 Ontos was developed in the early 1950s. It evolved from the M56 Scorpion, designed in the late 1940s. Limitations in payload capacity of early transport aircraft meant the Ontos design envelope was restricted to under 20 tons. To meet this requirement, a lighter V6 engine was used. The U.S. Army initially ordered 297 units in 1955, but due to significant issues, the order was canceled. The Marine Corps subsequently purchased all 297 vehicles.

Major obstacles for the Ontos included limited ammunition capacity, extreme backblast from the recoilless rifles, a high profile, and the need for external reloading — exposing crew members to enemy fire. These issues led to the Army’s cancellation of the program.

The M50 is distinguished by its six M40 106-mm recoilless rifles, all of which required external reloading. The M40 rifles, manufactured by Watervliet Arsenal, were actually 105-mm in caliber. The “106-mm” designation was adopted to avoid confusion with incompatible 105-mm ammunition used in the obsolete M27 recoilless rifle.

Allis-Chalmers manufactured all 297 Ontos units, using the chassis of the M56 Scorpion. The engine was a six-cylinder GMC model commonly used in Army transport vehicles. The M50A1 variant featured a more mobile turret, improved suspension, and more resilient tracks. However, both variants were limited to carrying only about 18 rounds of 105-mm ammunition.

Four of the M40 rifles were equipped with M8 spotting rifles for aiming assistance. An M1919A4 .30 caliber machine gun was also installed for anti-personnel use, further constraining the weight envelope despite the vehicle’s imposing appearance.

The M50 saw limited combat in Vietnam, where its anti-tank role was diminished due to the lack of enemy tanks. It was repurposed for artillery support in fortified positions. Despite its flaws, the Ontos was capable of navigating terrain inaccessible to larger artillery and could deliver intense firepower quickly. It also saw limited use during the American intervention in the Dominican Civil War. All M50s were deactivated by 1969.

Of the 297 built, only about 15 remain today, most of which are M50A1 variants.

A stand-alone M40A1 Recoilless Rifle is on display at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. It is paired with a Rock Island Arsenal-produced M8C spotting rifle mounted on an M79 — the standard configuration for the stand-alone gun.

World War II paved the way for numerous new technologies on the battlefield, chief among them jet aircraft. After the war, it became clear that new anti-aircraft systems were needed to counter high-speed jets at middle altitudes. While Bofors guns covered low altitudes and flak guns handled high altitudes, the middle range remained vulnerable. In 1948, development began on a weapon system to fill this gap in air defenses.

Rapid advancements in aviation and rising global tensions accelerated the need for improved airspace security. The supersonic flight of the Bell X-1 and the altitude capabilities of the Convair B-36 Peacemaker raised concerns that adversaries would soon match these capabilities. While high-altitude guns could reach targets above 40,000 feet, aircraft flying between 20,000 and 40,000 feet at high speeds were difficult to intercept.

Officially designated as the Gun, M51, Anti-aircraft, the M51 Skysweeper was designed to engage aircraft flying up to 700 miles per hour and at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet. At its 1951 introduction, contemporary jet fighters like the F-86 Sabre and MiG-15 flew at speeds of 687 and 667 mph, respectively.

The M51 was equipped with a radar and computer system developed by the Sperry Gyroscope Company. Its M35 75-mm gun, produced by Watervliet Arsenal, was fed by two ten-round revolver magazines. The autoloader enabled a firing rate of up to 45 rounds per minute. The T38 radar system could detect aircraft up to 23 miles away. Though fielded in 1951, the system wasn’t publicly disclosed until 1953.

Despite its capabilities, the M51 was quickly rendered obsolete. By the time it was publicly announced, aircraft like the F-100 Super Sabre could reach speeds of 863 mph, and by 1959, the Soviet MiG-21 Fishbed exceeded 1,300 mph. Surface-to-air missile systems like the Nike increasingly took over the middle-altitude defense role.

Most Skysweepers were removed from service by 1957, with the last North American unit deactivated in 1959. Some units remained overseas until the 1970s. Exports were limited exclusively to NATO nations.

The Bofors was the standard anti-aircraft gun system for Allied nations during World War II. After the war, many other nations acquired the weapon system for their air defense networks. At its peak, the Bofors was exported and licensed to almost 100 operators around the world. It remains in service in many nations today.

