The M-110 entered service with the U.S. Army in 1963, gradually replacing the M-55 8-inch Self-Propelled Howitzer. The gun is an 8-inch Howitzer traversing in it's mount at the rear of the vehicle. The large spade at the rear is hydraulically operated. When lowered it keeps the vehicle in place as the gun is fired, opposing the massive recoil. The 8-inch howitzer fired a 200-pound projectile as much as 25 miles, while being the most accurate weapon in the field artillery of its time.