UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES

5516021-

Ordnance Department Document No. 2033

HANDBOOK OF ARTILLERY
INCLUDING

MOBILE, ANTIAIRCRAFT, MOTOR CARRIAGE, AND

TRENCH MATERIEL

PREPARED IN THE OFFICE OF

THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1921

OKDNAXCE DEPARTMENT

Document No. 2033

Office of the Chief of

Ordnance

Library

ar

WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, July, 1921. The following publication, entitled Handbook of Artillery, Including Mobile, Antiaircraft, Motor Carriage, and Trench Materiel," is published for the information and guidance of all students of the Ordnance training schools, and other similar educational The contents should not be republished without organizations. authority of the Chief of Ordnance, War Department, Wash"

ington, D. C.

BY

ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

JOHN
OFFICIAL
:

J.

PERSHING.
/Staff.

General, Chief of P. C.

HARRIS,

The Adjutant General.

PREFACE.

The data in this book are compiled for use in the Ordnance training and other educational organizations where a short, yet comprehensive, survey of the existing calibers and types of guns and carriages now in use by the United States Army is desired. With this in view, the descriptions and illustrations have been made as simple as possible, and technicalities have been reduced to a minimum so that
schools

the distinctive features of the various types of artillery materiel be readily understood.
tion of the Artillery Division by general discussion on the design
specialists schools.

may

This publication has been prepared in the mobile gun carriage secMr. Murray H. Resni Coff. The and characteristics of mobile artillery is intended for the instruction of student officers and enlisted

The second

edition of this book

is

to be distributed to various edu-

cational institutions for a trial use in their classes, and the results of this trial should be productive of many constructive criticisms so that

the next edition will more fully meet the varied needs of the schools and training units. The intention is to revise this book periodically,
therefore suggestions and criticisms are cordially invited.

Com-

munications should be addressed to the Chief of Artillery Division, Office of the Chief of Ordnance, Washington, D. C.
(4)

LIST OF CONTENTS.
Page.

List of illustrations

Table of equivalents History and development of artillery materiel

Artillery, classes of

14

Mobile artillery, types of Cannons, their functions and construction, including breech mechanismsMounts for mobile artillery Recoil brakes and methods of counterrecoil

15 26 26 29 35 38 40 53 57 63 69 83 87 103 115 119 123 125 127 130 139 141 143 145 147 148 149 150 152 155 154 155 156 159 161 164
167
167 168 169

Aiming devices and sighting methods Accompanying vehicles 37-millimeter gun materiel, model of 1916 2.95-inch Vickers-Maxim mountain gun materiel (with pack outfit) 75-millimeter gun materiel Model of 1916 materiel Model of 1916 MI materiel Model of 1897 MI (French) materiel Model of 1917 (British) materiel Gun carriage limber, model of 1917 (British) Gun carriage limber, model of 1918 Gun caisson, model of 1918 Gun caisson limber, model of 1918 3-inch gun materiel Guns, models of 1902, 1904, and 1905, and carriage, model 1902 Gun limber, model of 1902 Gun caisson, model of 1902 Gun caisson, model of 1916 Gun limber, model of 1916 Battery wagon, model of 1902 Battery wagon, model of 1902 MI Store wagon, model of 1902 Store wagon, model of 1902 MI Forge limber, model of 1902 Store limber, model of 1902 Forge limber, model of 1902 MI Store limber, model of 1902 MI Battery and store wagon, model of 1917 Battery reel, model of 1917 Reel, model of 1909 MI__ Cart, model of 1918 Wheels
:
:

___

56-inch

(steel

tired)

57-inch by 3.5 inch (rubber tired) Reel, model of 1917, for caissons

Automatic pole support

(5)

523505

Page.

105-millimeter howitzer materiel (German) 105-millimeter howitzer and carriage, model of 1898-1909

(German)-

105-millimeter howitzer caisson model 1898 (German) 105-millimeter howitzer carriage and caisson limber, model 1893
4.7-inch

gun materiel

Gun and carriage, model of 1906 Gun carriage limber, model of 1905 Gun caisson, model of 1908 Gun limber, model of 1908 Gun caisson, model of 1916 Gun caisson, model of 1917
5-inch, 60-pounder

Gun, Mark

I,

gun materiel (British) and carriage, Mark II

Gun

carriage limber,

Mark

II

Ammunition wagon, Mark II Ammunition wagon limber, Mark

II

171 173 178 178 181 186 195 198 200 202 206 209 213 216 219 223

155 howitzer materiel, model of 1917 (Schneider) 155 howitzer materiel, model of 1918 (Schneider) Howitzer and carriage, model of 1918

Howitzer carr.'age limber, model of 1918 Howitzer caisson, model of 1918 155 gun materiel (Filloux) Gun and carriage, model of 1918 Gun carriage limber, model of 1918 6-inch gun materiel, model of 1917 (British)
,,

.__

7-inch naval tractor mount, Mark V 8-inch howitzer materiel (Vickers)

Howitzers, Marks VI and Vllli, and carriages, Marks VI and VII__ _ Howitzer carriage limber, model of 1917 (Vickers) Firing platform and wagon, model of 1917 (Vickers)
9.2-inch

howitzer materiel
transport

(Vickers)
I

Howitzer Howitzer Howitzer Howitzer

and carriages, Marks

and

II

227 231 236 243 245 249 254 263 265 269 279 288 299 301 305 310

wagon

carriage transport

wagon platform transport wagon

(Schneider)

240-millimeter howitzer materiel

Howitzer and carriage, model of 1918

Accessories

Transport wagons and limbers

Antiaircraft artillery 3-inch antiaircraft gun materiel, model of 1918 3-inch antiaircraft gun mount, model of 1917 75-millimeter antiaircraft truck mount, model of 1917

Gun and howitzer motor

Self-propelled

carriages

318 319 321 323 329 334 339 344 348 363 377 387 390

wheeled mount for 3-inch antiaircraft gun, model

of

1917

Self-propelled caterpillar, model of 1918

Mark

II,

for 155 millimeter

gun (Filloux),
392 397
405 409 414

155 millimeter motor gun carriage (Christie), model of 1920 Trench warfare materiel 3-inch Stokes' trench mortar, Mark I 6-inch Stokes' trench mortar, Mark I

Prospectus

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Frontispiece.

English archer using a long bow Balista and catapulta of the Greeks Sixteenth-century artillery Italian Cerebotian of the fourteenth century

17

The " Mons Meg " of Edinburgh Castle German breech-loading cannon of the sixteenth century
French
artillery,

18 19

1800-1850
1842-1874

Soldier firing a mortar and bombshell requiring double ignition

19 20 21
22 23

German

artillery,

Besieging a fortified castle, sixteenth century Recoil brakes and methods of counterrecoil Hydraulic brake (throttling bar) Hydraulic brake (valve)

Hydraulic brake (central throttling)

Counterrecoil mechanism (spring, concentric columns) Counterrecoil mechanism (spring, telescopic)

39 39 40
41 41 41

Hydro-spring recoil system Hydro-pneumatic recoil system with floating piston Hydro-pneumatic recoil system with fluid indirect compact with the
air

42

42
43 47
'.

Counterrecoil mechanism (hydro-pneumatic, central buffing) Aiming devices

:

Elevating systems

Panoramic sight Gunner's quadrant Accompanying vehicles

48 49
52

Tractors hauling artillery 75 mm. gun carriage, mounted on trailer

37-millimeter gun materiel, model of 1916: Rear view of carriage in battery position

54
56 57 59 60 61

Carriage and ammunition cart, limbered Left side view of tripod mount in battery position Tripod mount in firing position Gun disassembled on the march (wheels and axles Gun and personnel on the march (ammunition cart
2.95-inch

left in

the rear)

left in the rear)

62
64 65

Vickers-Maxim mountain-gun materiel (with pack

outfit)
:

Carriage in firing position

Pack outfit on mule back Rear view of carriage in battery Detailed view of gun
Side view of carriage in battery
75-millimeter gun materiel, model of 1916 Front view of carriage Right side elevation of carriage
(7)
:

66
67
67

70

8
T5-millimeter gun materiel, model of 1916 Rear view of carriage

Continued.

Page.

71 72
7.;

Plan view of carriage Left side view of carriage Breech mechanism

Gun

at

maximum

elevation

76 77
78
T'.i

Longitudinal section of recoil and counterrecoil mechanism Elevating mechanism Traversing mechanism Carriage and limber in traveling position 75-millimeter gun materiel, model of 1916 MI
:

.__

80 81 82 83 84 85 86

Left and right elevations Cradle assembly and longitudinal section Left side view in firing position Right side view in firing position

___

Arrangement of elevating mechanisms 75-millimeter materiel, model of 1897 MI (French) Left rear view of carriage
Front view of carriage Longitudinal section of gun and carriage
Breech mechanism Left side view of carriage
Right side elevation of carriage Traversing and brake operating mechan

sm

Abatage positions of carriage Plan view of carriage Sight, model of 1901 75-millimeter gun materiel, model of 1917 (British)
Left side elevation of carriage Front view of carriage Rear and front elevations of carriage

90 92 93 94 95 96 98 99 100
:

102 103
104
Hi."

Rear view of carriage Breech mechanism

Recoil-controlling system

Elevating and range gear

Traversing gear
75-millimeter gun carriage limber, model of 1917 (British) Front view of limber Right side elevation of limber
:

107 108 111 112

Rear and front elevations Rear view of limber 75-millimeter gun carriage limber, model of 1918 Rear view of limber

115 116 117 118

Front view of limber Assembled views of limber 75-millimeter gun caisson, model of 1918 Assembled views of gun caisson Front view of caisson Gun caisson and gun caisson limber, limbered 75-millimeter gun caisson limber, model of 1918 Front view of caisson limber Assembled views of gun caisson limber
: :

120 120 121

122 123 124
125 126

9
3-inch gun materiel, model of 1902 Front view of carriage
:

Page.

128 128 129 131 132 134 135 135 136 137 139

Rear view of carriage

Left side elevation of carriage

Gun, models of 1902, 1904, and 1905 Breech mechanism

Recoil-controlling

mechanism

Carriage and limber, hauled by tractor Carriage and limber in traveling position Range quadrant
3-inch

Rear sight gun limber, model of 1902 Rear view of limber 3-inch gun caisson, model of 1902

Front view of caisson gun caisson, model of 1916 Front view, showing door swung upward exposing ammunition Front and side elevations of caisson 3-inch gun caisson limber, model of 1916 Side and rear elevations of caisson limber Battery wagon, model of 1902 MI Rear view of battery wagon Store wagon, model of 1902 Side view of store wagon Side view showing store wagon and limber, limbered Forge limber, model of 1902 MI Top view showing interior of forge limber Assembled views of forge limber Store limber, model of 1902 MI Top view showing interior of store limber Battery and store wagon, model of 1917 Rear right side view of battery and store wagon Assembled views of battery and store wagon Battery reel, model of 1917 Left side view of battery reel Reel, model of 1909 MI Rear view of reel Assembled views of reel Front view of reel Cart, model of 1918
3-inch
: : :

141 143 144

146
147

149 151
152 153 155
156

157 159
161

162 163
164
164 165

View showing reel and cart, 1'uibered Rear view of cart Assembled views of cart 56-inch wheel Side view of wheel Reel, model of 1917, for caissons View showing reel mounted on caisson Front and side elevations of reel Automatic pole support Sectional diagram of pole support 105-millimeter howitzer materiel, model of 1898-09 (German) Left side view of carriage in battery position View showing carriage limber and caisson coupled Front view showing brakes and traveling lock
: :

167 168 169

169
:

170 172 173

10
105-millimeter howitzer materiel, model of 1898-09 (German) Longitudinal section of recoil mechanism

Contd.

Page.

Equilibrator mechanism Rear view of carriage

174 176 177

iT'.i

Front and rear view of carriage limber Front and rear view of caisson 4.7-inch gun materiel, model of 1916 View showing carriage and limber in traveling position Left side view of carriage in battery Assembled views of carriage equipped with tire brakes Left front view of carriage equipped with band brakes Assembled views of carriage equipped with band brakes Front view of carriage equipped with tire brakes Breech mechanism
:

180
181

182 183 184

185

186 186
187

Firing mechanism Longitudinal section of gun and carriage Front view of carriage equipped with band brakes Rear right view of carriage Elevating and traversing mechanisms

188 189 190 190

191

Range quadrant Rear view of carriage equipped with Rear sight

tire

brakes

192

Front view of carriage equipped with tire brakes 4.7-inch gun carriage limber, model of 1905 Front view of limber Assembled views of limber
:

193 194
l,-

196
198

4.7-inch

caisson, model of 1908 Right side view of caisson

gun

gun limber, model of 1908: View showing gun caisson and limber, limbered 4.7-inch gun caisson, model of 1916 Right front view showing chest doors open exposing diaphragms Assembled views of gun caisson Front view of gun caisson 4.7-inch gun caisson, model of 1917: Assembled views of gun caisson 5-inch (60-pounder) gun materiel (British) Rear left view of carriage in battery Carriage and limber in traveling position View showing trail connected to limber Rear right view of carriage 5-inch (60-pounder) gun carriage limber, Mark II (British) Front view of carriage limber Rear view of carriage limber 5-inch (60-pounder) ammunition wagon, Mark II (British) Front view of ammunition wagon Rear view of ammunition wagon Ammunition wagon and ammunition wagon limber, limbered 5-inch (60-pounder) ammunition wagon limber, Mark II (British) Front view of ammunition wagon limber Rear view of ammunition wagon limber 155-millimeter howitzer materiel, model of 1917 (Schneider)
4.7-inch
:

200
202 203 204
207

209 210
211 214

216 217 219

222

'

Right side view of carriage in traveling position Carriage in battery position (rear view)

228

11
155-millimeter howitzer materiel, model of 1917 (Schneider) Front view of carriage in battery position

Continued,

.rage.

Side view of carriage en route 155-millimeter howitzer materiel, model of 1918 (Schneider) Traveling position of carriage and limber

229
:

230

Assembled views of traveling position Detail view of howitzer Breech mechanism Firing mechanism Recoil and counterrecoil mechanism Longitudinal section of howitzer and carriage

234 235
237 238
'

Quadrant sight
155-millimeter howitzer carriage limber, model of 1918 (Schneider) Plan and right side elevations
:

240 241

244
245 246 248

155-millimeter caisson, model of 1918 (Schneider) Rear view of caisson

General assembled views Front view of caisson

155-millimeter gun materiel, model of 1918 (Filloux)
:

Traveling position (right side) Left-side view of carriage and limber in traveling position Preparing carriage for battery position Carriage in traveling position (rear view) Longitudinal section of gun and carriage

249 250
251

251 252 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261

Maximum

elevation of gun

Breech mechanism Breech mechanism and counterbalance cylinder Carriage in firing position Rear view of carriage in traveling position Accessories and caterpillar wheel shoes
Elevating and traversing mechanism
Caterpillar adapters 155-millimeter gun carriage limber, model of 1918 (Filloux) Front view of limber, showing caterpillar wheel shoes,
:

mounted on
7

wheels Front view of limber Detailed view of limber 6-inch gun materiel, model of 1917 (British) Plan view of carriage
,

262 263 264

266

Left-side elevation of carriage 7-inch naval tractor mount, Mark V

267
:

Carriage and limber in traveling position (front view)

269 270 271 273 274 275 276 277 278

Rear view of carriage

Left-side view of carriage in battery Carriage and limber in traveling position (rear view) Top carriage and axle details

Assembled view of hydraulic brake View of axle mounted in track layer

Side elevation of track layer Carriage in battery position, showing 8-inch howitzer materiel (Vickers)
:

maximum

elevation of gvm

Carriage in battery position (Mark VI) Carriage and limber in traveling position (rear view) Carriage in battery position (Mark VII) Rear view of carriage, showing maximum elevation of howitzer

279 280 282 284

12
Continued. 8-inch howitzer materiel (Vickers) Right-side view of carriage in battery
Left-side elevation of
Page.

Mark VI

carriage

Rear right-side of carriage in firing position Detailed view of howitzer (Mark VI) Breech mechanism of Mark VI howitzer Breech block
Firing

mechanism

285 287 288 289 290 291 292

293 294

Front view of howitzer carriage Elevating and traversing mechanism Howitzer carriage mounted on firing platform Sight assembled
Caterpillar adapters 8-inch howitzer carriage limber, firing platform and. wagon, model of 1917

295 296
298

(Vickers)

in traveling position (front view) Materiel 6n train and in battery

Limber

300 302
304 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 314 315 316

9.2-inch howitzer materiel (Vickers)

Carriage in battery position

Left side elevation of carriages assembled Front view, showing maximum elevation of howitzer

Loading position, showing

shell on tray Longitudinal section of carriage Rear view of carriage, showing howitzer at

miximum

elevation

Breech mechanism (Mark I) Breech mechanism (Mark II) Gear regulating recoil

Method of loading, showing loading gear mechanism in action Right-side view of carriage in battery
Traversing gear Sight assembled 9.2-inch howitzer transport wagon (Vickers) Method of mounting howitzer Materiel 6n train 240-millimeter materiel, model of 1918 (Schneider) Materiel n train __. Front view of carriage, showing maximum elevation of howitzer
:
:

318 320
322 323 324 326 327

Carriage in loading position Method of loading the howitzer with rammer car Left elevation of carriage with howitzer at maximum elevation Breech mechanism

Mounting the cradle Recoil and recuperator mechanism Elevating and quick-loading gear mechanism Mouting the top carriage Method of lowering platform
.

Sight assembled Erecting frame in position Left side view of carriage 240-millimeter howitzer transport limbers and wagons Howitzer transport wagon

328 330 331 332 333 334 335 330 338

339 339 340 341 341

Cradle transport wagon Mounting the howitzer

Top carriage transport wagon Platform transport wagon

13
Antiaircraft artillery Antiaircraft artillery in action 3-inch antiaircraft gun materiel, model of 1918
:

Page.

