Historic context :

Since the Austro-Hungarian army was not satisfied with the poor ballistic properties of the old 15cm M80 howitzer, it requested the development of a new howitzer with the same caliber but offering longer ranges, on a mobile carriage. The answer to this specification was the 'M 94 15 cm' howitzer that was adopted in 1894. Equipped with a bronze barrel and having no other recoil recuperation system than simple wood wedges under its wheels, it could be mounted either on a high battery carriage or on a low battery carriage.

This weapon was subject to a first modernisation with the version named 'M 99 15 cm' mainly consisting of a strengthening of the rear part of the barrel, now having a characteristic octogonal section. Both versions were again modernised in 1904 under the names 'M 94/4 15 cm' and 'M 99/4 15 cm', able this time to reach a maximum elevation aiming angle of 65 degrees.

While they were being replaced by the much more modern M 14 15 cm , these howitzers participated to WW1 start within the infantry divisions.

Technical data :

• Complete description : 15 cm heavy field howitzer M 1894 / 1904
• Design year : 1894 / 1904
• Calibre : 149.00 mm
• Weight in firing position : 2660 kg
• Weight for transportation :
• Tube length in calibres : 13.40
• Grooves : 36 progressive angle
• Projectile weight : 33.1 kg
• Initial speed : 293 m/s
• Fire rate :
• Range : 6200 m
• Elevation range : -2 to +45 degrees (M94 and M99);-2 to +65 degrees (M94/4 and M99/4)
• Direction range :