Developed in Sweden, the Bofors was a stationary to semi-mobile anti-aircraft air defense weapon. The initial production units were capable of firing over 23,000 feet, with revised variants capable of firing up to 41,000 feet. Initial production variants fired at a rate of 120 rounds per minute, while the updated versions exceeded 300 rounds per minute.

Toward the end of World War II and after, the Bofors design was licensed to both the United States and Britain. More than 25 variants were produced, with total units produced exceeding 150,000. At least 60,000 L/60 variants were produced before the war ended in 1945.

Today, the Bofors is still used in nations around the world, including the United States. Most recently, 40-mm L/60 variants have been fitted to AC-130U "Spooky II" gunships. Fitting of the Bofors to AC-130s began in 1970 with the first production AC-130A. The AC-130U is the last gunship variant to use the Bofors, and subsequent models will use a 30-mm GAU-23 cannon instead.

The D-44 85-mm antitank gun was the successor to the smaller 76-mm design used during the majority of World War II. The gun system was developed from the well-known T-34-85 tank, which used the same barrel, muzzle, and recoil mechanism as the D-44. When it was first fielded in 1945, it had the highest rate of fire of any field gun, capable of firing up to 25 rounds per minute.

The gun was later exported to various operators within the Soviet bloc, with virtually all Warsaw Pact nations obtaining the weapon by the late 1950s. The gun was also licensed to China, where it was rebranded as the Type 56. These licensed versions saw limited action during the Vietnam War. Of the over 8,000 guns produced, it is estimated that 600 remain in service. Over 400 Type 56 variants remain in service as well.

The D-44 was capable of firing incendiary, high-explosive, and armor-piercing rounds. The armor-piercing rounds could penetrate 100 millimeters of armor, while other projectiles could pierce between 180 and 300 mm of armor. This made the D-44 one of the most deadly field guns on the battlefield.

The gun was formally retired from front-line service with the Russian Ground Forces in the 1970s in favor of larger, more accurate antitank systems.

Originally designated as the 105-mm howitzer M2A1 on carriage M2, the M101 howitzer was the light howitzer of choice for Allied forces during World War II. Like many World War II howitzers, the M101 traces its developmental genesis to the post-World War I era. Following the close of hostilities during the First World War, research on German 105-mm howitzers developed several candidates of ordnance. A series of continued research explored various trails, carriages, and tubes before settling on a combination that was both extremely accurate and powerful. By 1940, the M2A1 was born.

Designed to be durable and stable, the M2A1 rapidly gained notoriety among the Western Allies for its extremely accurate and devastating firepower. It also required very little maintenance, withstanding great amounts of stress over time.

From 1941 to 1953, Rock Island Arsenal and Kia Machine Tool Company produced over 10,000 of the howitzers. Around 8,500 of those were produced during World War II, with the remainder produced until 1953. Many were distributed via Lend-Lease, while others were exported to NATO nations following the war. The M2A1 continued to see American use during Korea and Vietnam.

The M2A1 was redesignated the M101 in 1962 following the standardization of artillery designations.

The M101 could deploy multiple ammunition types including high explosive (HE), incendiary, armor piercing (AP), smoke, and chemical shells. Many of these rounds were used across multiple howitzer systems of the same caliber. The howitzer is also used in anti-avalanche measures to generate controlled collapses that prevent risks to life, agriculture, and property.

Because of its versatility, the M101 has been the basis for numerous studies and experimental systems. Examples include the M2A2 Terra-Star and the XM124. Most experimental designs were produced by Rock Island Arsenal from 1959 to 1973.

Despite being retired from U.S. service following the Vietnam War, many other nations continue to use the M101. In some U.S. formations, the M101 is still used as a salute gun. Most recently, the weapon has been used in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

The XM123 is a modification of the M114 155-mm medium towed howitzer, also produced at Rock Island Arsenal. The XM123 was an auxiliary powered design that added an engine to the howitzer carriage to allow it to become more mobile in a limited capacity. This allowed for better defensive measures, improved target acquisition, and reduced time to correct firing positions after firing. The XM123 base model included two 20-horsepower engines, while the XM123A1 variant included a single engine.

Extra weight on the rear of the howitzer caused the barrel to become misaligned, and as a result the overall project was terminated. However, the XM123 was produced in limited quantities using the twin engine design. None of these units were ever used operationally.