345
:

Carriage in traveling position Carriage in battery position (front view)

347 349

View showing outriggers folded

Longitudinal section of carriage

Breech mechanism View showing right rear outrigger with jack spade and Side view of carriage in battery position Assembled view showing carriage in firing position Front view of trailer Sight on left side of carriage Sight on right side of carriage 3-inch antiaircraft gun mount, model of 1917 Longitudinal section of gun mount View showing mount in action Right side elevation of gun mount View showing right side of mount Breech mechanism Vertical section showing breech open Elevating and traversing mechanisms Left side elevation of gun mount 75-millimeter antiaircraft truck mount, model of 1917 Plan view of truck mount
: :

float

removed-

350 351 352 354 355 357 358 359 360

362 363 364 365 367 368 371 372
376 377 378 379 382 383 385 386
387

Truck

in traveling position (right side view)

Sectional elevation of gun mount View showing truck mount in action Gun mount showing gun at maximum elevation Truck in traveling position (left side view)

Firing and stability jacks Truck mount in battery position. Gun and howitzer motor carriages 105-millimeter howitzer motor carriage, model of 1920 3-inch antiaircraft wheeled mount showing gun at maximum
:
'

eleva-

tion

388

Self-propelled wheeled mount for 3-inch antiaircraft gun, Left side view of mount in traveling position Self-propelled caterpillar Mark II, for 155-millimeter
:

model of 1917

390

gun

(Filloux),

model of 1918 Plan view Traveling position, front view Traveling position, rear view 155-millimeter motor gun carriage (Christie), model of 1920:
Side elevation of mount in traveling position Rear view of mount in battery position Trench warfare materiel Trench warfare Arrangement of trenches
:

392 394 395 397 399

402 403
405 406 407

3-inch Stokes's trench mortar, Mortar in action

Mark

Front view of trench mortar Rear view of trench mortar__

6-inch trench mortar, Mark I Methods of installation of trench mortar Left side view of mortar
:

Method of loading trench mortar Rear view of mortar__

410 411 412 413

TABLE OF EQUIVALENTS.
1 mil
1 degree 1 meter (m) 1 centimeter 1 millimeter

3.37 minutes.
17.

777 mils.

39.37 inches.

(cm)

0.3937 inch.

(mm)

0.03937 inch.
2.2046 pounds. 0.3527 ounce.
15.432 grains. 1.05671 quarts (U. S.). 0.9463 liter.
2.54 centimeters.

1 kilogram (kg) 1 dekagram (dk) 1

gram

1 liter

1 quart (U. S.) 1 inch 1 foot

1

0.3048 meter. 0.9144 meter.

6.452 square centimeters.

yard

1 square inch 1 kilogram (kg) per square centimeter 1 cubic inch 1 cubic foot 1 cubic 1
1

14.223 pounds per square inch. 16.39 cubic centimeters.

0.02832 cubic meter.

0.7645 cubic meter.
28.35 grams. 0.4536 kilogram.

yard

ounce

pound
(14)

HISTORY AND DEVELOPiMENT OF ARTILLERY MATERIEL.

In taking up the study of artillery, the student should know something of its history, the development of guns and gun carriages, and the reasons for the various changes in ordnance materiel which have taken place from time to time. History shows that artillery development has gone steadily forward. Every military power has striven with the aid of its best engineers, designers, and manufacturers to produce a stronger weapon, either with or without a heavier projectile, but in every case striving for greater power. The sole use of a gun is to throw a projectile. The earliest projectile

was a stone thrown by the hand and arm of man

either in

an attack upon an enemy or upon a beast that was being hunted for food. In ancient times the man who could throw the heaviest stone the longest distance was the most powerfully armed. During the Biblical battle between David and Goliath, the arm of David was strengthened by a leather sling of a very simple construction. Much practice had given the youthful shepherd muscular strength and direction, and his stronger arm and straighter aim gave him power to overcome his more heavily armed adversary. From the earliest times man has felt the want of arms that would
kill at a distance, and the ingenuity of the talented has successively been taxed to produce such weapons. The effect of a stone or spear thrown by hand so often proved insufficient that at once a desire arose to assist the muscles by the aid of some mechanical force. The Its sling was probably the first weapon used for hurling missiles. invention is attributed to the Phoenicians or the inhabitants of the Balearic Isles, who were extremely expert in its manipulation. The sling was used for many centuries as a military weapon, and its last appearance was in the Huguenot War of 1572.

The bow was probably invented about the same time as the sling, and for many centuries was considered the most effective offensive weapon in warfare. Great skill was attained by the ancients in its use, and many accounts are to be found relative to the extraordinary force and precision with which an arrow might be projected. The long bow has always been the more universal weapons, the crossbow being a comparatively modern invention, and its use confined almost entirely to Europe. The crossbow was extensively used for sporting as well as military purposes, and it must have been 2 5516021 (15)

16
a crossbow that William Tell employed in his notable feat. The Genoese and Gascons were the most famous crossbow men in the

armies of Europe. The crossbow of the fourteenth

and

fifteenth centuries

sometimes made
sights
a

were with

affixed

to

them.

Some specimens

possessed

back sight having three or more peepholes, one over the other, which were evidently intended as guides
for elevation.

Projectile-throwing machines were developed after

the fashion of a crossbow

mounted

upon

small

carriage which was a hollowed usually trough open on top and upon which a stone was
laid. The thong of the crossbow was drawn by a powerful screw operated by

wooden

bow- arrangement when released a distance. This was an attempt

man power, and the crosswould throw a heavy stone quite by mechanical means to strengthen the stroke of the arm and increase the weight of the projectile. The
Bible states that King (809-757 B. C.)

ENGLISH ARCHER USING A LONG BOW.

Usia

placed types of artillery

on the walls of Jerusalem.

it

The Romans used

Punic Wars.
techsci-

in the

The Alexandrian
nicians established
entific rules for

the con-

struction of early weapons. Athenacus reports

Catapults

having a range of 656 meters and

that the gigantic siege

BALISTA AND CATAPULTA OF THE GREEKS.

tower at Rhodes successfully resisted stone projectiles weighing 176 pounds. The first use of guns or cannon as a medium for hurling projectiles

by means of gunpowder

is

buried in obscurity

we have knowledge

17
of Chinese using a form of gunpowder; not, however, for military parposes, but for pyrotechnics, at a period long before the Caucasians.
It is possible to trace back the invention of gunpowder to many centuries prior to the Christian era. Most writers upon this subject

seem agreed that it was known to the Chinese and Indians, but the descriptions given are so vague that it is difficult to make the various accounts coincide. The earliest mention we have of gunpowder is in the Gentoo Laws, where it is mentioned as applied to firearms. This particular code is believed to have been coeval with the time of Moses. Gunpowder has been known in India and China far beyond all periods of investigation. There are many ancient Indian and Chinese words signifying weapons of fire, "heaven's thunder," "devouring fire," "ball containing terrestrial fire," and such expressions.

The

ancient Indians

made great

use of

explosives,

including

gunpowder, in pyrotechnical displays. into Europe took place early in the Christian era; some believe it was brought by the Moors into Spain and others that it came through the Greeks at ConstantinoBoth may be correct, ple.
but
it

The introduction of powder

is

certain that

powARTILLERY OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

der or a substance

akin to

it,

was

closely used at the

siege of Constantinople in A. D. 668. The Arabs, or Saracens, are said to A. D. 690 at the siege of Mecca.

have used

it

in

The earliest mention of guns we have is that Seville was deiVided in 1247 by cannon throwing stones; Mibela in Spain, when lie.-eiged in 1259, was also defended by a machine resembling cannon; in 1273 Abou Yousof made use of cannon throwing stone balls at the siege of Sidgilmessa in 1308 Ferdinand IV of Castile, at the sit -<re of Gibraltar, employed guns (or Marquinas de Truenas) and in 1311 Ismail attacked Bazas, a town of Granada, with machines throwing balls of fire with a noise resembling thunder. These seem to confirm the opinion that the use of cannon and powder was
;
;

to the Arabs or Moors and introduced by them into Spain, from whence it spread over Europe. In the chronicle of the town of Ghent for 1313 it is stated that the town was possessed of a small cannon; and in the records of the Florentine Republic mention is made in the year 1325 of two

known

18
officers

being ordered to manufacture cannon and iron bullets for

the defense of the castles and villages belonging to the Republic, The first German cannon belonged to the town of Amberg and

bears the date of 1301.

The English appear

to

have imported

them from Flanders, for King Edward III in 1327 employed some Hainaulters who used them in his war with the Scotch. In 1331 cannon were used by the King ->f Granada against Alicante, in 1339 at the siege of Puy-Giull ort J, i,<\ in the same year a* the siege of Cambray by Edward II! n 1 '3*0 by Lequesnoy before Mirepoix, in 1345 before Monsegur, and in 1346 at Crecy; we have) many instances of cannon being used in the second half of the fourteenth century. About 1350 the North German knights had iron guns, and a little later the Free Hanse Towns armed themselves in the same way. In the year 1356 appear large amounts in the

ITALIAN CERBOTIAN OF THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY, MOUNTED ON SEMIPORTABLE CARRIAGE.

accounts of the town of Nuremberg as having been spent in purchasing cannon and guns; and in 1365 Duke Albert of Branden.

-erg

" with fire boxes." defended Einbeck very effectually The first records show that the Huns used artillery at the seige of

v/ividale, Italy, in 1331.

its

The material was,

of course, very crude, and

depended largely upon the smoke and noise produced. The barrels, or cannons, in those days were constructed of wood, wrapped with wire or iron bands, and the projectiles were of stone. These guns were not mobile guns in any sense they were transported with the utmost difficulty, and were subject to capture by sudden raids of the enemy. The British were the first to actually bring guns out into field
effectiveness at that time
;

to the

They appeared at the Battle of Crecy in 1346, much dismay of the enemy. They shot anything that would go into the barrels of the guns, even bundles of arrows. The ordnance
warfare.

19

department of Edward III consisted of 340 men, with but 12 artillerymen, showing that at that time not much attention was paid to what is now an indispensable arm of the service. In 1415 the num" master gunners " and 50 " servitour gunbers had increased to 25 ners." The gunner was the gun captain and had general charge In action stores. he laid the piece and did the actual
firing.

The

early

can-

non of Europe were known by various names in

the different countries.

In Italy they were known

as

THE

"

MONS MEG
4

"

OF EDINBURGH CASTLE.
bullet

(Weighing near

tons,

and shooting a stone

350 pounds.)

weighing

" a bombo probably derived from

bombardes,

et

ardore " on account of the

great noise which the firing of them occasioned. The French called them " quenon " or " cannon," the Germans " buchsen " or " boxes."

and the Netherlander " vogheleer " or " veugliares." Besides these terms there were many others applied to the various models, but it was not until the beginning of the fifteenth century that cannon were classified and named
according
size.

to

their

Cannon were not

adopted or manufactured in France until

1338,

and

even

for

many
looked

years

after-

wards the
upon
as

French
those

nations who
them The
GERMAN BREECH LOADING CANNON OF THE TEENTH CENTURY.
SIX-

used

barbarians.

early

cannon

6 T 6

made

of

WTOUght,

not Cast

metal, the first account we haye of cast cannon being in 1378. when a founder named Aran, at Augsberg, in Germany, cast 30 of
a metal composed of copper and tin. In 1413 Mahomed II, at the The bore siege of Constantinople, had an enormous cast cannon.
is

said to have been 48 inches in diameter and the stone bullet to have weighed 600 pounds.

20

21

The greatest example of artillery in the fifteenth century was at the siege of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453. They used a type of mortar that hurled huge stones, some weighing TOO pounds. Some
of these guns survived to engage the British in 1807. The majority of artillery at that date was for siege work. In the Italian wars waged by Charles VIII of France artillery

However they lacked the necessary played a conspicuous part. and consequently were captured and recaptured several mobility At that, artillery had done some times in a single engagement. excellent work before small arms had attained any prominence. Although field artillery was introduced in the Hussite Wars. 1410
to 1424,
it

was not

until the Thirty Years'

War

that they really dis-

played a mobile nature.

The French had invented the

it

limber, and the connection between

and the gun was made with a

trail

rope.

The first gun that was moved by horsepower was mounted on an

oblong frame, the gunner sitting directly behind the piece. The forepart of the oblong

was mounted on two and the rear end was supported by the horse which was
wheels
SOLDIER FIRING A MORTAR AND BOMBSHELL REQUIRING DOUBLE IGNITION.
of the oblong frame. The majority of the guns were 4had been, devised for 'the proper transinside

pounders. for as yet no way portation of the heavier guns.

The ancient carriages were remarkable because of the fact that in general design they embodied the same principles which are included in the field carriages of to-day. One example from the
shows a breech-loading gun mounted in a cradle supported by trunnions on the forward extension of the trail over the
fifteenth century
axle.

cradle was elevated by a pin-and-arc arrangement, supported on the trail. The axle, supported by wheels, passes through the trail to the rear of and below the cradle trunnion support and in front of the point of attachment of the elevating arc. Field guns fell into disuse about 1525 with the introduction of

The

musketry, and remained so until 1631, when Gustavus Adolphus gave artillery its true position on the battle field.

22

23

Swedish artillery reigned supreme in the early part of the seventeenth century. Gustavus introduced marked changes by making the guns and the carriages lighter and handier his motto was mobility

and rapidity of fire. About the middle of the eighteenth century, guns were either 24. 12, 6, or 3 pounders; the units were divided into brigades of 4, 5, and 6 guns, respectively, and began to be separated into heavy and light units. Each field gun was drawn by four horses with a cannoneer on each of the lead horses. The ammunition carried was 100
rounds of solid shot.

BESIEGING A FORTIFIED CASTLE, SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

was not of any great use in the field until along in the eighteenth century, at which time guns were lightened, particularly so in France powder was gradually compounded on better recipes, gun metal was improved, paper and linen cartridges were introduced, gun carriages were provided with an aiming wedge, and many new styles of guns and mortars, and for which ammunition was invented. Science lent its aid to practical men and not only exhausted chemical ingenuity in preparing powder and metal, but mathematical formulae were evolved for the artilleryman, and the value of ricochet firing was discovered. The howitzer necessary for high angle fire put in its appearance in 1785, being introduced by the French Army. Horse artillery appeared in the French Army in 1791. In 1800 the horses were paired off, with a driver on each near horse, as is done to-day. In 1808, at Vimera, the first case shot came into use, its invention being
Artillery
;

credited to an English colonel

by the name of Shrapnel.

It later

24
became known as shrapnel. The type of case shot used by Napoleon had a fuze that could be used for two different ranges. Napoleon also introduced the idea of massing artillery along a long front. Field artillery next began to appear in the form in which it was to retain, with but a few changes, until the era of the modern field

The cradle disappeared, muzzle-loading guns cast with trunnions taking its place, and a stepped wedge resting on the trail superseded the pin and arc. With the exception of the gun, most
carriage.

parts of these carriages were

1870,

of wood, and

remained so until

when metal

guns had and the

into general use. Muzzle loading breech-loaders because of the poor obturation supplanted many accidents resulting from use of the latter type.

carriages came

Although numerous experiments were made, breech-loading guns did not come into vogue again until 1850, when the experiments of Maj. Cavalli (1845), the Walnendorff gun (1846), and the Armstrong gun (1845) produced satisfactory types. Between 1860 and 1870 rifling appeared. This caused sighting to -be given greater consideration, as a rifled gun shoots very accurately.
rifled

During our Civil War the smoothbore was generally used, although guns had made their appearance toward the close of the conflict. Direct laying was the only method of fire employed at this

time.

The period from 1880 to in gun construction which

the present has brought about changes possibly have been equaled in impor-

tance to artillery only by the present change which is taking place due to the development of motor transportation and self-propel-

In this period, in rapid succession, came ling motor carriages. the modern breech block, and with it the rapid-firing gun. This called for a recoil mechanism system to break the force of recoil
of the gun and restore it to its firing position without seriously disturbing the lay of the piece. The possibilities of rapid and more accurate fire were perfected. In 1886 came the invention and use of Previous to this time the great amount of smokeless powder.

smoke produced by the black powder when the piece was

fired

retarded the rapidity of fire, because it enveloped the materiel in a cloud of smoke which obscured the target and made it impossible
to fire again until the

smoke had blown away.

also

The advent of smokeless powder

made

possible the selection

of concealed positions. This in turn made indirect fire feasible and necessitated the development of better sights. Indirect fire gave to
the
to

the use of

commanders of firing units a greater control over their fire. With modern recoil mechanisms, the cannoneers were permitted serve the piece continuously, a condition which was impossible with

25
Shields were next introduced on guns to the recoiling carriage. the personnel and make it more difficult to put the piece out of protect

commission.

The recent great struggle in Europe has brought about conditions and problems which, heretofore, have never existed in warfare. To meet these, sweeping changes have been made in almost every arm of the service, but probably the greatest and most radical change
has been the motorization of the artillery. Heretofore, successful advances by the troops were limited to'comparatively short distances, due to the impossibility of advancing artillery, ammunition, and supplies over ground which is often muddy, full of shell holes, and otherwise difficult to travel over with enough rapidity to keep up with the advancing infantry troops.

The problem

of transporting

army equipment

in the field led to

the introduction of tractors and motor trucks.

The development of
lery,

the caterpillar tractor for hauling field artil-

which

is

able to
led

the battle

field,

maneuver over almost any kind of terrain on to the question of the possibility of mounting

guns directly on a self-propelled vehicle equipped with caterpillar treads. Early in 1918 an 8-inch howitzer was mounted on a selfpropelled carriage and was fired at angles of elevation varying from with very satisfactory results. This experimental caterto 45 was tested, and it was found to be practical, easy to maneuver, pillar and able to withstand the firing strain of the howitzer. As a result of this test, several types of experimental self-propelled motor carriages have been manufactured, with armaments varying from 7-V
i>

millimeter guns to 240-millimeter howitzers.

ARTILLERY.
come to mean all firearms not carried or used by hand. machine guns. Artillery is divided into two general classiexcepting fications Artillery of position and mobile artillery. Artillery of position is that which is permanently mounted in
Artillery has
:

fortifications.

Mobile artillery consists of two classes: First, the artillery designed to accompany an arm in the field; second, railway artillery, which requires tracks for its transportation. The first type only
is

discussed in this book.

MOBILE ARTILLERY.
In designing any gun intended for use in the field, there are two important requirements power and mobility. Granting that a general type of gun has been decided upon, it is evident that any increase in either of these two factors is at the expense of the other.
keeping in mind the specific purpose of the gun under consideration. We thus find it necessary to have several distinct classes of guns, ranging from the very powerful and almost immobile, to the very mobile and comparatively weak. The general classification is Heavy field, light field, mountain
It is necessary to balance the two,
:

guns or pack howitzers, trench mortars, and infantry accompanying guns and howitzers. Besides the classification, based upon power, there is another, based upon the shape of the trajectory. For the attack of targets that can be reached by it, flat trajectory fire is preferred on account of its power and accuracy. Cases frequently arise, however, where such fire is useless, either the gun or its target being so concealed and
sheltered by intrenchments or the nature of the terrain that higher

angles of departure and fall become necessary. To provide for both cases, there are two or three types of weapon the long gun for flat trajectory, the shorter howitzer for curved
trajectory,
fire.

and sometimes the still shorter mortar for high-angle thus subdivide our original classes and distinguish, for example, the light field howitzer, the heavy field gun, etc. Evidently the number of separate calibers that might be adopted to

We

make up

to reduce this

a complete series of types is very large. But it is important number to a minimum, both from considerations of
also to avoid complication in
(26)

economy and

ammunition

supplies.

27

Guns were ordinarily intended for attacking targets that could be reached by direct fire; that is, by fire at angles of elevation not exceeding about 15. For the attack of targets that are protected
against direct
direct fire
fire

and for use

in positions that are so sheltered that

fire

can not be utilized, curved

that

is, fire

at elevations

is necessary. The howitzer, a short gun designed exceeding 15 to fire at comparatively large angles of elevation, is therefore provided.

