Historic context :

Attentively observing the pre-1914 conflicts, Austro-Hungaria had come to the same conclusion as other nations, convinced of the need of light field howitzer designed for a movement war where an ennemy could entrench himself. For this purpose, a study was launched that gave birth in 1899 to a '10 cm Feld Haubitze M99' light field howitzer.

This weapon was designed to answer to the mission of launching a 14 kg projectile at a distance comparable to the one reached by the similar howitzers of other nations, while staying real light (less than 1 ton). It was based on a 104 mm calibre fretted bronze barrel (2 components), an eccentric screw breech of the 'Nemetz' type, and a carriage similar to the one of the 8cm FK M99 prototype fieldgun, that is to say without any other recoil brake / recuperation system than a spade spring.

Despite the fact it was made at a time where Austria could not ignore the existence of barrel - carriage elastic link systems, this choice was deliberately made because of the complexity of designing such a mechanism for high elevation angle materials, as well as for weight reasons.

After a test period within an operational battery, this light howitzer was adopted in 1902 and distributed to the army units. It was the reglementary light field howitzer of Austro-Hungaria when the war started in August 1914, and stayed in service through the whole war.

Technical data :

• Complete description : 10 cm howitzer M 1899
• Design year : 1899
• Calibre : 104.00 mm
• Weight in firing position : 997 kg
• Weight for transportation :
• Tube length in calibres : 13.00
• Grooves : 36
• Projectile weight : 14.3 kg
• Initial speed : 290 m/s (high explosive) - 305 m/s (shrapnell)
• Fire rate :
• Range : 6100 m (high explosive) - 5600 m (shrapnell)
• Elevation range : -10 to +42.5 degrees
• Direction range : none