The XM123 was one of many experiments to add auxiliary propulsion to a normally towed howitzer. Other proposals included the XM124 and the Terra Star, both of which were also manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal. The XM124 utilized a smaller 105-mm barrel, while the Terra Star featured a 105-mm barrel coupled with a tri-star wheel configuration.

Changes in the needs of the U.S. Army led to the eventual termination of these programs. As a result, most of the auxiliary powered howitzers were never produced, and those that were produced were mostly destroyed.

Using the M101 Howitzer as the foundation for its design, the XM124E2 was the third prototype in the XM124 family. The concept was to develop a howitzer capable of self-correction without requiring a secondary prime mover to adjust its position. The XM124 featured engines ranging from one to 22 horsepower to drive the carriage. These engines were air-cooled, and the carriage’s motion was controlled through electric steering.

The goal of the engines was not to drive the howitzer long distances, but rather to enable small movements for correcting firing position, improving defensive posture, or expanding its range of fire. XM124 testing preceded the M2A2 Terra Star trials, which incorporated a tri-star wheel concept alongside self-propulsion.

The project ran from 1962 through 1965, when it was cancelled due to a lack of operational need for the weapon design.

The XM124E2 at Rock Island Arsenal is the only E2 prototype. It features a single 20-horsepower engine and a lighter weight carriage, offering improved mobility and efficiency.

The weapon at Memorial Field is one of 14 British L119 light guns leased to the U.S. Army in 1985 for evaluation. The system was revised by Rock Island Arsenal as the M119 lightweight towed howitzer in 1986. It was adopted to replace the M101 105-mm light towed howitzer. A total of 521 M119 and M119A1 howitzers were manufactured at RIA from 1991 to 1997. Watervliet Arsenal in New York manufactured the cannon tube and associated components, while Rock Island Arsenal produced 1,200 parts for the system. RIA’s Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center continues to support this system with parts and upgrades, including the latest A3 variant.

First developed to replace the aging M101 howitzer, the M119 is based on the British L119 howitzer. The howitzer underwent extensive research at Rock Island Arsenal, where revisions and upgrades were drafted. In the initial production run, 521 howitzers were produced. In 2013, JMTC received the contract to continue production of the howitzer. In addition, JMTC is responsible for producing replacement parts and providing upgrades when necessary.

Light enough to be airlifted and dropped, the M119 was designed to either be carried with slings by helicopter or dropped from transport aircraft. Its ability to be carried and packed so easily has made it one of the most versatile weapon systems in the U.S. Army inventory — one reason the M119 remains in service today.

There are four production variants plus the L119 model. The M119A1 includes a fire control and maintenance system, while the M119A2 model has upgraded sights. The most recent revision is the M119A3. The A3 model has a digital fire control system and an internal navigation system for self-location. The latest variant entered service in April 2013. The entire system is moved by the M1097 High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The system is capable of firing high explosive, illuminating, smoke, and long-range ammunition.

The M198 155-mm Howitzer was one of Rock Island Arsenal’s most significant projects in modern history. The program arrived at Weapons Command’s (WECOM) Artillery Systems Laboratory in 1968 during the height of the Vietnam War. Work continued through 1977, with studies conducted on how artillery systems performed in jungle environments. Since 1955, the U.S. Army had emphasized sling-carried ordnance systems, culminating in the development of the M198.

Following the design and development phase at the weapons laboratory—later transferred to Rock Island Arsenal and renamed the Thomas J. Rodman Labs in 1972—Rock Island Arsenal manufactured upwards of 1,600 complete systems.

The M198 was first fielded in 1978 by both the Marine Corps and the Army. It saw action during Operations DESERT STORM and DESERT SHIELD, and later during ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. Several NATO allies also procured M198s, including Brazil, Thailand, and Pakistan.

Designed to replace the M114 howitzer from World War II, the M198 was engineered for easy fielding and maneuverability. Weighing just under eight tons, it could be dropped by parachute from cargo aircraft or sling-loaded by heavy helicopters such as the C-17 Globemaster III and the CH-47 Chinook. It could also be towed by tractors and heavy trucks for rapid relocation and deployment. The system could fire up to four shells per minute.

Prior to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the M198 was capable of firing atomic rounds. The W48 shell was one of the smallest nuclear devices ever designed, with a yield of around 72 tons. Although the M198 never fired an atomic round, it was capable of launching high explosive, rocket-assisted, illumination, area-denial, and seek-out shells. Following the NPT, all atomic shells were removed from U.S. inventory.