Field guns are now designed which permit fire at elevations as high as or higher than is permitted by the howitzers. This is particularly true of antiaircraft guns and those designed for use against entrenched positions. This development is an improvement in the
effectiveness of the field gun, but it will not eliminate the use of howitzers of equal mobility, as the latter use projectiles of much greater weight than those of gun materiel of the same caliber.

The original American plan of field artillery design provided for each caliber of gun, a howitzer of equal degree of mobility. In furtherance of this idea and to reduce to a minimum the number of calibers of mobile artillery, and thus simplify as far as possible the supply of ammunition, the calibers of the guns and howitzers were so selected that, while both guns and howitzers fulfilled the requirements as to weight and power for each degree of mobility, the caliber of each was the same as that of the gun of the next lower degree of mobility. That is, the howitzer corresponding in mobility to one of the guns is of the same caliber as the next heaviest gun. The recent
developments in American
artillery, as well as the introduction of

artillery of foreign design into the this principle.

American

service,

have sustained

conditions the 3-inch field gun with its weight of about 3.900 pounds behind a six-horse team, is about as powerful a gun as can follow an army in motion. For this reason, a gun of ap-

Under ordinary

proximately this caliber has been adopted by most nations as the

principal field gun. The artillery of all military powers now comprises what are known " " " as rapid-fire or " quick-firing guns. This designation is too firmly
established to be changed, although it can not be considered as accurately descriptive since rapidity of fire is characteristic of nearly all

modern
that
its

types. The real distinguishing mark of a rapid-fire gun is carriage does not move materially in firing instead, the gun recoils on the carriage and is returned to the firing position by springs
;

or their equivalent.

There are a number of other features, some of which are found in all rapid-fire models; but these are of secondary significance and either old ideas which could not be worked out
practically before the development of the gun-recoil carriage or else improvements developed since in the effort to get the best results out

28
of
it.

For example,

it is

useless to attach shields to a rigid carriage,

cannoneers have to stand clear to avoid the recoil, they can not take advantage of them. Mechanism for traversing the piece on its carriage is unnecessary with the rigid system, but becomes necessary as soon as we adopt a carriage that remains more or less firmly anchored to the ground. Fixed ammunition and instruments for indirect laying are not essentially a part of either a rigid or a gun-recoil system: they are sometimes used with the former and occasionally, but rarely, omitted from the latter but they have their full value only in rapid-fire material. Our mobile artillery is divided into the following classes: (a) Divisional artillery; such as, the 3-inch and 75-millimeter
for, since the
;

guns and 105-millimeter howitzers.

to be used as a substitute.)
(?>)

(The 155-millimeter howit/i-r

guns and 155-millimeter

Corps

artillery; such as, the 4.7-inch

howitzers.
(c)

Army

240-millimeter howitzers.
to

artillery; such as. the 155-millimeter guns, 8-inch and Any caliber may, if required, be assigned

army
(d)

artillery.

Mountain or pack materiel transported on the backs of mules. For mountain service the system composed of gun and carriage must be capable of rapid dismantling into parts, none of which forms too
heavy a load for a pack mule. The weight of the load including the saddle and equipment should not exceed 350 pounds. The mountain gun in our service is the 2.95-inch. (e) Infantry accompanying guns; such as, the 37-millimeter.
(/)

Trench mortars.

Carriages are designed to function in a certain way and are not temperamental. They follow absolutely and certainly fixed mechanIf they fail rtere is always a reason which can be ical laws. remedied. Certain parts are jgiven certain shapes and forms, and are

machined

to fine adjustments;\herefore in taking

down and assem-

bling artillery materiel brains *id dexterity are the tools to use rather than force and sledge hammers. Treat these guns as you would a friend whom you know you can depend on. They will not
fail you.

CANNONS.
THEIR FUNCTIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.

"A cannon is a machine by which the force of expanding gas is used for the purpose of propelling a projectile in a definite direction.'* A cannon consists of a metal tube, closed at one end, and of sufficient strength to resist the pressure of the gases of explosion. The force of the expanding gases acting on the base of a projectile
is

placed in the cannon causes it to start on its flight. When the charge ignited, the explosion or rapid combustion of the powder gives rise to a large amount of gas, which tends to expand and to occupy a

space greater than that in which the powder was originally contained; consequently, it exerts a pressure in all directions, and the energy developed is utilized in forcing the projectile from the tube.

The major portion of the energy is distributed as follows (a) Energy of translation of the projectile. (ft) Energy of rotation of the projectile. (c) Energy of translation, in recoil, of the gun. (d) Energy of translation of the unburnt charge and gases. (e) Energy consumed in overcoming the passive resistance of the
:

projectile.

This resistance arises from the friction of the projectile

against the walls of the bore, and of the rotating band against the driving edges of the lands. In the first stages, it also arises from the
cutting of grooves in the rotating band by the lands. The balance of the energy is expended by being lost as heat to the

gun and that which remains

in the gas as sensible or latent heat.

In the cannon, the space in which the powder is burning has a fixed capacity until sufficient force has been developed to start the

When the projectile begins to move, the capacity of the container begins to increase, and this increase tends to decrease gas the expansive force of the gas. Thus the progressive explosion of
projectile.

the powder, by increasing the amount of gas in the container, is increasing the expansive force, while at the same time the increase
in the size of the container

decreasing the expansive force. If the effects of these two opposing factors could be maintained equal in value from the time the projectile starts to move until it leaves the muzzle of the cannon, it would then be possible so to regulate the
is

powder charge that the force developed would rise to the maximum pressure safe for the cannon when the projectile starts to move, and would then remain constant until the projectile leaves the muzzle. This would be the ideal progressive explosion, for since the maximum
(29)

30
allowable pressure would be exerted upon the projectile during its entire path while in the bore, the maximum possible initial velocity for the projectile and cannon considered would be developed.

cannon may be considered as a tube destined

to

withstand a

given pressure from within, throwing a projectile which shall produce certain effects at given distances. In constructing such a tube we must first consider what pressures it will have to withstand at the various points of its length, and then make it strong enough to insure perfect safety. Not only must the gun be sufficiently strong,

but
its

it

shall be

must not be too heavy; so it is important that the material arranged in such a manner that there may be no waste of

own

strength in fact, so arranged that every part shall perform its share in withstanding the pressure from within. Shortly after

the shot begins to move the pressure inside the gun decreases, and continues to decrease as the projectile approaches the muzzle; for this reason the piece is made stronger at the powder chamber than

toward the muzzle end.

Looking simply to the construction of a gun cylinder, we find that the two principal stresses to which such a cylinder is subjected upon the explosion of a charge are, first, a circumferential or tangential
coupled with a radial stress, tending to split the open longitudinally; second, a longitudinal stress tending to gun
stress or tension,

pull the
It

gun apart

in the direction of its length.

may be readily understood that during the travel of the projectile through the bore of the gun, from the instant of ignition of the
has left the muzzle, tremendous stresses are set up In the earlier days of ordnance construction these stresses were met by sheer weight of metal, but as the weight of projectiles increased, with consequent increase in powder charges, this weight of metal became so great as to impede the desired mobility of the material. Consequently forgings of refined and alloyed
charge until
it

in the tube.

steels
steels.

took the place of the castings or forgings of iron or simple

As explosives increased in power the plain tube, even though built of alloyed steels, became incapable of containing the chamber pressures, even though of excessive weight. This problem was finally
met through the construction of built-up and wire- wrapped guns. A built-up gun is one in which the principal parts are separately constructed and then united in a peculiar manner; and guns so constructed may be composed of different kinds of metal or of the same
kind of metal throughout.

On
wire,

the wire-wound
steel.

inner tube of

gun the wire is wound in layers around an Each layer is wound with a tension on the
is

and each exerts a compression on the layer which

beneath

it.

31

The
all

result is that

when completed

gradually diminishing to the inner layers,

within the elastic limit.
consists of a

the outer layers are in extension, which are in compression,

helical grooves cut in the sur-

RIFLING

number of

soft metal of the rotating band of the projectile is forced into these grooves and causes the projectile to take up

face of the bore.

The

passes through the bore. Rotation of the projectile around its longer axis is necessary for By twist of rifling is meant the inclination of one stability in flight.
it

the motion of rotation as

of the grooves to the element of the bore at any point.

Rifling

is

of

two kinds
(a)

Uniform

twist, or that in

which the twist

is

constant through-

out the bore.

(>) Increasing twist, or that in which the twist increases from the breech toward the muzzle end of the bore.

object of rifling is to impart to the shell a rapid rotation axis and thus give it the powers of a gyroscope. These powers resist any deflection of the shell's longitudinal axis. If it

The

about

its

were not thus given gyroscopic properties, with great power to

resist deflecting influences, inaccuracies

would

result.

Rotation is obtained by rifling in the bore of the gun and a soft metal (copper) rotating band on the body of the shell. This band is forced into the grooves as soon as the shell starts from the origin
of rifling. The rotating band follows the grooves, and as these are spiral, the shell is rotated as it travels the bore.

The grooves of rifling are spirals. The pitch of the rifling, or the inclination of grooves to axis of bore, is called twist. It is
usually designated twist the projectile

by one turn in so many calibers. With uniform must take its rotation the instant it starts, whereas

with increasing twist the rotation may be impaired gradually. With increasing twist there appears the disadvantage that on account of the constantly changing angle it is hard to preserve gas tightness between the rotating band and the grooves. A rifled cannon is so called on account of the spiral grooves which are cut into the surface of the bore, and into which the soft metal of the rotating band on the projectile is forced, thus imparting to the projectile a motion of rotation. The spaces between grooves
are called lands.
is the diameter across the tops of the opposite the cylindrical hole in the gun extending from breech face to muzzle face of the tube. That part of the bore from

The

caliber of a

gun

lands.

The bore

is

the breech plug, when closed, to the point where rifling begins is called the powder chamber. Its capacity is the total cubical contents from plug face to base of projectile, when the latter is " seated " in

5516021

32
position for firing. for some distance.

The

rear part of the chamber

is

cylindrical

This cylinder merges into "the slope of the an easy slope, which in turn merges into the " compowder chamber," pression slope," which ends in the "seat of rifling"; that is, the rear end of the rifled cylinder. When a shell is in position for firing,
its

rotating band takes the seat of rifling.

Initial velocity. By initial or muzzle velocity is meant the rate of travel in feet per second at which a projectile leaves the muzzle
its application to practical problems, however, we usually take as the initial velocity the maximum velocity attained by the projectile. This is acquired, not strictly at the muzzle, but a

of a cannon.

In

short distance beyond it for so long as the projectile is in the powder blast the force of the expanding gases continues to a limited extent to act upon it, and so long as this force is greater than the retarding
;

force of the air, the velocity of the projectile is increased. Density of loading. The density of loading is the ratio of the

weight of the powder charge to the weight of a volume .of distilled

water, at the temperature of

maximum

density, that will

fill

the

powder chamber.
This ratio expresses the weight of powder per unit volume of the powder chamber, in terms of the weight of a unit volume of water. The force developed by the explosion of powder in a container depends both upon the amount of powder and upon the size of the container; that is, it depends upon the amount of powder per unit volume of the container, or in other words upon the density of loadThe density of loading, therefore, has a direct and important ing. bearing upon the initial velocity, and in order that it may be determinable and constant in practice under any given set of conditions,
it is

important to keep constant the

size of the container.

It is con-

sequently essential that projectiles always be well seated, so that in any particular piece, the base will always be the same distance from
the face of the breech.
Ignition, inflammation and combustion. By ignition is meant setting fire to the charge ; by inflammation, the spread of flame over the surface of each grain and from grain to grain of the charge; and by combustion, the burning of the inflammed grain from the

surface of ignition inward, or outward, or both, according to the form of the grain. It is desirable to produce as nearly as possible

a simultaneous ignition of all the powder grains of the charge, in order that inflammation and combustion be as nearly uniform as
possible, thus eliminating variations in the rate of emission of gas and consequent differences in force developed at any elapsed time

a"ter the first particle of a charge has been ignited. For this reason, in the larger charges an igniting charge of black powder is attached to each end of each section of a powder charge, and a core of black

33

powder

is

the igniting charge charge, and the core

extended from end to end as well. In the smaller charges, is attached to one end only of the propelling
is

omitted.

Size and shape of the powder grain. The force or pressure developed at any instant of an explosion depends upon the amount of gas that has been evolved. This depends upon the rate of combustion,

and the area of the burning surface. Therefore the size and shape of the grain have an important bearing upon the initial

velocity. As a rule, the larger the grain the less will be the area of burning surface per pound of powder, and the slower will be the rate of

emission of gas for the same rate of burning for any given charge. The rate of production of gas at any instant depends upon the area of the burning surface at that instant, which, in turn depends not

only upon the size but also upon the shape of the grain. Any change in this area as combustion progresses produces a corresponding

In a nonperf orated grain of any shape, as the rate. outer layers are consumed, the area of burning surface decreases, thus tending to decrease the rate of gas production. This decrease, comchange in the
bined with the increase in size of container after the projectile starts to move, will cause the pressure to start decreasing after having reached a maximum, thus allowing the initial velocity to fall below that which would be attained could the pressure be maintained at its

maximum.

Hence, to keep .the burning surface from decreasing, perforated grains are employed, which are consumed by combustion progressing outward from the inner surfaces of the perforations, as well as inward from the exterior surfaces of the grain. Thus while the exterior burning surfaces are decreasing as combustion progresses, the surfaces of the perforations are increasing, and the

total

the

maintained nearly constant. In this way is more nearly approached. A BREECH MECHANISM, or fermeture, is a mechanical device for closing the rear end of the chamber or bore of a breech-loading gun. The term includes the breechblock or plug, all mechanism contained in or with it, and the necessary operating gear. The following may be said to be the principal requirements for a successful

burning surface

is

maximum

explosive effect

breech mechanism
Safety,

Ease and rapidity of working, Not easily put out of order, Ease of repair,
Interchangeability.

The breech mechanism comprises the

breechblock,

the

firing

mechanism, and the mechanism for the insertion and withdrawal of the block. There are two general methods of closing the breech. In the first method the block is inserted from the rear. The block

34
is provided with screw threads on its outer surface which engage in corresponding threads in the breech of the gun. In order to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the block the threads on the

block and breech are interrupted. The surface of the block is number of sectors, and the threads of the alternate sectors are cut away. Similarly, the threads in the breech are cut away from those sectors opposite the threaded sectors on

divided into an even

the block.

seat in the gun,

The block may then be rapidly inserted nearly to its and when turned through a comparatively small

arc, say one-eighth or one-twelfth of a circle, depending upon the number of sectors into which the block is divided, the threads on the

block and in the breech are fully engaged and the block is locked. In the second method a wedge-shaped block is seated in a slot cut in the breech of the gun at right angles to the bore, and slides
in the slot to close or

open the breech. two methods will be noted in the detailed of the guns which follow. descriptions The most notable variation from the above two types is the NorVariations of these

denfeld type of breech mechanism, a rotating block construction found on the French 37-millimeter and 75-millimeter guns, described more fully and illustrated in the description of these guns. The breechblock is usually supported in the jacket of the gun or in a breech ring screwed into the jacket. The seat in the jacket the being of greater diameter than could be provided in the tube, threads on the block is increased and bearing surface of the screw

be diminished. The slotted screw breechblock is used to a great extent in our service. Its advantages are uniform distribution in the gun of the and lightness longitudinal stress produced by the powder pressure of the breech end of the gun. In the permitted in the construction model of 1917, 3-inch antiaircraft gun, however, and in the American 75-millimeter gun, the sliding block operating vertically has been for adopted for the reason that it permits of simpler mechanism
the length of the block

may

semiautomatic operations.

INTERIOR BALLISTICS
tile

treats of the

motion of the projec-

while still in the bore of the gun. of combustion of the powder, the pressure developed, and the of the gun. velocity of the projectile along the bore

It includes the study of the

mode

MOUNTS FOR MOBILE ARTILLERY.

A

modern gun carriage is expected to stand steady on firing, so that in the first place it requires no running up, and in the second place it maintains the direction of the gun so that only a slight corand direction is required after each round. The maintained in position by the spade, which sinks into the ground, and by the friction of the wheels upon the ground. If the force of the recoiling gun were communicated directly to the anchored
rection in elevation

carriage

is

carriage the effect would be to make it jump violently, which would not only disturb the lay, but would prevent the cannoneers from maintaining their position. The hydraulic recoil brake is therefore

interposed between gun and carriage. If the gun were rigidly attached to the carriage, the latter would be forced back a short distance at each round, and the whole of the

energy would have to be absorbed in that short motion. Ingun alone is allowed to recoil several feet on the carriage and although the recoil energy is in this case greater than it would be if gun and carriage recoiled together, yet it is so gradrecoil

stead of this, the

ually communicated to the carriage that instead of a violent jerk we have a steady, uniform pull, the only effect of which is to slightly

compress the earth behind the spade. In a well-designed carriage the amount of this pull should not greatly exceed that required to lift the wheels off the ground by rotating the carriage about the spade and must be less if complete stability is required. The only motion of the carriage which takes place is that due to the elastic bending and rebound of its parts under the strain set up in discharge. These strains are inevitable since the direction of recoil can not be always exactly in the line of the resistance of the earth behind the spade. This movement of the axis is known as " " jump and must be determined by experiment for the individual
piece in its particular construction.

mounting as

it is

affected

by many features of

The principal parts of the typical gun carriage are the recuperator ; the top carriage; the trail; the wheels and axle. The gun slides in recoil on the upper surface of the recuperator which contains the
recoil controlling parts.

so

In the design of the carriage the constructional difficulty lies not much in preventing the carriage from recoiling, but in preventing
(85)

36
the wheels from rising off the ground at the shock of discharge. force of the recoil of the gun tends to turn the carriage over backwards about the point of the trail or center of the spade. This force is resisted by the weight of the gun and carriage, which tends to keep the wheels on the ground. The leverage with which the overturning force acts varies with the distance of its line of
action above the center of pressure on the spade; the leverage with acts varies with the horizontal distance of the center of gravity of the gun and carriage from the center of

The

which the restraining force

pressure on the float. It follows that the steadiness of the carriage for a given muzzle energy may be promoted by four factors
:

(a) Increasing the weight of the

gun and

recoiling parts.

This

reduces the energy of recoil. (&) Increasing the length of recoil allowed.

This reduces the

overturning pull.

Keeping the gun as low as possible, either by reducing the height of the wheels or by cranking the axle downwards. This
(<?)

reduces the leverage of the overturning force. (d) Increasing the length of the trail. This increases the leverage of the steadying force.

The well-designed gun carriage is one that combines these factors in a practical way, so as to give the greatest possible stability to the carriage, at the same time keeping within the limits of weight
imposed by the necessity of mobility.

