The 57mm Artillery of World War I: A Technical Overview
The 57mm artillery gun was a widely used piece of ordnance during World War I, employed by various countries including France, Britain, and Russia. This gun was designed to be a versatile and reliable piece of artillery, capable of delivering high-explosive shells against enemy positions. In this article, we will delve into the technical specifications and weight of the 57mm artillery gun, as well as its combat history and notable variants.
Weight and Dimensions
The 57mm artillery gun was relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and deploy in the field. The gun’s weight varied depending on the country of origin and specific model, but here are some general specifications:
- Weight: approximately 400-500 kg (880-1,100 lbs)
- Barrel length: 2.4-2.7 meters (7.9-8.9 feet)
- Overall length: 3.5-4 meters (11.5-13.1 feet)
- Height: 1.2-1.5 meters (3.9-4.9 feet)
- Wheel diameter: 0.9-1.1 meters (2.9-3.6 feet)
These dimensions made the 57mm gun an ideal piece of artillery for trench warfare, where mobility and maneuverability were crucial.
Technical Specifications
The 57mm artillery gun had a number of technical specifications that made it effective in combat:
- Caliber: 57mm (2.24 inches)
- Muzzle velocity: 520-600 m/s (1,700-2,000 ft/s)
- Maximum range: 5,000-6,000 meters (5,500-6,600 yards)
- Rate of fire: 10-20 rounds per minute
- Elevation: -5 to +40 degrees
- Traverse: 360 degrees
These specifications allowed the 57mm gun to deliver high-explosive shells against enemy positions with reasonable accuracy and effectiveness.
Combat History
The 57mm artillery gun saw extensive combat during World War I, used by various countries including France, Britain, and Russia. The gun was used in a variety of roles, including trench warfare, artillery duels, and supporting infantry attacks.
One notable variant of the 57mm gun was the French Canon de 57 modèle 1887, which was used extensively during the war. This gun had a number of modifications, including a recoil system and a shield to protect the gun crew.
Notable Variants
There were several notable variants of the 57mm artillery gun used during World War I, including:
- French Canon de 57 modèle 1887
- British QF 6-pounder Hotchkiss
- Russian 57-mm gun M1877
- German 5.7 cm Maxim-Nordenfelt
Each of these variants had its own unique specifications and characteristics, but they all shared the same basic design and purpose.
🔍 Note: The 57mm artillery gun was also used during World War II, particularly by the Soviet Union and Japan.
Comparison to Other Artillery Guns
The 57mm artillery gun was a relatively small piece of ordnance compared to other artillery guns used during World War I. Here is a comparison of the 57mm gun to other notable artillery guns:
| Gun | Caliber | Weight | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57mm gun | 57mm | 400-500 kg | 5,000-6,000 meters |
| 75mm gun | 75mm | 1,000-1,500 kg | 8,000-10,000 meters |
| 105mm gun | 105mm | 2,000-3,000 kg | 12,000-15,000 meters |
| 155mm gun | 155mm | 4,000-6,000 kg | 18,000-20,000 meters |
As can be seen, the 57mm gun was significantly smaller and lighter than other artillery guns used during World War I.
| Country | Gun Model | Weight | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Canon de 57 modèle 1887 | 420 kg | 5,500 meters |
| Britain | QF 6-pounder Hotchkiss | 450 kg | 6,000 meters |
| Russia | 57-mm gun M1877 | 500 kg | 5,000 meters |
In summary, the 57mm artillery gun was a versatile and reliable piece of ordnance used during World War I. Its relatively small size and weight made it easy to transport and deploy, while its technical specifications made it effective in combat.
Without the development and deployment of the 57mm artillery gun, the outcome of World War I may have been significantly different. Its impact on the war effort was significant, and it remains an important piece of military history.
What was the primary purpose of the 57mm artillery gun?
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The primary purpose of the 57mm artillery gun was to deliver high-explosive shells against enemy positions, particularly in trench warfare.
Which countries used the 57mm artillery gun during World War I?
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The 57mm artillery gun was used by France, Britain, Russia, and other countries during World War I.
What was the maximum range of the 57mm artillery gun?
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The maximum range of the 57mm artillery gun was approximately 5,000-6,000 meters (5,500-6,600 yards).
Related Terms:
- 57mm artillery ww1 weight
- QF 25 pounder
- British artillery ww1
- 57mm hotchkiss
- British artillery ww2
- Recoilless rifle