Today, the M198 has largely been phased out in favor of the lighter M777 howitzer. Nevertheless, the system remains in use among NATO nations, and Rock Island Arsenal continues to support these allies with maintenance and upgrades to ensure combat readiness.

The M65 280-mm Motorized Heavy Gun, more commonly referred to as “Atomic Annie,” was the first in a generation of weapon systems designed to fire atomic artillery. The need for the M65 was defined in doctrine following World War II, particularly in anticipation of the planned Allied invasion of Japan (Operation DOWNFALL) in 1945. Tactical atomic devices were expected to be used alongside conventional forces. After the war, smaller nuclear devices became a strategic tool for deterrence and cost-effective damage delivery.

At the start of the Cold War, atomic devices had not yet been adapted for missiles, and bombs were too heavy for most aircraft. While aircraft like the B-36, B-47, and B-50 eventually overcame these limitations, tactical atomic weapons were still needed for short-range deployment. Artillery systems like Atomic Annie filled this role.

Inspired by Nazi Germany’s “Anzio Annie” and the World War I Paris Cannon, the M65 combined multiple components into a single system. The T131 280-mm gun was developed at Watervliet Arsenal in 1950 to fire a W-9 15-kiloton warhead (T124). The gun was mounted on a T72 carriage, and moved by two Kenworth-built 4x4 semi-trucks: the M249 (front) and M250 (rear). Rock Island Arsenal contributed to the study of the carriage and recoil mechanism.

The first test of the gun occurred in 1952 at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. On May 25, 1953, the gun was used in the UPSHOT-KNOTHOLE atomic test series at the Nevada Proving Ground. The test shot, named “Grable,” detonated 8 miles downrange at an altitude of 500 feet — the only atomic round ever fired from the M65.

The guns were deployed to Europe and Asia, primarily stationed in Germany and Okinawa, with some sent to South Korea for contingency testing. None of the 20 guns produced were ever used in combat. They fired conventional rounds during training exercises in Europe and over the East China Sea.

Only eight of the original guns remain today. The M65 was quickly replaced by smaller, more maneuverable systems by 1959. The gun at Rock Island Arsenal is a T131 mounted on a T72 carriage. The only complete M65 assembly still known to exist is at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

First designed in 1939 and produced in 1941, the M114 155-mm howitzer is one of the longest-serving weapon systems ever produced. It entered service during World War II as the M1 and was later redesignated the M114 following a reorganization of the Army's numbering system. The M114 served as the standard issue 155-mm howitzer during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. It was replaced beginning in 1979 by the M198 howitzer, also produced at Rock Island Arsenal.

The M114 was assembled at Rock Island Arsenal from 1941 through 1953, with the carriage and recoil mechanisms produced in-house. During that time, RIA assembled more than 10,000 howitzers. Many were sold to foreign operators, with over 40 countries having acquired the system by 2016.

The M114 fired multiple types of ammunition, including high explosive, smoke, and chemical shells. Shells generally weighed between 90 and 100 pounds and used various propelling charges to reach targets up to nine miles away.

The M114 remains in foreign service with over 20 operators, accounting for around 1,000 of the units produced.

The M101 105-mm howitzer, previously referred to as M2A1, was the standard light howitzer deployed with the U.S. Army during World War II. Over 10,000 were produced, with the majority manufactured and assembled at Rock Island Arsenal. Production ran from 1941 through the end of the Korean War in 1953. The United States exported the weapon to over 50 countries, including some through the World War II-era Lend-Lease Program.

The M2A1 was capable of deploying a wide assortment of artillery shells. The standard shell was a 42-pound high explosive round with a range of just over seven miles. The howitzer could also fire smoke, chemical, and armor-piercing rounds. Eleven variants of the gun carriage and 12 variants of the carriage were drafted, designed, and produced — including the M2A2 Terra-Star Auxiliary Propelled Howitzer.

From 1969 through 1977, Lockheed Aircraft Service Company and Rock Island Arsenal experimented with the tri-star wheel arrangement concept. This design featured an assembly of three wheels coupled with a single spinning axle. It was intended as an alternative to track systems, offering smoother transit on both paved and rough terrain. On smooth surfaces, the two bottom wheels would rotate like standard automotive wheels. When off-road or encountering obstacles, the entire wheel assembly would rotate, allowing the howitzer to traverse difficult terrain with ease.