Gun

carriages are so constructed as to permit

movement of the

piece in either a vertical or horizontal plane. These motions may be simultaneous if so desired, and by a proper combination of the

two motions, the axis of a gun may be aligned in any desired direction within the limits of motion of its mount. The two kinds of motion are designated as follows: Rotation of the piece about a
vertical
axis,
is

its

the piece in a vertical changed, traversing the horizontal projection of the axis of its bore remaining plane,
called
;

inclination with " "

"

the horizontal

remaining un-

movement of

unchanged,

elevating." carriages are provided with mechanisms for giving the pieces accurately controlled motion in both azimuth and elevation. Two

is

called

Gun

types of elevating mechanisms are" in common use. The first is the This gives a considerable length of screw for a telescopic screw. short assembled length and permits rapidity of action (since the movement of the inner screw is equal to the sum of the pitches of the outer and inner screw for each turn of the pinion), combined

with the nicety of adjustment of a single screw of fine pitch. In the second type, the motion is communicated to rockers attached to the bottom of the cradle, through the engagement of worms or pinions, with teeth cut on the circumference of the rockers.

37
This method
is

in use

on

all

howitzers and a great

many
fitted

guns.

It allows for a very high angle of elevation,

and when

with a

quick-loading gear, allows for the rapid placing of the piece in loading position after firing. Movement of the gun in azimuth is accomplished in several ways one is to pivot the cradle of the gun in a saddle which itself pivots on a horizontal transom of the trail. Another is to mount the gun and elevating gear on some form of top carriage, and pivot this top carriage over the axle. Still another is to traverse the whole
;

piece along the axle, pivoting on the spade. This is a method used by the French in some of their designs. It has the disadvantage of

allowing only for a small angle of traverse. The above principles of design are, of course, modified considerably in the case of semipermanent mounts which fire from platforms and for antiaircraft guns which have special mountings suited to
their special use.

RECOIL MECHANISMS.
RECOIL BRAKES AND METHODS OF COUNTERRECOIL.

The stresses to which a gun carriage is subjected are due to the action of the expanding powder gases on the piece. Gun carriages are constructed either to hold the piece without recoil or to limit the In the first case the maxirecoil to a certain convenient length.

mum

stress on the carriage is readily deduced from the maximum pressure in the gun. In the second case it becomes necessary to determine all the circumstances of recoil in order that the force

acting at each instant

may

be

known and

designed to withstand this force

desired length. Assume the gun to be so

and to absorb the

the parts of the carriage recoil in the

it may recoil horizontally of the charge, the parts of explosion the system acted upon by the powder gases are: the gun, the projectile, and the powder charge itself, the latter including at any

mounted that

and without

resistance.

On

instant both the unburned and the gaseous portion. While the projectile is in the bore, if we neglect the resistance of the air, none of the energy of the powder gases is expended outside the system.

The

center of gravity of the system is therefore fixed and the sum of the quantities of motion in the different parts is zero. The movement of the powder gases will be principally in the direction of the The weight of the gun, projectile, and charge being projectile.

known, the complete

of free recoil

relations between the velocity, time,

and length

may

be established by formula.

Thus far we have neglected all resistances and have considered the movement of the gun in recoil as unopposed. However, when the gun is mounted on a carriage the recoil brakes, of whatever
character, begin to act as soon as .recoil begins, and consequently the velocity of recoil is less at each instant of travel than when

unopposed. It is evident that the higher the resistance offered by the recoil brakes the shorter will be the total length of recoil. A
little

consideration will

show that

if the total resistance to recoil is

made

constant throughout, its value will be less than the maximum value of a variable total resistance which will stop the gun in the

same length of

recoil.

For a given length of

recoil, the

constant

resistance will therefore produce less strain in the carriage, and for this reason is usually adopted, except where stability can be increased

by using a variable

pull.
(38)

39
system of a gun carriage consists of a recoil brake for controlling the recoil and limiting its length, a counterrecoil mechanism for returning the gun to the firing position and keeping it there, and a counterrecoil brake or buffer to soften the shock as

The

recoil

the gun runs into the firing position. Recoil brakes of the friction type were formerly used. Pneumatic brakes were also used to some extent. Both of these types have now

been entirely superseded by the hydraulic recoil brake. A hydraulic recoil brake consists of a cylinder, filled with liquid, and a piston. Relative movement is given to the cylinder and piston

by the

recoil, and provision is made for the passage of the liquid from one side of the head of the piston

by apertures cut into the piston or in the walls of the The power of the brake cylinder.
to the other,
lies

P'
FIG. A.

produced in the cylinder by the resistance the liquid to motion through the apertures. If the area by of the apertures is constant, it is evident that the resistance to
in the pressure

offered

flow will be greater as the velocity of the piston or the velocity of recoil is greater. Therefore, the pressure in the cylinder, which measures the hydraulic resistance offered, will vary with the different

values of the velocity of recoil. If, however, the apertures are constructed in such a manner that the area of aperture increases when

the velocity of the piston increases,

and diminishes when that

-P

velocity di-

~7

FF
FIG. B.

minishes, the variation in the area of aperture may be so regulated that the

pressure in the cylinder will be constant, or will vary in such a manner

it

to

as to keep the total resistance to recoil constant, or vary in any manner desired.

may

be made

In figure is shown one type of hydraulic brake. It consists of a cylinder on the inner surface of which are formed bars of varying cross sections, called throttling bars (T), piston (p), and piston rod. Either the piston rod is secured to the carriage, the
cylinder moving to the rear with the gun, or the cylinder is secured to the carriage, the piston moving to the rear with the gun. Through the piston head are cut slots or apertures through which the liquid is forced from one side of the piston to the other as the

cylinder or piston moves in recoil. Each slot has the dimensions of the maximum section of the throttling bar with just enough clear-

ance to permit operation. The area of orifice open for the flow of liquid at any position of the piston is therefore equal to the area of

40
the slots minus the area of cross section of the throttling bar, and is so determined that the resistance to the flow of the liquid, or the
pressure in the cylinder, is made constant or variable, as desired. In another type of hydraulic brake the throttling bars are not
used, but the varying apertures are obtained by cutting grooves of varying width or depth on the interior of the cylinder.

represents another method of varying the throttling piston (P) is held rigidly from turning and the valve grooves. is rotated by means of a spiral groove cut in the cylinder walls, (V)

Figure

The

in which lugs on the valve slide during recoil, thus rotating the valve and varying the size of the openings through the valve and piston. This method is used to a considerable extent in British design.

Figure C illustrates a method of central throttling. The throttling rod (R) has a varying diameter; this causes the amount of liquid, which flows between it and the hole in the piston (P), to vary in the manner necessary for correct throttling. This method is used in

some French designs.

Counterrecoil, or the return of the gun to battery after completion of the recoil, may be effected by springs or by compressed air cylinders; the latter, in connection with

the recoil brake, forming the hydro-

pneumatic

recoil system.

The spring method

counterrecoil

of effecting

may be used in all gun FIG. C. on which the gun recoils carriages in the direction of its axis. These include pedestal mounts, barbette carriages, turret mounts, and all wheeled carriages illustrated by figures F and G. In the smaller carriages of these types the springs, initially compressed to the desired amount, may be placed between the piston and the rear end of the hydraulic brake cylinder, which is lengthened for that purpose. In some carriages of this type the hydraulic brake cylinder moves with the gun in recoil, the piston being stationary. In such constructions the springs are usually placed around the hydraulic brake
and are compressed between a flange on that cylinder in front and some fixed part of the carriage in the rear. In larger carriages the springs are arranged in separate cylinders with pistons of their own, two to four of these spring cylinders being
cylinder,

F and G. shows a spring counterrecoil mechanism (spring recuFigure perator) consisting of two concentric columns of springs. It is sometimes necessary to use telescopic springs as shown in figure E, when a single column would not permit sufficient recoil.
required, see figures

41

These and other arrangements of counterrecoil springs will be further discussed in the description of the carriages to which tney
pertain.

Compressed gas (either air or nitrogen) is now very generally used to effect counterrecoil. Figures H, J, K, and L are diagrams of two designs of hydropneumatic recuperators.

42

The type of recuperator shown in figures and is similar in operation to that of figures and J, but in the latter design the oil is separated from the gas by the floating piston (FP).

FIG.

IN-BA-rTETRV

OR

F"IRIINQ

f=>OSmorS

FLOATING PISTON

FIG.

E/NP OF" RETCOIL-

MVPRO-PrSETUMAT-IC REICOIL-

WITH

F-t-O/VTlMCS F^lS-rOTH

SVSTEM

RG.

IN-BATTETRV OR

posmofN

AIR
ruuio

FIG.

HVDRO- PNEUMATIC RECOIL- SVST'EIN'I WITH IM PiREicrr corsTAOT WITH THE: >AIR
The hydropneumatic recuperator
(or counterrecoil

FT_UIP

mechanism)
be combined

may be separated from the recoil brake or the two in one unit.

may

.43

principal advantages of air cylinders over spring cylinders for counterrecoil are the reduction in weight and longer life. These

The

advantages are especially important in long-recoil field guns or howitzers designed to be fired at high angles of elevation. If springs are used the columns are long and heavy, being liable to breakage while if air cylinders are used, the additional pressure needed when the guns are fired at high angles of elevation can be obtained by pumping
;

more

whatever way obtained, which of the total energy of recoil. The effects counterrecoil, forms a part total resistance to recoil is composed of the resistance offered by the
brake, the resistance due to friction, the resistance either plus or minus due to the inclination of the top of the chassis or the recoil
slides,

air into the cylinders. It is evident that the energy, in

and the resistance due to the counterrecoil springs or

air cyl-

inders, if there are such included in the recoil system.

The

counterrecoil

buffer

is
,

provided for reducing the shock

to the carriage as the gun is returned to the firing position by

OIL
.

FIG M.

the counterrecoil mechanism.

In figure is shown a type of buffer which is used to some extent. It consists of a rod (B) which acts inside the hollow piston rod of the
recoil cylinder. method similar to this is to provide a separate cylinder in which a projection of the recoil piston acts during the last few inches of recoil. It may consist of a dashpot formed at the

end of the

recoil cylinder. use of the counterrecoil buffer increases the stability of mobile artillery carriages by preventing their forward motion as the gun

The

runs into battery.

field guns and howitzers are mounted so as to have a long on their carriages when fired horizontally. When certain types of these guns are fired at high angles of elevation it is necessary to reduce the length of recoil to prevent the breech of the gun from This reduction is effected by a mechanism striking the ground. which automatically reduces the size of the orifices in the hydraulic brake as the gun is elevated. This is known as variable recoil. If no counterrecoil buffer is provided, the velocity of the gun when going into the firing position under the action of the counterrecoil

Modern

recoil

tion.

springs or air cylinders is at a maximum just as it reaches that posiIf an arrangement is made to automatically fire the gun when it has this maximum forward velocity, it is evident that the maximum velocity of free recoil will be reduced by the amount of the forward

and hence either the total resistance or the corresponding length of recoil, or both, can be materially reduced. Systems based
velocity,

44.
upon this principle have been used abroad for small guns, such as mountain guns. The gun is caught by a pawl in the extreme recoil position and is loaded in that position. When it is desired to fire, the pawl is tripped, the gun runs forward and is automatically fired
as it reaches the firing position. The principal objections to this system, which is known as the differential recoil system, are the unsteadiness of the gun at the moment of firing and the possibility

of the gun being turned over in a forward direction by the shock of

counterrecoil if a misfire should occur.

In

platform.

artillery of position, the gun carriage is rigidly bolted to a fixed Its mechanism is such as to allow the gun and the attached

parts to recoil on firing. The hydraulic brake cylinder and its piston are attached, respectively, to the moving and fixed parts of the carriage, or vice versa, in such a way as to cause the piston to be drawn

through the cylinder as the gun recoils. When constant total resistance is to be exerted by the recoil system, which is always the case in
artillery of position, either the total resistance or the length of recoil

be assumed, and the other determined. While the assumption of a very long recoil would reduce the resistance and consequently the strain on the carriage and permit its parts to be made lighter, the necessary increase in the length of the recoil slides might overbalance

may

the saving in weight.

In carriages, such as mortar, antiaircraft gun, and the latest type barbette carriages, all of which permit the firing of the gun at high angles of elevation, a very long recoil can not be used, because the
distance from the breech of the gun to the supporting platform will not permit it. Furthermore, the use of a long recoil would necessitate the use of long and heavy columns of counterrecoil springs. Lack of space also prevents the use of a long recoil on turret mounts.

In disappearing carriages, the length of recoil is determined more by the necessity of giving the gun the proper movement in recoil than by limitation of the strains brought upon the carriage. With the exception of the disappearing and the older type of
barbette carriages, the recoil for artillery of position
short.
is

comparatively

The construction of all modern wheeled carriages is such as to allow the gun to recoil in the direction of its axis. The resistance to recoil developed by the recoil system pulls forward on the gun and backward on the carriage, tending to move the latter to the rear.
Actual motion of the carriage to the rear is prevented by a spade sunk in the ground at the end of the trail of the carriage and so constructed as to present a broad surface to the ground in the rear. Under ordinary conditions the ground will resist a pressure of 40

pounds per square inch of spade surface, and knowing the pressure

45
developed by the pull of the piston rod, which is the only force acting on the carriage, the size of spade can be determined. Another effect produced by the resistance to recoil is a tendency to rotate the carriage around the point of support of the trail, or to
cause the wheels to

jump from
it

the ground.

Such a movement

is

very undesirable, as
the piece.

In

interferes with the rapid aiming and firing of order to prevent the wheels from jumping off the

ground when

the gun is fired, it is necessary that the product of of the carriage, including its recoiling parts and the horiweight zontal distance of the vertical through their center of gravity from the point of support of the trail, should at any instant be greater

than the product of the force opposing recoil and the perpendicular distance from its line of action to the point of support of the trail.

The value of

the total resistance to recoil, that will be just insufficient to cause the wheels to rise from the ground when the gun is in the

firing position, is obtained by equating moments which will show that a value of this resistance small enough to prevent jump of the

wheels in the early part of the recoil might still cause jump toward the end of the recoil, as the moment of the weight of the recoiling parts becomes less. It is evident that safety against jump can be maintained and the necessary length of recoil shortened if, instead of assuming a constant total resistance, we assume it as decreasing to such an extent as to remain parallel to a line showing the maximum permissible values of the total resistance to recoil and plotted as a function of the length of If the length of recoil is such as to provide a factor of starecoil. bility when the gun is fired at horizontal, the carriage will be stable at all higher elevations, as the lever arm of the total resistance of recoil decreases as the gun is elevated. For this reason reduction of the length of recoil with increase of elevation in howitzer carriages does not impair their stability. The initial strength of the counterrecoil spring columns or air cylinders is the force which they exert against the gun in the firing This force must be great enough to hold the gun in that position. position at the highest angle of elevation at which it is to be fired, as well as to overcome the friction on the recoil sides as the gun runs

forward

to jthe firing position.

AIMING DEVICES AND SIGHTING METHODS.

Sights will be discussed briefly in this handbook merely to indiand trench materiel. In order that a projectile from any gun may hit the target, the gun must be fired at a certain angle of elevation depending on the range, the ballistic characteristics of the gun, and upon the relative difference in level of the gun and target. It must be given such a direction to the right or left of the target as to offset the deviation of
cate their application to field, antiaircraft,

the projectile due to drift and wind. The sights of the gun provide means of determining when the axis of the gun has the predetermined
direction.

When the piece is sighted, both in elevation and direction by sighting directly on the target, the method is known as direct laying. This is precisely the same operation as sighting a shoulder rifle or
pistol.
first

to use plain or open sights, the rear one of which has a peep, or notch, capable of adjustment in a vertical or horizontal direction. This rear sight is equipped with an arc reading in fracis

The method

line of sight

may

be fixed in one of two ways.

The

tions of the range, or degrees of elevation, by, which the necessary elevation can be set off. In some cases the rear sight is designed to

automatically correct for drift if not, the drift must be set off on a provided for this purpose on the rear sight. It is always well to bear in mind that the flight of the projectile follows the movement
;

scale

of the rear sight, going higher as the sight is raised, and to the right or left as the sight is moved to the right or left. The second method for direct laying is to use a telescope with

which takes the place of the open sights, although the of operation is the same. principle The angle of elevation of a gun must be measured in the vertical plane through the axis of the piece. It frequently happens that a
cross hairs

mobile piece must be fired under conditions in which the axis about which it turns in elevation (trunnion axis) is not level, thereby throwing the sight plane out of the vertical. If this is the case, the sight arm must be revolved about an axis parallel to the axis Most wheeled mounts ^of the gun until the sight arm is vertical. have such a provision made on their sights.

Independent Line of Sight.

relieve the gun pointer from the necessity of setthe elevation on the sight standard and elevating the piece, ting some guns are provided with what is known as the independent line

In order to

(46)

47
of sight.
It will be noted that the actual

quadrant elevation of the

piece consists of two parts : (a) The elevation necessary to reach the target if it were on the same level as the gun.
(Z>)

The

level of the

correction to this elevation required gun and target (angle of site).

by the

difference in

With

elevation are applied to the

the independent line of sight the two parts of the quadrant gun independently. An intermediate

rocker and two elevating systems, in Figure N.

and B, are provided as shown

direct fire the

The

sight

is

fixed to the rocker,

and for

gun pointer

manipulates the lower elevation system A, which moves the rocker

In this way the angle of site is autoas well as the gun in elevation. matically corrected, when the line of sight is brought upon the target. The other elevating mechanism, B, is between the rocker and the

gun and
until

is

manipulated by another cannoneer, who elevates the gun

the proper range appears

on a range scale. The change in range does not affect the setting of the lower elevating mechanism, and the gun
pointer
is

thus free to devote his

whole time to keeping his line of sight upon the target and is not
compelled to take his eye from the telescope. The additional mechanism necessary for this system is more than offset by the ease of manipulation secured. Various modifications of this general method of securing the independent line of sight are in use and will be discussed with the guns
to

which they pertain.

is said to be laid indirectly when it is laid by means other than aiming directly through the sights at the targets.

The gun
fire

fieldpieces is so accurate and destructive that to establish field batteries in position out of always necessary the view of the enemy for the sake of protection. Indirect sighting
it is is

The

from modern

then the usual method of sighting such guns.

The panoramic

sight affords the

means of aiming the gun

in indi-

rect laying by directing the line of sight on any object in view from the gun; at the same time it affords the advantage of a telescopic

sight in direct or indirect aiming.

This panoramic sight

is

a telescope so

fitted

with a rotating head,

reflectors and prisms, that a magnified image of an object anywhere in view may be brought to the eye without change in the position of

the observer's eye.

5516021

48

The panoramic sight is often mounted in connection with the rangesighting mechanism, but in some cases in order to divide the duties of laying for direction and elevation, the panoramic sight is mounted
on a shank on the
tion, left side of the cradle and used in laying for direcwhile the range quadrant for laying in elevation is placed on the right side of the cradle and used by another cannoneer.

