What is the name of that ‘Gun‘

[Yard Ape]

I understand that the historical use of these words to be:

Cannon: a direct fire gun (below 45 degree line of fire)

Mortar: indirect fire gun with line offire greater than 45 degrees

Howitzer: direct and indirect fire gun.

Are these terms still used in their classical definitions or have the definitions changed somewhat?

thanks
Yard Ape

 

[RCA]

from memory:

Gun/Cannon - high velocity /low angle weapon (uses fixed charge) used in the direct fire role

Mortar - low velocity/high angle weapon capable of indirect fire

Howitzer - (combination gun/motar) thru adjustable charges is capable of both direct and indirect fire thru low and high angle fire.

 

[Yard Ape]

Thank you greatly.

Yard Ape

 

[dropshort105]

Cannon, Muzzel loader, fired all sorts of things out of it.
Mortar, Indirect Fire weapon base plate mounted.
Field Gun, Direct Fire Gun
Howitzer, Indirect Fire Gun
Field Gun Howitzer, Indirect & Direct Firing Hybred.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Glad that finally got cleared up after 41/2 years.