The M2A2 on display at Rock Island Arsenal is the only Terra-Star known to have survived, and it is believed that only two were ever manufactured.

The T88 rocket launcher was an experimental weapon designed in 1941 and built in 1942. Its purpose was to increase the destructive power of field-deployed rocket artillery by using a larger payload and rocket. Although the T88 itself was never put into production, its research and development likely contributed to the creation of tank-mounted rocket systems such as the T40 Whizbang.

By 1944, tank-mounted launchers were produced in greater numbers, with the T34 Calliope fulfilling the role of the 4.5-inch design. Both the T40 and T34 were mounted onto M4 Sherman tanks, typically configured with a 75-mm gun turret and a 180-degree turning radius.

Multiple types of rockets were developed for the 7.2-inch launchers, including the T37HE high explosive rocket and the T21 chemical rocket. The combination of heavy rocket fire and a powerful cannon allowed these systems to deliver devastating firepower in a short period. Their mobile mounts also reduced vulnerability compared to traditional towed systems.

Other applications of the T88 launcher included towed mounts, amphibious assault vehicles, trucks, and landing craft. The mount displayed at Memorial Field is a towed mount design.

The Nebelwerfer ("Fog" or "Smoke Thrower") was a series of rocket-launching systems produced by Nazi Germany from 1934 through the end of World War II. The name was chosen as a form of disinformation to mislead the League of Nations. Translated literally as "smoke mortar" or "projector," the weapon was initially overlooked under the assumption it was a defensive system for creating smoke screens. Nine different Nebelwerfer variants were produced, ranging from the 100-mm NbW-35 to the 300-mm NbW-42.

The NbW displayed at Rock Island Arsenal is the NbW-41 150-mm rocket launcher.

Entering service in 1941, the NbW-41 was a key weapon used by Germany on the Eastern Front, and in limited quantities in France and Italy. The launcher was remotely fired and could discharge all six tubes in just 90 seconds. Due to its vulnerability during resupply, it was typically positioned at a distance from the front lines. This made the initial strike critical, as an incomplete attack could expose its location to enemy forces.

The NbW-41 fired a wide variety of rockets, including smoke projectors, incendiaries, and chemical weapons. Its psychological impact on the battlefield was significant, making it one of the most feared weapons of World War II.

A unique take on rocket launching systems, the XM70 used a revolving chamber to load, fire, and discharge rockets. This rotating firing chamber allowed the launcher to operate with a single tube, similar to traditional field artillery systems. Unlike earlier rocket launchers that vented exhaust from the rear, the XM70 employed a closed breech and hydraulic recoil mechanism, enabling crew members to remain close to the platform during firing. This design also allowed for more precise aiming, faster reloads, and improved operational safety.

The XM70 featured extended split trail arms like those found on howitzers, offering increased stability and better visibility. Its design provided enhanced accuracy, reduced weight, and improved mobility compared to previous systems.

Traditional rocket launchers often revealed allied positions due to visible exhaust trails. The XM70’s closed breech design eliminated this vulnerability, allowing for more discreet and sustained fire missions.

Rockets fired from the XM70 were fin-stabilized and spun upon launch to improve accuracy, as evidenced by the rifled barrel.

Only seven XM70 launchers were produced. A self-propelled variant was proposed but never built. The project was canceled in 1963 due to advancements in field artillery and the emergence of smaller, faster surface-to-surface missile systems.

The launcher displayed at Memorial Field is serial number 5 and was manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal in June 1961.

Designed and developed during World War II, the M5 combined the strengths of multiple weapon systems into a single package capable of effectively disabling enemy tanks. Its gun barrel was repurposed from the T9 anti-aircraft gun, while its internal mechanisms and carriage were borrowed from the M2 howitzer. Mounted on an M6 carriage, the M5 was intended to replace the smaller, lighter, and obsolete M3 37-mm gun, which lacked the power to counter Axis tanks.

The M5 was issued exclusively to tank destroyer battalions. As its designation suggests, its primary role was to destroy enemy tanks at ranges of up to nine miles. The M5 saw combat in the Italian Campaign and in operations across Northwest Europe.