In connection with the range quadrant a range level is provided, which is a special form of clinometer. It is used in setting off the
angle of site, thereby correcting for difference in level of the gun or target. The range quadrant is graduated in units of angular elevation or in fractions of the range. In the case of howitzers the different
zones of
fire

are sometimes shown.

While the use of the range quadrant separates the duties of the cannoneers in aiming, it does not comply with the conditions for
the independent line of sight. The sight and range quadrant being attached to the
cradle, both

move

in elevation with the

gun. The independent line of sight permits of the gun being moved and set in

dSiffi&lM

^J^

elevation without any change in position

of the sight used for direction aiming. Leveling plates or similar surfaces are

provided on all guns and howitzers on which a gunner's quadrant (see p. 49) can be used in obtaining or checking
the elevation.
It is not the intention to in
this

go into detail

handbook regarding the firecontrol equipment employed for directPANORAMIC SIGHT, MODEL OF 1917.
to devote

ing the fire of antiaircraft materiel, but as the development is so new, and they are so closely involved with artillery

Many

during operations, it is quite necessary to the fire-control equipment. of the terms and instruments used in connection with anti-

some space

employed with field artillery but the methods of application in most cases differ. materiel, In the direct fire of antiaircraft artillery the following angles resulting in the laying of the gun to the predicted future position of the target are involved 1. Present azimuth and elevation. These are obtained by direct
aircraft artillery are similar to those
:

sighting upon the target. 2. Principal lateral and vertical deflections.

3.

Secondary lateral and vertical

Superelevation.

deflections.

4.

49
In the determination of the principal lateral and vertical deflectwo methods of fire control have been established 1. Linear speed.
:

tions,

2.

rectilinear travel of the target i. e., that the pilot of the aircraft will fly a straight course at unchanging speed and constant altitude during the time required for the deter-

Angular speed. Each method assumes

mination of the fuse range, setting of the fuse, loading and firing the gun, and for the projectile to reach its point of burst. Each method is based upon sound mathematical reasoning and involves automatic apparatus of rather complex but easily operated mechan-

GUNNER'S QUADRANT, MODEL OF

1918.

ical and electrical design, in order to resolve the data required in the laying of the gun. In the first method the quantities required in the resolution of the formulae are
:

i. (a) Presentation (angle of approach) e., the horizontal proof the angle made between the vertical plane of sight and jection the axis of the fuselage of the airplane. (5) Engine speed of the target.
;

(c)

Altitude of the target. (d) Time of flight of the projectile to the future position of the

target.

50

The

deflection

resolution of the formulae deriving the lateral and vertical corrections is accomplished upon a device known as

"Antiaircraft artillery deflection computer." The readings ultiobtained from this instrument are given in mils. They are mately

transmitted telephonically or by direct announcement to the gun layers who immediately lay the gun to its future position, while the telescope pointers remain sighted upon the present position of the
target.

The great advantage of this method lies in the fact that the presentation and engine speed can be estimated with reasonable accuracy. The altitude of the airplane is determined from altimetry stations, and the time of flight is known when fuse range has been
determined from a telemeter. In the angular speed method the lateral and vertical angular velocity of the target is measured. These are multiplied by the total element of time mentioned in the aforesaid and gives the respective displacements. The fact that the angular velocity of an airplane in ordinary flight is never uniform makes this method more difficult of apprehension but, as applied in our instrument design, gives results appreciably better than the linear speed method and is consequently used more generally. The instruments resolve the lateral and vertical deflection corrections in mils and also the fuse, range. These are telephoned to the gun layers who function the sighting system mechanisms. The element fuse range is required for two main purposes in antiaircraft gunnery: (a) For the setting of the fuse, and (5) as a function in automatically giving superelevation to the gun i. e., the angle between the line of sight to the predicted future position of

the target and the axis of the bore of the gun when ready to fire. Secondary deflections are required in making allowances for wind-

ment
fire,

age, ballistics, drift, etc. These are set by giving secondary moveto mechanisms of the sighting system. When firing, " indirect " or at night, which essentially is indirect

three elements pertaining to the predicted future position of the target are transmitted from this apparatus at the fire-control station
in order to accomplish the laying of the
1.

gun and

setting of the fuse

Azimuth.

2.
3.

Quadrant elevation. Fuse range.

Secondary deflections involve, in addition to those common to " direct firing, corrections for parallax when firing indirect." At night the alliance of listening apparatus and searchlights assist in accomplishing the resolution of the gun-laying elements at the
fire-control station.

51
Altimetry, which is a basic factor in the computation of the principal and secondary deflection corrections, is obtained in one of two

ways

(a) Monostatic.

or one-station instrument is an optical device that determines the altitude by automatic triangulation through the coincidence of light rays along a self-contained base.

The monastatic

This
yards.
line

(b) Bistatic. is a system in

which two stations are

set

up and oriented

along a base line of

known

length, frequently as great as 4,000

vertical distance of the target above the base then determined geometrically by projecting its altitude horizontally into the vertical plane passing through this base line. When altitude has been determined, the observed position is resolved into the future position by automatic devices. When firing against airplanes at night, searchlights are used to
is

The height or

illuminate the objective. When it is able to find it and keep it in its field, firing can be conducted in the same manner as in daytime. Many sound-detecting instruments have been made; one of " the recent types is the Paraboloid." surface in the shape of a

paraboloid, movable in azimuth and

site,

focuses the sound waves

placed in their direction ; they swing from one side of the focus to the other when the axis of the instrument is turned.
its axis
is

when

The sound

is

and joined in pairs

received by trumpets placed on either side of the focus to the ears of two observers who adjust the

instrument, the one for azimuth, the other for site. Briefly, the foregoing describes the fundamentals of anti-aircraft
artillery fire-control methods. Being the most precise form of gunnery, anti-aircraft artillery involves material capable of the highest degree of facility and accuracy in the automatic measurement of deflections and the maneuvering of its gun-laying mechanisms in order that effective fire may be conducted against a target whose movements are subject to such large displacements. " (See Ordnance Document No. 2037, The Manufacture of Optical

Glass and of Precision Optics"}

(See War Department Document No 1065, "Handbook on Elementary Optics and Applications to Fire-Control Instruments")

52

ACCOMPANYING VEHICLES.
In addition to the piece itself, a number of vehicles are necessary and regimental organizations of field artillery for maneuvering and serving the piece. The type of vehicles vary with the different guns and the various organizations. Some of the more common vehicles such as limbers, caissons, etc., are described in a general way in this chapter, while their special features are described in detail with the materiel with which they are issued. Other special vehicles such as reels, store and battery wagons, etc., are also described with the materiel to which they pertain.
in batteries, sectors,

The

caisson

is

essentially a conveyance for the transportation of

ammunition in the field. It generally consists of a chest for ammunition mounted on two wheels and an axle. In front it is fitted with a short pole having a lunette for attachment to other vehicles and in the rear with a pintle, to which additional vehicles may be attached. Various tools are usually carried on the caisson, and seats are provided for the accommodation of the personnel. The limber is a two-wheeled vehicle designed primarily to increase the mobility and facilitate the maneuvering and deployment of field There are several types of limbers in use, the principal artillery. ones being the carriage and caisson limbers.

The

carriage limber

is

traveling.

For

light field pieces,

attached to the trail of the piece when a chest for ammunition is pro-

vided on the carriage limber. In the case of heavy pieces, the chest is dispensed with and the trail of the piece rests on the top section of the limber. pole is provided at the front for horse or motor and the rear is equipped with a pintle for attachment of traction,

the carriage. The caisson limber

is used for hauling the caisson and is provided with a chest for carrying ammunition. The forge and store limbers are designed to carry supplies and equipment, the forge limber carrying the tools and supplies for the The battery wagon and the store wagon are twofarriers' shop. wheeled vehicles equipped with chests for tools, supplies, and spare

parts.

With

batteries of heavier field artillery,

some of the vehicles are

dispensed with, especially the caissons, battery wagons, forge, and store limbers, the ammunition being carried in motor trucks, in which

most of the spare parts and supplies are also carried.

(53)

54
Light
field artillery is

these batteries are

tractors or

usually drawn by horses although some of now motorized; i. e., hauled by either caterpillar

motor trucks. In addition to this, provisions are made for a limited number of trailers for use in carrying light guns at high speed behind motor These trailers are rubber tired and for high-speed condivehicles. tions the complete gun, with carriage, may be placed on this trailer instead of being transported on its own wheels. The recent struggle in Europe brought about problems which heretofore have never existed in warfare; and to meet these, changes have been made in every arm of the service, the greatest and
;

75-MILLIMETER GUN CARRIAGE

MOUNTED ON A

3-INCH FiELD

GUN

TKAlLt-R.

most radical change being the motorization of artillery. Mechanical transport is at this time in such a state of development that there is no need of dwelling upon its numerous advantages over animal
draft.

was limited to guns emplaced in and guns of large caliber which were only permanent moved with great difficulty. Light horse-drawn guns and howitzers
original heavy artillery
fortifications

The

comprised the mobile artillery for use in artillery was ideal for quick action at short As the artillery became a more important range jruns were required. The movements

the

field.

This type of

ranges.
factor, large caliber longof this heavy artillery in

55
the field could only be accomplished in one way by motorizing it. The result is the development of the extremely mobile heavy artillery.

In applying motor transportation to

artillery,

types of motor

In most vehicles of widely varying capacity and duty are required. cases commercial cars and trucks are used, but in a few instances
special types have been developed. Motor equipment is still undergoing changes, all tending to produce apparatus of unfailing depend-

and maximum mobility and flexibility. Motor apparatus of the following types have been selected as the most suitable for accomplishing this motorization First, passenger cars, both light and heavy; second, motor cycles with and without side cars; third, trucks; fourth, four-wheeled trailers; and fifth,
ability
:

tractors of the caterpillar type. Passenger cars are furnished when on. the

march and when occupy-

Batteries are supplied with light touring Battalion and regicars, staff cars, and motor cycles with side cars. mental headquarters are also supplied with light touring cars and
lines.

ing a position on the

motor cycle is ideal for liaison and Westfield military bicycles. work of similar nature requiring rapid transportation for one or

two individuals.

The motor cycle is particularly useful when traveling in convoy and for keeping the various units of an organization
in close touch with each other.

Motor trucks are necessary for carrying supplies and ammunition from the depots and distributing them to the various units. A great

many
is

in action.

trucks are required to insure unfailing supplies when artillery Because of the uncertain conditions of the roads back

of the lines sturdy trucks that can. pull through under the most unfavorable conditions are employed.

In bringing the guns into position it is often necessary to cross ground plowed by exploded shells, to go through mud and deep sand, and to ford streams which can not be negotiated by a wheeled type of motor vehicle, thus the type of apparatus adapted for this purpose
is

and maintenance of motor equipment in met by issuing the repair and artillery supply trucks to each battery supply and headquarters company of motorized artillery.
the field
is

the caterpillar tractor. The problem of the care

The
it is

artillery

supply truck
etc.,

ing spare parts, tools,

assigned.

is really a motorized store wagon carryfor the particular kind of unit to which

The
air

on wheels.

artillery repair truck consists of a small machine shop mounted Its equipment is complete, including a lathe, drill press,

hammer, forge, etc. Electric power is supplied by a small generator driven by an individual gasoline motor mounted on the truck. The equipment is designed to make all repairs in the field, both to
artillery materiel

and motor

vehicles.

56

The motor equipment makes transportation a comparatively easy matter, permitting it to be moved with rapidity, either on the offensive or defensive. The value of this equipment becomes more apparent

as the nature of warfare changes

from that of position

to that of

movement.
Detailed descriptions of the above motor vehicles are given in separate handbooks pertaining to motor equipment materiel. (See War Department Document No. 101$.)

37-MILLIMETER

GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

1916.

Experience has shown that the infantry can not carry out its misits rifles and machine guns except at prohibitive loss of perThe individual rifle does not offer the necessary volume of while the rifle grenade, and even more so the hand grenade, is fire,
sion by sonnel.
a close-combat weapon. by a unit (consisting of
rifle

an automatic

Hence the taking of a machine-gun nest rifle squad, hand bombers, and

grenadiers) attacking the flanks will not prove very successful, particularly if machine-gun nests are echeloned to considerable depth

and executing cross fire. Such condition calls for some form of

artillery, effective at

from

400 to 1,500 meters, against both personnel and materiel, and capable

37-MILLIMETER GUN CARRIAGE

AND AMMUNITION CART, LIMBERED.

of immediate action. The field artillery is not available because of difficulty of communication and length of time necessary to get into action. The heavy artillery is not sufficiently mobile. Its dispersion
is

too great for small, definite targets, thereby calling for vast amount of ammunition, extremely difficult to transport. The necessity of providing an accompanying gun for certain units

of infantry has led to the adoption of a 37-millimeter

gun

(devel-

oped by the French Army).

The

37-millimeter gun, also

known

as the 1-pounder or infantry

accompanying gun, is the smallest weapon of the field-gun type in use by the American Army. It is used by advancing infantry outfits,
chiefly for destroying concrete and other points of resistance.

machine-gun emplacements, outposts, Recent developments and modifications of this weapon have found wide application for its use and, due to its extreme portability, this gun is adaptable for tanks, tractors, and aircraft.
(57)

58
intended to follow infantry over any kind of ground is designed to give great mobility. The personnel is organized for rapid fire; the possible of fire is 35 shots rapidity per minute. Each gun unit is composed essentially of two elements (1) The gun on a tripod mount, capable of being set on wheels. (2) light wagon serving as a limber and carrying ammunition,
is

As this gun

its

construction

spare parts, and accessories. The gun and limber when joined are normally hauled by one horse or mule, but near the enemy they are separated and moved

by man.
In action the gun is operated by two men, one keeping it on the aiming point and the other loading and firing. The gun must be cocked by hand in order to load for the first round, but thereafter
the counterrecoil of the barrel cocks the piece, and it is only necessary to open the breech mechanism, which ejects the case, insert a new cartridge, close the breech, and fire.

When used as a tripod mount, it is separated into portable groups for transportation and each unit is carried by two men. One group, weighing 104 pounds, consists of the gun and cradle and the other of
the trails, weighing 84 pounds. With the combination tripod mount,, the gun is transported on a wheeled carriage which is limbered to a

two- wheeled ammunition cart, drawn by one mule or horse.

Wcigths, dimensions, and
ballistics.

Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Length Range Muzzle Weight

of

gun and recoil mechanism (with and recoil of group

of barrel

flash hider

and sight) -pounds

do __do__ do do
calibers

group

of breech group of flash hider

104 34 38 18
2.

of

gun

5 20

(H. E. Shell
velocity

Mark

II)

meters
feet per second

of projectile
recoil

pounds
inches

Length of

3,650 1.204 1.234 7-10

21 14 22 16 36. 25 68 84 37.75

angle of elevation angle of depression '__ Amount of traverse to right Amount of traverse to left Weight of axle, complete Weight of wheels, each Weight of trails (including pintle and float) Diameter of wheels

Maximum Maximum

degrees

do do do

pounds do
do
inches

Width of track Weight of gun and carriage, complete

Over-all length of vehicle Over-all height of vehicle Over-all width of vehicle..

do

pounds
inches

do do

33 360 75 37. 75 57

59

60

The gun is composed mainly of a steel alloy barrel. front clip of bronze and an aluminum jacket serve as supports and guides for the whole barrel. The breech housing is screwed to the rear end of
the barrel and forms a receptacle for the breechblock. The breechblock is of the Nordenfeld type and with the exception of size is practically the same as that used on the French 75 millifield gun. It screws into the breech housing and is opened and closed by being rotated 156 degrees about its axis, which move-, ment is limited in each direction by a stop. The breechblock is cylindrical in form, rotates in a threaded seat and is operated by a handle which when moved to the left causes the eccentric hole in the block to register with the bore and also operates the extractor

meter

thus ejecting the empty cartridge case. Pulling the lever to the right rotates the block so that the port in the block is drawn away from the bore and a solid surface containing the firing pin backs up to the base of the cartridge. The action of the powder gases on the breechblock at the moment
of discharge produces the recoil of the united barrel and breechblock.

TRIPOD MOUNT

IN*

FIRING POSITION.
is

The purpose
and

of the recoil mechanism

to control

and limit the

recoil

to return the barrel to the firing position,. at the same time preventing a sudden return which might disturb the aim of the gun.

The recoil cylinder consists of a cylinder containing a piston, piston valve, counterrecoil spring in three sections, and counterrecoil The piston rod, which is hollow and open at the piston end, buffer.
oil both during recoil and with four holes for the passage of oil during recoil. This oil is allowed to pass through two parts of the piston first, through the hollow portion of the piston rod, and
is

pierced with holes for the passage of

counterrecoil.

The

piston

is fitted

second, through the holes in the piston head. The oil passages in the piston head are closed by the piston valve. The valve is held against the front face of the piston by a spring, closing the oil holes
in the head during the counterrecoil stroke, thus slowing up the forward motion of the gun. The counterrecoil buffer is screwed into the front cylinder cap and eases the movement of the gun into

cylinder

battery, thus preventing excessive shock. The capacity of recoil is 2.75 pints and the extreme travel of the piston is 11 inches.

61

The mount may be used either in the form of a tripod or with the and wheels attached. In the former case a front leg having a float adjustable to two heights at its lower end is used to support the front end of the mount, and the spread trails in rear equipped with spades form the other points of support. In the case of the wheels being used, the front leg is swung up and secured, and both trails
axle

form of a yoke, the upper end Each trail head is being with lugs which pivot on bearing surfaces in the lower end equipped of the pintle. The trails, when spread, are kept in position by a removable transom, which also serves as a seat for the gunner. A Y-shaped frame, pivoted and secured to the pintle at its upper and lower ends, extends to the rear in the form of a fork and engages the nut housing on the traversing screw. The nut is turned in its housing by a small handwheel attached thereto, which causes the
fitted

are spread out to support the rear. The pintle, or gun mount, is in the
to

receive the cradle trunnions.

GUN DISASSEMBLED ON THE MARCH (WHEELS AND AXLES LEFT

IN

THE REAR).

nut and housing to move along the screw, thereby traversing the The screw is pivoted in the left trail and moves in and out through a bushing pivoted in the right trail when the trails are being spread or closed. When the trails are to be closed, the gun is traversed to the extreme right. The elevating mechanism is located on the frame in front of the traversing mechanism. A screw fitting into a nut pivoted in the frame is raised and lowered by a handwheel attached to its upper end.
gun.

Above the elevating handwheel is a hook engaging a pin fitted to the underside of the cradle, thus the rear end of gun is secured to
the trail

and the elevation accomplished when the cradle

is

mounted

in the trunnion bearings. conical sheet metal flash hider is secured to the muzzle of the

gun.

Some

shield, suitably reinforced

of these carriages are equipped with an armor plate by stiffeners. The shield consists of three

plates hinged together, and is mainly employed to protect the gunners from shrapnel and flying fragments.

