Howitzers

Howitzers are a type of artillery piece, characterized by a relatively short barrel and the ability to fire projectiles at a high angle, enabling them to target positions behind obstacles like hills or fortifications. They typically employ shells or other explosive ordnance, and their primary purpose is to provide indirect fire support to infantry units. Unlike cannons, howitzers can lob shells over a greater distance with a high trajectory, enabling a greater area of coverage and the capacity to hit targets shielded from direct fire. The effectiveness of howitzers stems from their ability to deliver a significant explosive payload onto enemy positions, suppress enemy movement, and destroy enemy assets. The use of howitzers has been essential in numerous military engagements and remains a significant component of modern armed forces. Their versatility and adaptability make them crucial for diverse combat scenarios, from trench warfare to modern counter-insurgency operations.

Howitzers meaning with examples

• During the siege, the enemy employed powerful howitzers to bombard the city walls, causing significant damage and demoralizing the defenders. The shells fell with devastating accuracy, forcing soldiers into shelters and creating panic amidst the civilians who sought refuge in underground bunkers.
• The artillery regiment moved their howitzers into position under the cover of darkness, preparing for a dawn bombardment of the enemy lines. Their primary task was to soften the defense, clearing the path for an infantry assault by dismantling bunkers and destroying the enemy's advance.
• The advanced targeting system allows the modern howitzers to quickly adjust their aim, allowing the crew to engage a range of targets with precise and rapid efficiency. With computer-assisted calculations, the crew can alter the angle and force of the shell as it travels from gun to target.
• During the historical battle, the thunderous barrage of howitzers played a critical role in breaking the enemy's main line of defense, paving the way for a decisive victory by destroying enemy forces who were hunkered down in entrenched positions.
• The engineers worked to develop lightweight and mobile howitzers that could be rapidly deployed in mountainous terrain. They sought to improve the ability to offer support to ground troops by integrating effective fire support even in challenging environmental conditions.