Production began in late 1942, with upgraded variants appearing in 1943 and 1944. The M6 carriage was standardized in November 1943, and most guns reaching the front lines were equipped with this improved carriage. However, the larger caliber brought increased weight, and by the end of the war in 1945, the U.S. Army deemed the M5 too heavy and cumbersome for effective field use. It was eventually retired in favor of lighter alternatives.

Rock Island Arsenal produced 1,650 M9 recoil mechanisms and 1,085 M9A1 recoil mechanisms for the M5 system. The recoil mechanism for the M5 anti-tank gun displayed at Memorial Field was manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal in 1943.

Today, the M5 is primarily maintained as a battery gun used for ceremonial salutes.

The T66 and its improved variant, the T66E2, were designed to fire 4.5-inch diameter rockets and were developed near the end of World War II. Although deployed in limited numbers before the war concluded, the system underwent several revisions. The 24-tube version was nicknamed the Honeycomb, while other variants included 15- and 60-tube configurations—the largest known as the Hornet’s Nest.

Two types of rockets were used with the T66: the M8 and the M16. The M8 was the original rocket deployed during World War II, while the M16 entered service just two months before the war’s end. By the Korean War, all T66 launchers had been adapted to fire the M16. Each rocket was unguided, solid-fueled, and weighed approximately 43 pounds.

The first 206 launchers were designated as T66, while the next 294 were classified as T66E2. The T66E2 featured several upgrades, including:

• Improved elevating mechanism
• Blackout lighting system
• New lunette and redesigned utility box
• 50-foot conductor cable
• Redesigned contact fingers and holding assembly
• Updated sighting system

Following the Korean War, rapid advancements in missile and field artillery technology rendered the Honeycomb and similar rocket launchers obsolete by 1954.

The T27E1 was one of twelve rocket launchers designed to fire the M8 self-propelled, fin-stabilized rocket. Both the T27 and T27E1 featured eight launch tubes, while the T27E2 variant expanded to 24 tubes. Due to its distinctive shape and layout, the T27 series earned the nickname Xylophone.

Compact enough to be transported in the back of a two-and-a-half ton truck, the original T27 was lightweight but difficult to maneuver because of its long tubes. The T27E1 addressed this issue by allowing the launcher to be broken down into smaller components for easier stowage and repositioning on the battlefield—making it more effective than its predecessor.

The M8 rocket was first developed in 1941 and entered service in 1943. Designed as a barrage weapon, it was intended to be launched in large quantities. Over 2.5 million M8 rockets were produced between 1941 and 1944. However, the M8 proved ineffective against armored targets and was retired before the end of World War II, replaced by the spin-stabilized M16 rocket.

As rocket and artillery technology advanced, the T27 series was retired at the end of World War II. Some 4.5-inch launchers remained in limited service through the Vietnam War.

Originally developed by the British as the “Quick Firing” six-pounder (QF-6), this 57-mm anti-tank gun was designed in 1940 to combat German armor. Lightweight and versatile, it was intended for widespread deployment. Production delays meant it didn’t enter service until the North African Campaign in 1942.

The American-produced version, designated the M1, began production in early 1942. A more advanced variant, the M1A2, followed later that year with significant upgrades. By 1943, the U.S. military began favoring the M1A2 over the smaller 37-mm M3 gun. Though initially met with hesitation, the M1 was adopted as standard issue by May 1944.

During the Normandy invasion in June 1944, U.S. forces were equipped with British Mark II and III versions of the QF-6, while most American M1 units were deployed elsewhere on the Western Front.

The M1 was capable of firing a variety of shells, including armor-piercing rounds that made it highly effective against tanks. It also fired high-explosive and incendiary shells, allowing it to serve as a field artillery weapon. Through the Lend-Lease program, many M1 units were exported to allied nations, including France and the Soviet Union.

Both the QF-6 and M1 remained in limited service until the 1970s, with their final known use occurring during the 1971 war between India and Pakistan.

The M3A1 105-mm howitzer was designed for deployment with airborne troops and is a modified version of the smaller 75-mm pack howitzer. Its design incorporated components from the older M2 howitzer, including the barrel and split trail carriage of the 75-mm pack model. The initial prototype, designated T7, was developed in 1941, but full production of the M3A1 did not begin until 1943. This variant featured a reinforced split trail with thicker metal for added durability. Its prime mover was typically a standard quarter-ton jeep.