62

The gun is provided with a telescopic sight for use in direct fire and a quadrant sight for indirect or masked fire, either of which is mounted on the left side of the gun and in a bracket which is part of
the striker rod housing. The wheels are 37.75 inche% in diameter and have steel tires 1.875
inches in width.

The ammunition is of the

ing 1.097

fixed type

having a

steel projectile

weigh-

pounds containing high explosive, and detonated by a base percussion fuse. A complete round of ammunition weighs 1.47 pounds and is composed of projectile, brass case, primer, and powder
charge.

GUN AND PERSONNEL ON THE MARCH (AMMUNITION CART LEFT

IN

THE REAR).

AMMUNITION CART FOR THE 37-MILLIMETER GUN.

The 37-millimeter gun limber (of the machine gun ammunition wagon type) is essentially a frame resting on two shafts having a movable bolt and rear fittings by means of which it can be joined
to the

gun mount.
carries 14
in a fiber

The limber

tridges packed wooden boxes for carrying spare parts, tools, accessories, etc.

ammunition boxes, each containing 16 carpacking strip. There are also provided 2

2.95-INCH

VICKERS-MAXIM MOUNTAIN GUN MATfiRIEL.

WITH PACK OUTFIT.

Vickers-Maxim mountain gun materiel is of Vickers and American and British manufacture. This materiel is design intended for transportation by pack animals; for this reason it is a light, compact weapon, separating very quickly and easily into four
2.95-inch

The

loads for packing. The cradle is carried as one load, the wheels and axes as another, the trail another, and the gun as the fourth. Four other pack animals

carry the pioneer tools, blacksmith's tools, supply chest, and signal Additional pack animals are employed to carry tools, respectively.
battery. Suitable pack frames with all the necessary attachments are provided for holding the load compactly and in proper place on the animal.

the

ammunition for the

Weights, dimensions, and

Caliber

ballistics.

Length of gun Weight of gun, including breech mechanism

'.

mches__ 2.953 do 35. 85 2"-6 pounds

do ounces feet per second yards
,

Rifling uniform, 1 turn in 25 calibers, right-hand twist. Weight of projectile

Weight of power charge

Muzzle velocity Maximum range Length of recoil of gun Height of axis of gun above ground
I:

12J 8

4,

inches

do
degrees

Maximum Maximum

angle of elevation angle of depression Amount of traverse of gun on carriage Diameter of wheels

do do
inches

920 825 14 26 27 10

Width of track Weight of carriage only Weight of gun and carriage

do

pounds do

36 32 595 830

The gun

barrel

is

On

either side of the breech end

a one-piece steel forging, cylindrical in form. two lugs are provided to which the

ward of

piston rods are secured when the gun is mounted in the cradle. Forthese lugs is a finished surface of uniform diameter which

constitutes a bearing for the gun.

This surface

is

supplemented at

the forward end of the

gun by two

collars of equal diameter, thereby

5516021

(63)

64
insuring a firm bearing for the gun in the cradle, either in recoil or in battery. At the bottom of the barrel is a guide which slides in a corresponding groove in the cradle, thus keeping the gun in proper
position

and preventing

it

from turning when

in action.

The breech mechanism is of the interrupted-screw type. A handle which operates from left to right turns and swings the block clear with one motion. The firing pin is operated by means of a trigger which
is

pulled by the firing lanyard. safety device is incorporated to when the breech is not closed. The breech is equipped prevent firing

with an extractor which ejects the empty cartridge case after

firing.

65

The

recoil

mecJianism

is

of the hydrospring type.

It is

known

as

the short-recoil type in which the gun is permitted a length of recoil upon the carriage, sufficient to diminish the movement of the carriage on the ground but not sufficient to render the carriage stable. To

3
Z 3

LJ

I
J
U U

movement of the carriage on the ground the wheels are locked by means of " brake ropes," which lock the wheels to the traiL Two buffer cylinders, one on each side of the gun, are bored in the cradle casting. They contain both the recoil and counterrecoil
retard the

mechanism. The cylinders are connected at the rear by a by-pass which keeps the oil pressure equal in the two cylinders. Throttling

66
1

The is obtained by grooves of varying width in the cylinder liners. piston rods are attached to the gun by means of interrupted screws, which permit quick removal for transportation.
The counterrecoil mechanism consists merely of springs wound around the piston rods, which are compressed on firing and which
return the gun into battery.

REAR VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

is a bronze casting comprising three parallel cylinders. cylinder supports the gun from the breech to within a few inches of the muzzle. The other two, as before stated, accommodate

The

cradle

The central

the recoil mechanism. In place of trunnions there are two lugs underneath the cradle through which passes the cradle axis bolt, by means of which the cradle is secured to the trail. This bolt is provided with a handle and suitable catch for quick removal when

67
disassembling for packing. The cradle also carries the sight bracket and has a plane surface on top, on which the gunner's quadrant may be used. The elevating gear consists of a quadrant with a worm wheel

segment thereon operated through suitable gearing by a handwheel

DETAILED VIEW OF GUN.

on the

left side

of the

trail.

A bolt for quick release of the elevating

is

mechanism from the cradle

depression to 27 degrees elevation

provided. Elevations from 10 degrees may be obtained.

SIDE

VIEW OF CARRIAGE IN BATTERY.

is

No

traversing mechanism

provided, and traverse must there-

fore be obtained by swinging the trail. The trail consists of two steel side plates connected by crosspieces and transoms. The front crosspiece contains bearings for the axle,

cradle axis bolt,

and elevating gear.

shoe at the rear end of the

68
trail is fitted with a "scraper," which in reality is a short spade. is also provided with a socket for the handspike.

It

axle is a solid cylindrical bar with flats cut on two sides for securing it in the front crosspiece of the trail. It is quickly removable

The

The wheels

for packing and is carried on the same pack animal as the wheels. are 36 inches in diameter and are steel tired.

Sighting is accomplished by means of the sight, model of 1912, combined with either an open sight or the panoramic sight The sight shank is a steel arc which can be moved up and down in elevation by means of a scroll gear. A range strip on the rear face of
the arc is graduated in 50-yard divisions up to the of the piece.

maximum

range

sight is a graduated level which serves the same purpose as the range quadrant used on the 3-inch equipment and other

Combined with the

By this means the piece is laid for elevation. mounted on the left side of the cradle. By having the sight is quadrant level and sight thus combined one man can lay for both elevation and direction. The ammunition used is of the fixed type, consisting of steel high-explosive and shrapnel shells, each weighing 12J pounds. Each animal carries two chests containing five rounds each.
materiel of that type.

The

COMPARATIVE TABLE OF LIGHT FIELD GUNS USED IN THE WORLD WAR.

75-MILLIMETER GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

The United

1916.

States 75 -millimeter field gun, model 1916, is of the permitting greater traverse and greater elevation than either the French or British models of this caliber, equipped
split trail type,

with the single

trail.

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

the

The 75-millimeter field gun constitutes the light field artillery of Army. The caliber of the piece is about as large as ready horsedrawn mobility will permit. The caliber is equivalent to 2.95 inches,
and was adopted by the French and by the Italians, while the United had adopted the 3-inch caliber, and Great Britain a caliber of 3.3 inches which is the caliber of their 18-pounder. The German caliber was 77 millimeters, equivalent to 3.03 inches. The points of excellence obtained from these field pieces are good range, rapidity of fire, ease of transportation, and reliable functioning.
States
:

(69)

70

71

The American model 1916 split-trail carriage permits great elevawithin the mechanism of the carriage, and likewise a wide traverse without changing the position of the trail. The recoil mechanism was adapted to the higher permissible elevation of the gun.
tion,

and equipped with a variable

different elevation.

recoil,

automatically adjustable for

The

ability to outrange the

enemy

is

constantly

being sought, and high elevation and improvements of the projectile are the means through which it is hoped to obtain the increased range desired. Likewise, a wide horizontal arc of fire, without resetting of the trail and consequent resetting of the sighting devices, is a great
convenience and saver of time.

REAR VIEW OF CARRIA(

As the range depends not only on the power of the gun and the design of the ammunition, but also on the elevation provided for, and as the horizontal arc which can be covered by a gun with a single
setting of its trail is governed by the permissible traverse, attention is invited to the mechanical features covering the vertical and hori-

zontal limits of the

gun laying, as well as to the functioning of the the above types, the French model has been credited piece. with functioning most perfectly, but it lacks provision for high eleva-

Of

tion and wide traverse of the gun. Due to its greater elevation, the American piece outranges the French, although the French gun has
a greater muzzle velocity.

Compared with the

(See page 89.) British model 1917, the American 3-inch

model 1902 carriage permits of a maximum angle of elevation of 15, depression of 5, and traverse of 142 mils, while the British model permitted 16 elevation, 5 depression, and 142 mils traverse. The French model 1897 carriage permits a maximum angle of elevation of 19, depression 10, and traverse 106 mils. The American model

72

sU
:

Ld

O <
cr cr

CD CD
i

-J Ld o n
>

in

73
1916 carriage allows a total vertical movement of from 53 elevation depression and a traverse of 800 mils (an artillery mil equals the angle subtended by T*T of the circumference of a circle). The American model 1902 carriages are arranged with a hydro-spring recoil mechanism, and so is the British model 1917, and the American model 1916. The French model 1897 carriage is equipped with a hydropneumatic recoil mechanism.
to 7
piece, including the carriage and limber, is about 4,500 pounds, which is slightly above the horse-drawn draft limitation over rough ground.

The weight of the

The introduction of motor

but there
still

tractors may alter the draft problem, remains the question of facility in handling the piece

LEFT SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

by man power

after battery position has been reached. As one phase of this, it may be mentioned that the weight at the end of a 75millimeter gun-carriage trail is only approximately 100 pounds. The trail can be readily unlimbered and spaded into position or its

position changed by man power within a few moments, while to unlimber and spade into position, or to change position of the trail of a 155-millimeter gun requires the use of jacks and a considerable

expenditure of time.

Rapidity in moving a fieldpiece from point to point, where railroad transportation is not available, is not entirely a matter of the speed of the tractor, for likelihood of damage to the materiel when transported at high speed on its own wheels must also be considered. The dimensions and weight of the 75-millimeter piece permit of its being placed on a rubber-tired trailer and transported at high speed behind a motor vehicle. The mobility of artillery is of utmost importance, and the 75millimeter field gun has therefore become a gun of first rank, as it constitutes the light artillery of the military powers. This weapon

74
accurate, has a range up to 7 miles, is suitable for the projection of high explosive, shrapnel, and gas projectiles, destruction of personnel, of wire entanglements, and of fair-sized obstacles, and to some
is

extent the destruction or protection of lines of communication.

Weights, dimenaions, and
ballistics.

Weight of gun and breech mechanism Length of gun

Caliber

pounds
inches__ millimeters..
inches. _

749 90.9
~~>

Length of bore
Length,
calibers
;

84
fS&
1

Rifling, right-hand twist

increases from one turn in 119 calibers at the

beginning of rifling to one turn in 25.4 calibers at a point 9.72 inches from muzzle. Uniform from this point to end of muzzle.

Number

of grooves
:

24
I

Muzzle velocity Shrapnel Mark

.

(21-second combination fuze)

feet per second __

Shell
Shell

Mark IV (armed with Mark V fuze) Mark I (armed with Mark V fuze)
:

__<lo__
,_<!<>_

1,693 1,900
1, 74'J

Maximum

range Shrapnel (Mark I shell) Shell (Mark IV)

_
_-_

Shell (Mark I) Range at 10 elevation Range at 20 elevation Range at 30 elevation Weight of carriage, complete (without gun) Weight of gun and carriage, fully equipped

yards.* 9,653 do 12,360 do__ 8,780 do__ 6,170 do.. 9, 185 do 11, 385
'

pounds do
inches

Diameter of wheels

Width of track
Length of recoil of gun on carriage (variable) Height of axis of gun above ground Weight at lunette, carriage limbered Height of center line of peep sight above ground Height of center line of panoramic sight above ground Amount of elevation with elevating handwheel Over-all width of trails, spread Over-all length, muzzle of gun to end of lunette Length, center line of wheel to center of lunette

do do do

pounds
inches

do
degrees inches..

2,280 3,045 56 60 18-46 41.625 140 56.875 52

42

do do
degrees do mils
degrees

130 173
118. 28

Maximum angle of elevation Maximum angle of depression Maximum transverse, each side of center Maximum angle of elevation with angle of site handwheel Maximum angle of depression with angle of site handwheel

53 7

400
11
7

do

75-MILLIMETER GUN

AND CARRIAGE, MODEL OF

1916.

The gun is of the built-up construction and consists of a tube, There are six slightly jacket, locking hoop, breech hoop, and clip. varying types of this gun, but the variations deal only with the manner of attachment of the jacket and locking hoop and do not The gun is guided in recoil by two affect the general dimensions.
flanges q|i the lower side of the jacket. lug on top near the forward en$ of the jacket containing a T-slot holds the forward end of

the recoil cylinder. short hoop or clip

is

shrunk on the tube near the muzzle and has

underside two lugs which form guides for the gun on the cradle. Provision has been made to prevent dust from entering between the surfaces of the guides and their bearing surfaces on the

on

its

cradle.

ring, which screws to the rear end of the jacket, forms for the breech block which slides up and down with the housing action of a wedge. The ring carries at the top a lug to which the hydraulic recoil cylinder is secured, and at the bottom another to
a

The breech

which the two spring piston rods are attached.

The breech block

is

of the drop-block type and operates semi-

automatically, in that the breech closes automatically when a round of ammunition is inserted. It is opened by pulling back a handle on
the right side of the breech, which not only slides the breech block out of place but operates the extractor, thus ejecting the empty cartridge case. When a round is inserted smartly into the breech, its
close
fired

rim strikes against the lips of the extractor causing the mechanism to under the action of the closing spring. The cartridge primer is

from the left side of the carriage by a continuous-pull firing mechanism. The firing pin is cocked and fired by one continuous backward motion of the firing handle. The carriage is of the split-trail type which means that the trail is made up of two halves, each being hinged to the axle near the wheels and capable of being spread out at a wide angle or brought together at the spade ends and locked for traveling. This feature permits greater elevation and traverse than the ordinary type of trail and
reduces the necessity of shifting the trail of 50 mils or more are desired.

when changes

in deflection

seat is provided

on each half of the

trail,

the one on the left for

operates the sights, the traversing and angle of site handwheels, and fires the piece, and the one on the right for a cannoneer who sets off the range and angle of site and operates the breech mechanism.
the gunner
(75)

who

77

The

recoil

mechanism

is

of the hydro-spring variable recoil type

consisting of one hydraulic and two spring cylinders which comprise the recoil and counterrecoil mechanisms. On account of the high

angles of elevation at which this

gun can be

fired, it

was necessary

to design a variable recoil system by means of which the length of recoil of the gun would be automatically lessened the higher the

muzzle

accomplished by means of a valve turnoff or opening a number of holes,, ing in proportional to the elevation, thus making the resistance to the passage of the oil greater or less.
is

elevated.

This

is

the cylinder and shutting

GUN AT MAXIMUM ELEVATION.

The angle of site mechanism consists principally of a rocker which is moved by two handwheels, one on each side of the gun. Movement of the mechanism causes the gun, cradle, elevating mechanism, and sights to move also, they being connected to the rocker. The handwheel on the left or gunner's side is used when laying for
direct
fire,

The angle
angle of

or in other words, when site is set independent of range. of site scale is graduated in mils. All settings on the
are set off above or below the 300-mil graduation,

site scale

this being the normal setting when the axis of the bore target are in the same horizontal plane.

and the

The elevating mechanism used in setting the range is mounted on the rocker, and therefore independent of the angle of site mechanism, the gun and cradle only being moved upon operation of the
handwheel. The range scale is graduated in meters. Band brakes are used on this carriage and are operated by a hand lever in rear of the shield when in b-^tterv position and by a lever

from the axle

seat

when

in traveling posiHon.

78

79

9
i

In

*sl

li

M isl-fllf

mi

5516021

80

INTERMEDIATE SHAFT GEAR

-5CEOWN NUr

-ANCLE OF SITE BRACKET COVERCUTT)

^TRAVERSING HAMDWHEEL SHAFT.

SRCXONti

NUT.

LW70DBOLT;

TRAVERSING 8TOR
.C93<&X 8755TEEL PIN.'
1.

^^ANGLE OF SITE BRACKET(LFT)

-StK

HANDY OILER

TRAVERSING
BOOV.

AZIMUTH SCALE:

isresra caiNK HEAD GERMAN SLVEI? SCREWSL

INSTOUCTION PLATE (TRAVERSINGj.-^' CWkNK

.625 CROWN NVT.

PIN.

-TRAVERSING WORM SHAFT BEARING.

1.812(1

$ STUD.

-i CROWN NUT.
TRAVERSING WORM SHAFT.

TRAVERSING WORM (HINDLEY)

I

-TOP CARRIAGE.
HALF BUSHINGi,T5VECraP CARRIAGE)

.125 x .75 STEEL PIN.-1

ADJUSTING NUT. \ \ WASHERH ^-.125x1.75 SPLIT PIN.

75 M M.GUN CARRIAGE, MODEL OF

TRAVERSING MECHANISM.

1916.

81

The gunner and cannoneers are protected by the customary shields and apron. The sight used is of the model of 1916 type, which provides a support for the panoramic sight and the peep sight. ^Wooden wheels, 56 inches in diameter, with steel hubs and tires, are used, the tires being 3 inches in width. These wheels are interchangeable with those of the caissons and limbers. Fixed ammunition is used in the 75-millimeter field guns and is

made up of either common shrapnel or common

steel shell. Shrapnel rounds are issued with the projectiles filled and fuzed; the shell rounds are issued filled but not fuzed and contain an adapter with

booster charge.

The

projectiles average in weight: Shrapnel, 16 pounds, fuzed;

shell, 12.3

pounds, fuzed.

The components

of one round are the

cartridge case with primer, powder charge, projectile, and fuze in shrapnel, and adapter and booster in the shell. Weight of powder

charge

is

approximately

1.5

pounds.

CARRIAGE AND LIMBER IN TRAVELING POSITION.

battery of 75-millimeter gun carriages, model of 1916, panied by the following vehicles:

is

accom-

gun carriage limber, model of gun caisson, model of 1918. 75-millimeter gun caisson limber, model of Forge limber, model of 1902 MI. Store limber, model of 1902 MI. Battery and store wagon, model of 1917.
75-millimeter 75-millimeter

1918.

1918.

Battery
Feel,

reel,

model of 1917. 1

model of 1909 MI. 1 Cart, model of 1918. The above gun carriage was originally the 3-inch gun carriage T model of 1913, which was later called the 3-inch gun carriage, model of 1916. The gun was afterwards modified to caliber 75 millimeters, as was the 3.3-inch British, thereby permitting interchangeability of ammunition with the French guns.
For horse batteries the battery reel, model of 1917, is issued. For motorized batteries reel, model of 1909 MI, with the cart, model of 1918, is issued in lieu of the battery reel, model of 1917.
1

the

82

75-MILLIMETER GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

1916 MI.

model 1916, redesigned to mechanisms in place of th& hydrospring type, and standard 75-millimeter guns, model of 1916 Mill, modified and fitted with counter weights, are available for
carriages,
recoil

number of 75-millimeter gun

use St.

diamond hydropneumatic

issue to the service.

The new

materiel will be

known

as 75-milli-

meter gun materiel, model of 1916 MI.

LEFT SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE IN FIRING POSITION.

The

St.
is

diamond mechanism

as adopted for the 75-millimeter

of the hydropneumatic type and was developed in 1917 carriages Col. Rimailho, of the French Army. The use of small forgby ings was made possible by introducing high pressures in the recuperator and recoil cylinders. In order to hold these pressures, special suitable packings had to be used. Essentially the mechanism consists of three cylinders. The middle one is the recoil cylinder. The right cylinder has an air reservoir at its
oil reservoir at the rear end. The left cylinder the recuperator cylinder, having at its forward end an air space, and at its rear end a regulator for controlling the length of recoil. The floating piston in this cylinder separates the air from the oil.

forward end and an

is

In recoil the gun moves to the rear, carrying with it the recoil piston (middle cylinder). The recoiling parts are held in battery by the reaction of the air on the floating piston, which is transmitted through
the liquid against the leak-tight recoil piston. The energy of recoil is absorbed by the throttling of the oil through a spring-controlled
orifice in the

regulator valve.
(83)

84

85
opening is provided between the recoil and the recuperator cylinders to house the regulator valve. During recoil the pressure in the recoil cylinder opens the regulator valve, the movement of which is controlled by a helical spring and a number of Belleville springs.
passing through the orifice controlled by this valve moves the floating piston forward against the air pressure, thereby storing up energy to return the gun from the recoiled position to its position in battery. The valve in the counterrecoil orifice remains closed during
oil

An

The

recoil.

Throttling during recoil is controlled by the regulator valve conThe lower valve stem is sisting of an upper and lower valve stem. seated in a circular seat at the entrance channel to the valve. As the valve lifts, the throttle area becomes the vertical circumferential

RIGHT SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE IN BATTERY POSITION.

area between the valve and
the valve
is

its seat.

In long

recoil the

movement of

controlled

valve stem.
ville

The

by a spiral spring which reacts on the lower upper stem rests in a valve housing and has Belle-

springs reacting on the stem only. To move the upper valve stem, the whole housing is lowered automatically by a cam operated when the cradle is elevated. At short recoil the upper stem of this
regulator is brought down by the cam until its lower surface is in contact with the top surface of the lower valve stem, thus controlling the throttling of the valve.

The regulator valve is closed during the counterrecoil movement except for a very small constant opening. During counterrecoil there is also a second path for the flow of oil through a small channel beginning at the inside end of the buffer chamber in the recuperator
cylinder and finally emptying in the recoil cylinder through a by-pass around the regulator valve. Near the end of counterrecoil the taper-

86
ing buffer rod on the floating piston in the recuperator controls the the second path by causing additional throttling

flow through

through the small annular arc between the buffer chamber and buffer rod, thus bringing the recoiling parts to rest without any great

amount of shock.

75-MILLIMETER GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF (FRENCH).

1897 MI.

The French 75-millimeter field gun adopted for the service of the United States dates back to 1897, when it was perfected by the French Army. The French model 1897 field gun has fired, on test, as high as 30 shots in a minute. This rate is probably as high as can be reached by any nonautomatic 75 gun. Apart from the personnel service to the piece, the length of time which a gun could maintain this rate
of or any other rapid rate of fire, is perhaps not definitely deAs to whether or not such length of time would be limited by the heating of the gun or by the heating of the recoil
fire,

termined.

mechanism depends upon the construction.

Rapidity of fire is of vital importance, for it is self-evident that under certain conditions a gun which can fire twice as many shots per minute as some other gun is, for the moment, equivalent to two guns of the second class. Rapidity of firing action is dependent upon the arrangements involved for the sighting, maintaining of the gun on its range, loading, firing, time of recoil and return of the gun
to battery position, opening of the breech,

and ejection of the empty

cartridge case.
artillery of position a great part of the enormous energy required to start the projectile on its way may be absorbed by a heavy foundation furnished as a mounting for the piece. efficient recoil

For

An

mechanism

is, however, of vital importance in connection with light for field service, owing to the essentially light weight of the artillery carriage on which the gun is mounted, to permit of its ready mobility. The recoil mechanism not only absorbs the greater part of the recoil energy of the gun but it returns the gun to the battery or firing position, and to be efficient it must be able to perform these two

functions quickly, smoothly, surely, and continuously. The wr ord "surely" is used in the sense of firmly and without shock, and of

being reliable. The recoil mechanism not only takes up the recoil but it forces the gun all the way back into battery, or to a position within the variation which the design permits, under all conditions
of elevation and heating.
(87)

88

89

The general theory of hydropneumatic

In
its

recoil

mechanism

is

not new.

relation to light artillery its most notable exemplification in battle has appeared in the Puteaux Arsenal type used with the
piece.

French 75
effort

Its virtues

have been widely heralded and every

its

has been made to keep

construction secret.

Its several

parts were manufactured at different points in France and these were assembled in a central establishment, where but few persons were admitted to this room. In the agreement to manufacture the

complete recuperator in the United States, it was stipulated that the greatest secrecy should be maintained with reference to its design,

manufacture, and assembly. There is a difference between land and naval warfare, in this respect: In a duel between two large fighting ships of equal speed to insure their remaining in contact, the one with the heavy, longrange guns has the other at its mercy, as it can destroy both its opponent's base and at the same time its opponent's personnel by sinking the opponent ship. In a land battle, the fortifications may be reduced by the long-range gun, of heavy caliber, but it is the destruction or capture of personnel which brings a war to an issue and the personnel may move to open country and open order, under which conditions the heavy, long-range gun, which is expensive to construct, slow and difficult to transport, expensive to fire, and withal short of life, no longer has a great target on which its tremendous energy may be
concentrated.

Land warfare has clearly demonstrated that it is the killing and disabling of personnel or the capture of enemy troops in large numbers which far outweighs the capture of cities or of terrain which
nonproductive of raw material, in the forcing of an issue. This gun was most effective in the open-country fighting, in the protection of troops, and in working havoc among enemy troops and bringing in prisoners by creeping barrage laid behind an enemy
is

To-millimeter

formation.
Weights, dimensions, and
Caliber Total weight of gun and breech mechanism Total length of gun
Rifling, uniform, right hand, 1 turn in 25.6 calibers.
ballistics.

millimeters

pounds
inches

1,

75 015

107,125

Muzzle velocity
Shell

(short fuze)

feet per second

Shell

(long fuze)

Maximum
Shell Shell

Shrapnel range:
(short fuze)

do do

1,955 1,930 1, 755

(Mark IV

shell)

(long fuze)

yards do

8,640 9,350
7, .440

Shrapnel

do

90

91
Weight of complete round of ammunition
Shrapnel
Shell
.
:

pounds do
inches

Diameter of

steel tired

wheels

Width

of

track

Length of recoil of gun on carriage Height of axis of gun from ground

do do do
degrees

Maximum Maximum

angle of elevation angle of depression

16 3 52. 5 59. 68 44. 9 40. 4 19

12.

Total traverse of carriage on axle Weight of the carriage, complete (without gun) Weight of gun and carriage, fully equipped

do do
pounds__

10 6

1,642 2,657

75-MILLIMETER

GUN AND CARRIAGE, MODEL OF

(FRENCH).

1897

MI

The gun is of the built-up construction type, consisting mainly of a steel tube reinforced at the breech end with a breech hoop and
covered in the central portion with a bronze jacket. The total length from face of breech to muzzle is slightly less than nine feet.

under the breech carries the coupling key, which gun to the recoil mechanism. A safety pin operates between the breechblock and the coupling key, so that it is impossible to close the breech and fire the gun when it is not securely locked
recoil lug

The

connects the

to the recoil

mechanism of the

carriage.

the underside of the gun are inclined bronze slides which are in contact with similar slides on the recoil mechanism. Rollers are also attached to the gun, and during recoil the gun first slides on
the inclined guides and then the rollers lift the weight off the slides, the remainder of the travel being on the rollers. pair of rollers

On

muzzle permit a long recoil with short guides overhanging weight when the gun is at full recoil.
at the

by taking the

The breechblock is of the Xordenfeld type, cylindrical in shape and threaded on the outside. It is opened or closed by the operating handle from the right side of the gun by the same man who sets the gun for range and fires the piece. Opening the breech automatically actuates the extractor, which in turn ejects the empty cartridge case. The round of ammunition is fired by a striker which is driven for-

ward by a spring-actuated hammer pulled by the lanyard. The carriage is very compact and simple, consisting of a housing around the axle, above which is the support for the cradle, and a box section trail ending with the customary spade and lunette. Seats are provided for two men, the one sitting on the right side
operating the range scale mechanism, opening or closing the breech and firing the piece the man on the left sighting the gun and operating the angle of site and traversing mechanisms.
;

The recoil mechanism is of the hydropneumatic, long recoil type and contains both recoil and counterrecoil mechanisms. A gage

92

93

94
plunger
is

indicates that

located in the rear end of the cradle which, when flush, more oil should be added until the plunger projects

about f inch. Oil may l?e added by forcing it through a valve in the side of the cradle by a hand screw filler, or by means of a portable
battery pump clamped to the side of the trail and connected through the trunnions to the interior of the cradle.

mechanism is housed inside of the cradle, through which are bored an upper and lower cylinder, filled with Oleonapthe, and connected together by means of a passageway provided for that purpose. The air in the front part of the upper cylinder (in front of the piston) is free to communicate with the outside air through a plug, but the forward end of the lower cylinder is closed and conrecoil

The

LEFT SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

tains compressed air at approximately 150 kilograms per square

centimeter (1,833.5 pounds per square inch). In the upper cylinder a piston is permitted to move, the piston rod, however, being secured to the gun. The lower cylinder is

with a pipe, at the end of which is a circular ring, this pipe being screwed in the rear part of the cylinder where the valves are housed. diaphragm equipped with a hollow rod, also a floating
fitted

with a small rod, are incorporated in the lower cylinder. During upper cylinder compresses the it to pass through various valves, also openings liquid, forcing formed between the pipe and the hollow rod of the diaphragm. The passing of the liquid through these different openings constitutes the braking. In so moving, the liquid opens the valves (which are opened
piston fitted
recoil the piston of the

95

551 GO

21

97

wide at the beginning of the

recoil

and gradually

close in propor-

tion to the decrease of the speed of the recoil). At the same time, the air in the lower cylinder is compressed by the action of the liquid on- the diaphragm. To return to battery at the end of the
recoil, the

compressed air forces the diaphragm back.

The

liquid

thus compressed acts directly on the upper cylinder piston, causing it to return to its initial position.

mechanism was maintained confidential Government before and during the war, and when its manufacture was taken over by the Ordnance Department, agreement was made to continue the secrecy of these parts. Very fine adjustments are made when the parts are assembled, and consequently no repairs or adjustments are permitted to be made in the The complete recoil mechanism must be sent to special repair field. depots for repairs. The recoil mechanism will function properly without the operating personnel understanding the interior mech-

The

interior of the recoil

by the French

anism.

The angle of site mechanism consists of a handwheel and gears, and provides for elevating or depressing a rocker 13 degrees with reference to the trail. The rocker fits around the trunnions and has a segment of a gear which meshes with the elevating pinion. To the rocker is secured an elevating screw and nut which connects with the cradle. In setting the angle of site, the rocker is set in motion, thereby moving the cradle and gun. The angle of site mechanism is also called the independent line of sight; because the range setting is independent of the setting of the angle of site which is done
by the angle of site handwheel. The range scale mechanism which operates the elevating screw provides an elevation of 12 degrees to give the correct range and is obtained by movement of the cradle in reference to the rocker. The circular scale graduated in meters indicating the range is mounted on the side of the cradle and through gearing is connected
to the elevating screw. range rack is connected to the rocker arm which is also graduated in meters. carriages made in

On

placed alongside the range rack and is scales are graduated up to 5,500 but greater ranges can be obtained by burying the trail, meters, and thus giving higher angles of elevation. Interference of the breech against the trail, however, limits the total possible elevation obtainable by combination of the elevation due to the angle of site
strip is

America an extra

graduated in mils.

The range

and that due

to

range to 19 degrees.

this carriage axle traverse is used. geared nut, held inside of the axle housing, rotates around the axle which is threaded with

On

a coarse

rectangular thread.

Movement

of this nut forces the

98
carriage to the right or left, pivoting around the spade, one wheel advancing and the other backing up. Traverse is about three degrees right and three degrees left.

combination road brake and firing support is hung around the axle, permitting the application of brake shoes against the tires of the wheels when traveling, and the lowering of the framework to
last

<he ground and the mounting of the wheels thereon, for firing. This operation is called abatage, the three steps being indicated in the
:

following figures

POSITION

POSITION

2.

POSITION 3

ABATAGE
Wooden
and have
steel tires 3.5 inches wide.

POSITION

wheels. 1,334 millimeters (52.5 inches) diameter, are used, These wheels are interchange-

able with the French limber wheels, but not with the American limber or caissons for the 75-millimeter gun carriages.

The customary
fire.

shield

and apron protects the gunners when under

sight, model of 1901 (French), includes the collimating sight, of site level, and angle of site scale. It is mounted on the angle It has no telescopic features left side of the rocker, at the trunnions.

The

and, therefore, its range is limited. An auxiliary angle of site level is furnished to replace the regular level and gives an additional 200 mils for use in hilly or mountainous country.

Fixed ammunition

is

used in this 75-millimeter

field

gun and

is

made up with

either

common shrapnel or common steel shell.

Shrap-

nel rounds are issued with the projectiles filled and fuzed: the shell rounds are issued filled but not fuzed, and contain an adapter with

booster charge.
projectiles average in weight: Shrapnel, 16 pounds, fuzed; 12.3 pounds, fuzed. The components of one round are the shell,

The

cartridge case, with primer; the

fuze, in shrapnel:

powder charge; projectile; and and adapter and booster in the shell.

99

100

101

75-MILLIMETER GUN MATERIEL,

MODEL OF

1897

MI (FRENCH).
1897

battery of 75-millimeter gun carriages, model of (French), is accompanied by the following vehicles:

MI

gun and carriage, model of 1897 MI. 75-millimeter gun carriage limber, model of 1918. 75-millimeter gun caisson, model of 1918. 75-millimeter gun caisson limber, model of 1918.
75-millimeter

Battery and store wagon, model of 1917. Forge limber, model of 1902 MI. Store limber, model of 1902 MI.

model of 1917. 1 1 Keel, model of 1909 MI. 1 Cart, model of 1918. The gun and carriage are of French design, and of both French and American manufacture. The accompanying vehicles are all of American design and manufacture.
Battery
reel,

For horse batteries the battery reel, model of 1917, is issued. For motorized batteries, reel, model of 1909 MI, with the cart, model of 1918, is issued in lieu of the battery reel, model of 1917.
1

Che

102

75-MILLIMETER GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

(BRITISH).

1917

The known

75-millimeter gun, model of 1917 (British), was originally as the 18-pounder, but was modified by adapting it to the 75-

millimeter caliber materiel.

unit trail
;

This weapon

is

equipped with customary

the interference of the trail with the breech limits the gun elevation. With the split trail, the breech can pass down into the

V formed by
tions is 45

separating the two sections of the

trail.

The

theoretical

elevation for obtaining maximum range under ideal ballistic condifrom the horizontal, and is actually some few degrees less

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

than this. Increased range is sometimes obtained with field guns whose normal elevation is limited by setting the axles or wheels on raised surfaces, or by sinking the trail below the level of the wheels, for the purpose of pointing the gun at an elevation higher than the mechanical arrangement of the carriage permits. This is, however,
a subterfuge, limited in its practical application.

The American model 1916 split-trail carriage permits great elevamechanism of the carriage and likewise a wide traverse without changing the position of the trail. The recoil
tion within the
(103)

104

105

mechanism on the 1916 model was adapted to the higher permissible elevation of the gun, and was supplied with a variable recoil, automatically adjusted to different elevations. The ability to outrange the enemy is an attainment constantly being sought, and therefore high elevation and reduction of resistance of the projectile passing
air are the means through which it was hoped to obtain the increased range desired. Likewise, a wide horizontal arc of fire, without resetting of the trail and consequent resetting of the sight-

through

ing devices,

is

a great convenience

and saver of time.

the British model 1917, the American 3-inch model of 1902 carriage permits of a maximum angle of elevation of

As compared with

REAR VIEW OP CARRIAGE.

15, depression of 5, and traverse of 142 mils, while the British model permits 16 elevation, 5 depression, and 142 mils traverse. The French model 1897 carriage permits a maximum angle of elevation of 19, depression 10, and traverse 106 mils. The American model 1916 carriage allows a total vertical movement of from 53 elevation to 7 depression, and a traverse of 800 mils (an artillery
mil equals the angle subtended by -g-jVff ^ the circumference of a The American model 1902 carriages are arranged with a circle). hydro-spring recoil mechanism, and so is the British model 1917 and the American model 1916. The French model 1897 carriage is equipped with a hydro-pneumatic recoil mechanism. The basic difference in the recuperator or recoil mechanism of the French model 1897 gun, as compared with the British model and the

106

American model, lies in the fact that the French model involves the principle of oil and compressed air for absorbing the recoil of the gun and returning it to battery or firing position, and is practically selfcontained in one large heat-treated steel forging, with a system of finely fitted surfaces and adjustment valves; while in the British and American model recoil mechanism, oil and steel springs, instead of

compressed

air,

are employed, with a combination of pistons and steel

also be

tubing. reference

may

made

relative to the desirablity of single

or unit trails as compared with the split trail. The latter allows of greater traverse, but as a new objective makes necessary a resetting of the trail, the change in setting requires much more time than with
the unit
trail.

The

split trail is heavier

and the equalizing mecha-

nism, necessary to the proper distribution of recoil shock to both trail sections, establishes a relative movement between the two trail sections, with the result that the split trail can be than the unit trail on uneven ground.
set

up

less quickly

Weight, dimensions and

Caliber

ballistics.

Millimeters

Weight of gun and breech mechanism Total length of gun

Length of bore
9.72 inches

pounds
inches

do
thence, iiniform.

75 995 88.21 83.915

Rifling, right-hand twist, zero turns at origin to 1 turn in 75 inches at

from muzzle,
:

Number

of

grooves
feet per second-_

24 1,693 1,900

Muzzle velocity Shrapnel

Shell

(short fuse)

Shell (long fuse)

do do
yards__ do do

1,876 6,464 8,100 7,450

16

Maximum

range: Shrapnel (Mark IV shell)

Shell (short fuse) Shell (long fuse)

Weight of one round of ammunition

Shrapnel
Shell

pounds
do do do
inches

Weight of Weight of Diameter Width of Length of

carriage complete (without gun)

gun and carriage in battery position of wheel*

track
recoil of

gun on carriage (normal) Length of recoil of gun on carriage (maximum) Height of axis from ground

do do do do

]2.3 1. 950 2, 890 56 60 45

38.