Prior to the D-Day invasion, some Allied divisions were equipped with the M3A1, while others retained the older 75-mm pack howitzer. The M3A1 entered full service in December 1944 and was widely adopted by airborne divisions in Europe by the end of the war. Through the Lend-Lease program, other nations such as France and the United Kingdom also received M3 units.

Although retired by the U.S. Army after World War II, a modified version—the M3A2—was used during the Korean War. The M3A2 featured a small shield mounted near the barrel to provide protection for the gun crew. Its final operational use occurred in 1951 with divisions of the Republic of Korea.

Today, surviving M3A1 howitzers are typically used in ceremonial salute batteries, firing blank shells.

The M55 is a self-propelled 203-mm howitzer developed to complement and eventually replace the M53 155-mm gun. Built on the same platform as the M53, the M55’s primary distinction lies in its larger and longer barrel. Both systems were based on the chassis of the Patton tank.

Manufactured by the Pacific Car and Foundry Company, the M55 featured 25 mm of armor designed to protect its crew from indirect artillery, small arms fire, and radioactive fallout. The armor was engineered to be light enough to maintain mobility while still offering effective protection.

Production began in the 1950s, with initial deployment occurring at the end of the Korean War. The M55 saw its first major combat use during the Vietnam War and remained in service until 1969. Weighing 48.5 tons, the M55 was capable of traversing dense forests and heavy brush with ease.

By the 1970s, the M55 was considered obsolete and gradually replaced by the M107 self-propelled howitzer. Belgium continued to operate the M55 in limited capacity until 1975, when it was fully phased out in favor of the M107 and M110 systems.

The BMP-1 is a Soviet-designed armored personnel carrier (APC) built for front-line deployment. Its name stands for Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty, Russian for “infantry fighting vehicle.” Developed to shield troops from nuclear, chemical, biological, and conventional threats, the BMP-1 was a major innovation in mechanized warfare.

Weighing over 14 tons, the BMP-1 is protected by 33 mm of rolled steel armor. It is armed with a 73-mm semi-automatic gun, a 7.62-mm machine gun, and a single Sagger anti-tank missile mounted above the main barrel. This combination of firepower allows the BMP-1 to transport up to eight passengers while providing close combat support.

More than 40,000 BMP-1 units were produced, with many exported to Soviet-aligned nations. Although production began during the Vietnam War, the BMP-1 saw its first combat use during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where it was deployed by Egyptian and Syrian forces.

Following its performance in that conflict, the Soviet Union initiated upgrades that led to the BMP-2 and later the BMP-3, introduced in 1987. Despite these advancements, the BMP-1 remains in widespread service due to its low cost and ease of modernization.

Current operators include China, India, Iran, Iraq, and Vietnam. The BMP-1 has also seen recent combat use in the Syrian Civil War and remains active in Afghanistan, where it has been deployed against Taliban forces.

The MGR-1 Honest John was the first U.S. Army rocket capable of delivering an atomic payload. Initially designated XM31 during testing, the rocket entered full production and service in 1953. “MGR” stands for Medium Guided Rocket, though the Honest John was technically unguided.

Designed for versatility, the Honest John could carry a variety of payloads, including:

• A 1,500-lb high-explosive warhead
• A cluster bomb containing 356 M139 bomblets (intended for chemical delivery)
• The W31 nuclear warhead, with selectable yields of 2, 10, or 30 kilotons

Although the cluster bomb was capable of dispersing chemical agents like Sarin, no Honest John rockets were ever equipped with live chemical munitions.

The system was widely adopted by NATO forces in the late 1950s and 1960s. By 1968, the original MGR-1A variant was replaced by the smaller, lighter, and faster MGR-1B. Honest John rockets were deployed across the U.S., Canada, West Germany, Greenland, South Korea, and Norway.

In the early 1970s, the U.S. began phasing out the Honest John in favor of the Lance missile system. By 1991, all U.S.-operated Honest John rockets were retired. The final operational unit was decommissioned in South Korea in 1997, marking the end of the system’s service life.

At the onset of World War II, U.S. Army doctrine emphasized that tanks should not engage enemy armor directly. Instead, anti-tank guns were assigned that role. As German tank capabilities grew, these guns proved insufficient, prompting the development of tank destroyers—specialized vehicles designed to counter enemy armor.

Early tank destroyers were built on M3 and M4A2 Sherman chassis with open-topped turrets. The M10 and M10A1 featured sloped armor and were armed with 3-inch guns or British 17-pounders. The M36 series introduced a new turret and a powerful 90-mm gun. The M36B1 and M36B2 variants were built on newly designed hulls rather than repurposed Sherman hulls, offering improved performance and protection.

In the European Theater, the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion landed at Utah Beach with M10s, becoming the first TDs ashore during the Normandy invasion. Their unit history recalls: “Lord it seemed like they were throwing everything they had at us… Enemy artillery was falling everywhere, making the beach a living hell.”

On December 1, 1944, 1LT Alfred Rose of the 814th TD Battalion achieved the longest recorded tank kill of World War II, destroying a German Panther tank at 4,600 yards (2.61 miles) using the M36 Jackson’s 90-mm gun. This record stood until 1991.

The tank destroyer on display began life as an M10A1 in 1943 and was later upgraded to an M36, likely seeing combat in Europe in late 1944. In 1953, the U.S. provided military aid to Yugoslavia to counter communist influence, and this M36B2 was among over 100 artifacts returned by U.S. forces. It was displayed at the 1st Armored Division museum in 2005 and transferred to First Army Headquarters at Rock Island Arsenal in 2021 as part of the Army’s Organizational Heritage Material program.

World War I introduced a wave of technological innovations, including aircraft, machine guns, rapid-fire artillery, flamethrowers, and chemical warfare. Chief among these was the tank, developed to break the stalemate of trench warfare and push back German forces on the Western Front.

American tank production didn’t begin until 1919. During the war, U.S. forces used British and French designs. When production began, the American tank was based on the British Mark V and officially designated the Mark VIII Tank. Weighing 40 tons and standing over 10 feet tall, it was an industrial marvel. It featured two 57-mm guns on its sides and five M1917 Browning machine guns.

Nicknamed the “Liberty Tank” after its 300-horsepower Liberty V-12 engine, the Mark VIII could reach speeds of up to 5 mph. It carried a crew of eight: a driver, engineer, commanding officer, and five gunners. The tank could store over 200 rounds for its main guns and more than 20,000 rounds for its machine guns, reducing the need for resupply during combat.

Manufacturing was a joint effort between the U.S. and Britain. Components were produced separately and shipped to Rock Island Arsenal for final assembly. Assembly began on July 1, 1919, and took 286 days. The final tank was completed on June 5, 1920. Of the 125 tanks built, 100 were assembled at Rock Island Arsenal and 25 by the North British Locomotive Company.

British-supplied armor and armament were combined with American engines and transmissions. Differences in specifications between countries required adjustments during assembly, but Rock Island Arsenal workers overcame these challenges and completed the full order.

Though the war ended before the tanks saw combat, demand remained high into the interwar period. The Mark VIII remained in active U.S. inventory until 1932, primarily used for training. Only three tanks survive today: two American-built and one British. One of the American specimens returned to Rock Island Arsenal from Fort Benning on May 10, 2021, and was overhauled at the Joint Manufacturing & Technology Center. The other is at Fort Meade, Maryland. The British tank is housed at the Bovington Tank Museum.

Though few remain, the Mark VIII stands as a testament to the engineering achievements and wartime production capabilities of Rock Island Arsenal.

The Rodman series of guns was developed by Lieutenant Thomas J. Rodman for use in seacoast fortifications. Five bore sizes were produced: 8, 10, 13, 15, and 20 inches. Rodman’s innovative casting method cooled the gun from the inside out, preserving structural integrity and preventing the internal tension that plagued earlier designs cooled from the outside in.

In testing, the Rodman Gun demonstrated remarkable durability. One model was fired 1,500 times, while a similarly sized gun using the older cooling method failed after just 299 shots. Even when constructed with inferior materials, Rodman’s design held up for 250 rounds, compared to only 19 for its counterpart. These results led the War Department to authorize the casting of larger Rodman guns in 1860.

The 15-inch Rodman Gun measured 15.83 feet in length with a 13.8-foot bore. Its distinctive bottle-shaped profile reached about four feet in diameter at its widest point. It could fire solid shot weighing 450 pounds or explosive shells weighing 330 pounds, each containing a 17-pound charge.

Nearly 2,000 Rodman Guns were produced between 1861 and 1871. Today, around 200 survive, including three that flank General Rodman’s grave at Rock Island Arsenal—two 10-inch guns and one 15-inch gun.