Maximum Maximum Maximum

angle of elevation degrees do angle of depression mils traverse, each side of center Weight of gun, carriage, and limber (British) fully equipped, also loaded with shrapnel and fuse boxes pounds Weight of gun, carriage, and limber (American) fully equipped, also loaded with shrapnel and fuse boxes pounds

49 80 16 5
72

4,591
4,458

107

V\\l I!'//' /////;

\\\l'
1

I/

///////.//
i;

i!

ill

108

109

75-MILLIMETER

GUN AND CARRIAGE, MODEL OF

1917 (BRITISH).

is built up of alloy steel, consisting of a tube, a series of of steel wire, a jacket, and a breech ring. The tube extends layers from the rear end of the chamber to the muzzle. Over the rear por-

The gun

15 layers of steel wire. The jacket is fitted over the exterior of the tube and wire, and is secured longitution of the tube are

wound

dinally by corresponding shoulders and the breech ring, which is screwed over the jacket at the rear and secured by a set screw. The breech ring is prepared for the reception of the breech mechanism, and is provided on the upper side with a lug for the attachment of the hydraulic buffer. Longitudinal projections on each side of the

form guides for the gun when in the cradle of the carriage. plane for a clinometer is prepared on the upper surface of the breech ring. Vertical and horizontal axis lines are cut on the face
jacket

of the muzzle for use in verifying the adjustments of the sight. The breech block is of the interrupted screw type having two threaded and two slotted sectors. The breech recess of the gun is
slotted

and threaded
is

the latter
a

to correspond with the threads on the block and screwed to a cylindrical section, or carrier, which is hinged

to the right side of the breech.

is

Hinged

to the rear face of the carrier

lever, provided with bevel teeth which engage with correteeth on the rear face of the breech block, so arranged that sponding

hand

when the

lever is pulled to the right, the first movement of the lever unlocks the breech block, and on continuing the motion the block and carrier are swung into the loading position. The breech is

opened by the cannoneer on the right seat pulling the hand lever toward him. The extractor, hinged to the right side of the breech, is automatically actuated in opening the breech, thus ejecting the

empty cartridge case. The -firing mechanism

before the breechblock

is is

so arranged that the

gun can not be

fired

the hand lever locked, and is known as a continuous-pull mechanism. By means of the firing lever on the left side of the gun, operated by the gunner, the firing
pin, which seats in an axially bored hole in the breechblock, is cocked and fired by one continuous backward motion of the lever. The carriage has a tubular steel trail and axle, the rear end of the trail being fitted with a spade, lifting handles, trail eye, and traversing lever. The top carriage is provided with bearings, by means of which it is pivoted on the axle for traversing. Bearings are provided at the top to receive the cradle trunnions on which the cradle pivots.

home and

Longitudinal recesses are cut in the inner surface of the lower portion of the cradle for the reception of the guides on the jacket of the gun.

seat is provided

on the

left side of the trail for the

gunner who

sets the sights

who

the gun, and one on the right for a cannoneer sets the range and operates the breech.
fires

and

110

The customary top and main

shields

and the apron are provided

for the protection of the personnel against gun fire. The recoil cylinder is contained in the spring case in the upper portion of the cradle and is surrounded by two sets, inner and outer, of

four sections each, of counterrecoil (running-out) springs, these being held under initial compression between an external flange on. the front end of the recoil cylinder and an internal flange at the rear

end of the outer spring case. The cylinder is attached and secured to the rear end of the gun by two nuts, while the piston rod with piston, which fits inside of the cylinder, is secured to the forward end of the spring case. The piston rod is bored out for the reception of the counterrecoil buffer which is secured in the rear end of the cylinder. Upon being fired the gun recoils, carrying with it the recoil cylinder. The oil is forced to pass from in front of the stationary piston to the rear through grooves of graduated depth which set up an hydraulic resistance, thus checking the energy and bringing the gun to rest. In recoiling, the gun further compresses the two sets of springs which, after the gun has reached its maximum recoil, cause
it

to return to battery.

The

counterrecoil buffer displaces the liquid

in the rear

end of the piston rod, the liquid being forced to escape

over the tapered flats, thus resulting in the gun returning to battery without shock. gravity tank is bolted to the front end of the recoil mechanism,

which insures the cylinder being constantly filled, and is protected from gun fire by a shield. The angle of sight level is carried on a bracket riveted to the underside of the rocking bar at the rear end and is adjusted by a leveling screw to which is attached a micrometer disc for setting off the angle
of sight.

The range indicator is fitted to the right side close to the handwheel and consists of a meter scale ring graduated on its face in hundreds
of meters, the periphery of the ring being graduated in mils. The mechanism allows an elevation of 16 and depression of 5. The elevating gear is divided into two portions, upper and lower, and so arranged that the gun may be elevated or depressed without
altering the line of sight.

The traversing gear is pivoted to a bracket fastened to the trail at the rear end of the top carriage, and is operated by a handwheel extending out to the left side by means of which the gun may be
traversed 72 mils right or left from center. scale strip and pointer indicate the angle of traverse. Wooden wheels, 56 inches in diameter, are used, having steel tires 3 inches in width. Drag washers free to rotate about the hubs are

secured by the dust caps.

Ill

5516021-

112

113
brake is for use in traveling, and is always used when Brake arms are pivoted at one end to a bracket on the trail and have at their other end a cast-iron brake shoe which acts upon the tire of the wheel. The braking action is adjustable and brakes are operated by a lever having an eccentric link at its end. The sights used are the rocking-bar sight and panoramic sight, model of 1917, which are located tm the left side of the carriage. Fixed ammunition is used in this 75-millimeter field gun and is

The

tire

firing.

shrapnel or common steel shell. Shrapwith the projectiles filled and fuzed; the shell rounds are issued filled but not fuzed, and contain an adapter with

made up

of either

common

nel rounds are issued

booster charge.

pounds fuzed; round are the cartridge case with primer, powder charge, projectile, and fuze in shrapnel, and adapter and booster in shell.

The projectiles average in weight; shrapnel, 16 shell 12.3 pounds fuzed. The components of one

75-MILLIMETER

GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

1917 (BRITISH).
is

The battery

of British 75-millimeter

gun carriages

accompanied

by the following vehicles:

1 gun carriage limber, model of 1917 (British). 1 75-millimeter gun carriage limber, model of 1918. 75-millimeter gun caisson, model of 1918. 75-millimeter gun caisson limber, model of 1918. Forge limber, model of 1902 MI. Store limber, model of 1902 MI.

75-millimeter

Battery and store wagon, model of 1917. Battery reel, model of 1917. This gun was formerly 3.3 inches in caliber but was modified to 75 millimeters, giving interchangeability with French ammunition. All of this materiel used by the American Army was manufactured in the United States. The gun carriage limber, model of 1917, is of
British design.
1

Either one of the above limbers

may

be used.

114
^5
1

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O3C*C|^l-rjXOO Xt-Ogi^OJCO^gagCS

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CJ

-<

C-4

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>

A S_

t&llftjl >-.<s-Cc:0^
S
a a "a

a>

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:>-2feS
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^^^

1*11 i. ft
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-j- 1'r

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75-MILLIMETER

GUN CARRIAGE LIMBER, MODEL OF

(BRITISH).

1917

The standard
is

British limber carries cartridges horizontally, but

not arranged with compartments or diaphragms. The American product of the British limber is superior to the standard British vehicle in that diaphragms are included in the ammunition chests. The limbers are fitted with wooden poles, which are more liable to breakage than steel poles; they have single draft hooks, instead of double trees for equalizing the pull on the braces the pin;

not so effective as the American, nor the ammunition chest doors so well suited to their purpose; and they are not adapted to the American harness, as the distance from the neck yoke to the
tle latch is

draft hook is 6 inches shorter than in the American design and our harness can not be so readily connected to the neck yoke.

FRONT VIEW OF LIMBER.

Weights, dimensions,
etc.

Weight, complete, empty Weight of tools and equipment carried

pounds do do Weight of ammunition carried do Weight, completely equipped and loaded Weight of gun, carriage and limber, completely equipped with 21 rounds of ammunition pounds Diameter of wheels inches,Width of track do Turning angle with carriage degrees--

1,016 114 516 1, 646

4,

591 56 60 70

British design of gun carriage limber is constructed of a frame consisting of two middle and two outer rails connected at the front

The

and center by a bar and braces and surmounted by an ammunition

chest of steel.
(116)

116

I
K

117

Sv,

118

The chest opens at the rear and is fitted with perforated diaphragms for carrying 24 rounds of fixed ammunition and a compartment in the center holding two wooden trays for small stores. The pole is of wood, protected at the front end by steel wrapping
plates

and

fitted

with a neck yoke for use with breast collar harness.

REAR VIEW OF LIMBER.

The

axle is a seamless steel tube fixed to the rails

by

flanges,

and

the wheels are the same as those used on the

gun

carriage.

used only in connection with the 75-millimeter gun model of 1917 (British). carriage, The 75-millimeter gun carriage limber, model of 1918 (American) a description of which may be found on page 119, can be used as an
is

This limber

alternate for this vehicle.

75-MILLIMETER GUN CARRIAGE LIMBER,

MODEL OF

1918.

of American design, and is of metal throughout, excepting the spokes and felloes of the wheels. The frame consists of a middle rail and two side rails. The middle rail is in the form of

The limber

is

a split cylinder, one half passing below and the other half above the axle, uniting in front to form a seat for the pole and in the rear to

form a seat for the pintle-bearing guide. described on page 169, is provided.

An automatic pole

support,

The ammunition chest is a rectangular steel box, having a door at the rear hinged at the bottom, and swinging downward to an approximately horizontal position. Three perforated diaphragms within the chest support 18 rounds of fixed ammunition and 3 tubular oil cans. The axle is of forged steel, made in one piece. The standard 56-inch wheels are used. (See page 167.) This limber is used in connection with American, British, and French 75-millimeter materiel.
Weights, dimensions,
etc.

Weight Weight Weight Weight

complete, empty of tools and equipment carried, oil cans of ammunition carried (shrapnel) of fuze boxes, loaded

filled

Weight, completely equipped and loaded Rounds of ammunition carried in limber chest Diameter of wheels

pounds do do do do
inches

1,

963 134 365 62 524 18 56

Width

of track

Free height under limber Turning angle with carriage

(119)

do do
degrees

60 24 78

120

REAR VIEW OF LIMBER.

FRONT VIEW OF LIMBER.

121

122

>

i
,

yiPiii
ill! Ill

njr
iifii&JiSliiliiif'

FT/A

i-/----

> !

W-

iililiili

75-MILLIMETER GUN CAISSON, MODEL OF

1918.

The caisson consists of a means of a spring support. held by suitable axle and

on wheels and axle by This support consists of helical springs chest brackets at each end of the chest. The Belleville springs absorb the shock of rebound.
steel chest carried

FRONT VIEW OF CAISSON.

The

chest carries 70 rounds of

ammunition arranged
fire is

in 5 horizontal

rows of 14 each.

Protection from small-arms

provided by the

front door, rear plate, and apron, which are made of armor plate. The chest provides seats for three cannoneers, and is equipped with

rack is profastenings for carrying a full complement of tools. On the vided at the back of the chest for carrying fuze boxes. front left side of the chest is fastened the fuze setter. The caisson is equipped with a short pole and lunette combined with a pole prop. On the rear the standard pintle is provided.
(123)

124
Standard
56- inch wheels are used

and band brakes are provided.

(See page 167.)

GUN CAISSON AND GUN-CAISSON LIMBER, LIMBERED.

Weights, dimensions,
etc.

Weight, complete, empty Weight of tools and equipment carried Weight of ammunition carried (shrapnel) Weight of fuze boxes, loaded Weight, completely equipped and loaded Weight with limber completely equipped and with 106 rounds
tion

pounds do do do do
of

1,425
62

1,421 124
3,

032

ammunipounds
inches

Rounds of ammunition carried

Diameter of wheels

Width of track
Free height under caisson Turning angle with limber

do do
degrees

4,961 70 56 60 81
81

75-MILLIMETER GUN CAISSON LIMBER,

MODEL OF

1918.

caisson limber is practically the same as the gun carriage model of 1918, except that the chest is larger and carries limber, more ammunition. Each diaphragm is perforated with 39 flanged holes, which accommodate 36 rounds of ammunition, and three

The gun

tubular

oil cans.

This limber is used in connection with the American, British, and French 75-millimeter materiel.

FRONT VIEW OF CAISSON LIMBER.

Weights, dimensions,
etc.

Weight, complete, empty Weight of tools and equipment carried (oil cans Weight of ammunition carried (shrapnel) Weight of fuze boxes, loaded Weight, completely equipped and loaded Rounds of ammunition carried in limber chest Diameter of wheels Width of track

filled)

pounds do do
do do
inches

1,003* 134 730 62

1,929 36 56 60 24
81

Free height under limber Turning angle with caisson

(125)

do do
degrees

126

3-INCH

GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

World War

1902.

When

the United States entered the

field

hand approximately 544 3-inch sary equipment therefor. The

there were on model 1902, and the necesguns, 3-inch, model 1902, materiel includes

gun, carriage, limber, caissons, caisson limbers, battery wagons, forge limbers, store wagons, store limbers, combination battery, store

wagons and limbers, battery reel, also reel and carts, as issued to the 75-millimeter materiel.

The needs of the fighting army received first attention, but a large number of troops in the training areas and camps required materiel
for use in their preliminary instructions; thus 154 batteries of 3-inch, model 1902, materiel were distributed for training purposes in the

United States which were considered substitutes for the 75-millimeter

materiel.

The 3-inch field gun, American model 1902-1904-1905, is equipped with a breechblock of the interrupted-screw type. The breech mechanism consists of a handle pivoted vertically to provide horizontal movement of the handle to the right to open the breechblock. In opening, the mechanism performs two functions: Revolves the breechblock, releasing it from the threads, and then swings the block open. At the same time the cartridge case is ejected from the gun. In closing, the threaded movement firmly seats the cartridge in the powder chamber, and the threads withstand the backward thrust
of the powder gases.

The

recoil

mechanism

is

of the hydro-spring type, with the housing

attached to the carriage, and located underneath the cannon. The firing mechanism, in the latest design, is operated either by a lanyard attached to the trigger, or by means of a firing handle on the cradle,

and
the

of the continuous-pull type. gun can not be fired.

is

When

the breechblock

is

unlocked

Weights, dimensions, and

ballistics.

Weight of gun Models of 1902 and 1904 Model of 1905

:

pounds do
inches__

Caliber

Length of gun Length of bore Length of rifled portion of bore

do do do
(127)

835 788 3 87. 8 84 72. 72

5516021

128

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

REAR VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

(129)

130
Rifling
:

Number

of grooves inch__
0.

Width of grooves Depth of grooves Width of lands

:

do do
;

24 2927 0. 03 0. 01

Twist, right-hand Models of 1902 and 1904 1 turn in 50 calibers at origin to 1 turn in 25 calibers at 12.52 inches from muzzle, thence uniform. Model of 1902 turn at origin to 1 turn in 25 calibers at 9.72 inches from muzzle, thence uniform. \Veight of projectile (filled and fuzed) pounds
:

15
2.
2.~i

W eight
T

Weight

of cartridge case_. of fix^d ammunition

(1

round)

do do
cubic inches

is.

ir,

feet per sec__ 1, 700 pressure per square inch pounds__ 33,000 Range at 15 elevation yards__ 6,000 Maximum range (approximately) do 8,500 Weight of carriage, with 4 rounds of ammunition weighing 75 pounds, pounds 1,685 Weight of gun and carriage, fully equipped pound* 2,520 do 115 Weight at end of trail, carriage limbered Diameter of wheels inches 56 Width of track do 60 do 45 Length of recoil of gun on carriage do 40. 875 Height of axis of gun 44. 9 do Height of line of peep sight do 36. 75 Length of peep-sight radius Maximum angle of elevation !"> degrees Maximum angle of depression do 5 1 mils Amount of traverse of gun and carriage 140 4 Rounds of ammunition carried on carriage

Capacity of cartridge case Muzzle velocity

66. 5

Maximum

3-INCH GUNS,

MODELS OF 1902, 1904, AND MODEL OF 1902.

1905,

AND CARRIAGE,

are of three models, 1902, 1904, and 1905, and are practhe same except that the latter two models differ from the tically 3902 model in breech mechanism and the 1905 model is 50 pounds
lighter in weight. The gim is built

The guns

up of

nickel steel

and

consists of a tube, the rear

portion of which is enveloped by a jacket which also projects beyond the rear end forming a recess for the breechblock. locking hoop is shrunk on the tube and the forward end of the jacket to secure the latter to the tube. The front clip is a short hoop shrunk on the tube near the forward end which guides the gun in recoil.

The breechblock on all three models is of the interrupted-screw type, and rotates in. the block carrier which is hinged to the rear end of the tube on the right side. The block of the 1902 model has two threaded and two slotted sectors and the block of the 1904 and 1905 models, which have identical breech mechanisms, has four

(131)

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iltw<!<M<liw-i< felkSiM^^^I ^^! ^^x

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slk

S^
1
,
'

vi

IP *4& ^ ti^
S^'s^t'S
;

"^"^fc

^"^

llf3f?44S*3JrtWllI Sac^^lcat^^Nsss^fc'S^
-

b*** ^l-| ^ t^**^t??tt ^ ^t ^ iS^^'^'Gt^'i^l'^ s>^

5;

**

-^

xi:

(132)

133
threaded and four slotted sectors. The breechblock is operated by a lever pivoted to a lug on the block carrier which has at its outer end a handle and at its pivot end, a segment of a bevel gear, meshing with a corresponding segment on the rear face of the block. On pulling the handle to the right, the first 117 rotates the block until the threaded sectors are disengaged. A further movement of 90 swings the block and carrier on its hinge until free of the bore. The firing pin is eccentrically located in a recess in the block, when the breech is open. As the breech is closed the pin. is automatically moved to one side until it is in alignment with the axis of the bore and primer of the cartridge case. This is a safety feature which prevents the accidental discharge of a round before the breech has been fully closed.

The carriage
trail is

is known as model of 1902. tapering box-shaped secured to brackets around the axle and has at its rear end a

float. Two compartments are provided in the trail, one and one for the rear sight. A seat is riveted to each side of the trail, one on the left for the gunner, and one on the right for In front of the compartments are two cross transoms a cannoneer. which form a support for the elevating mechanism. The cradle has riveted to its underside a pintle which seats in a pintle socket secured to the axle, by means of which the cradle and gun is rotated. The top and main shield and an apron are provided for the protection of the personnel from gun fire. The recoil mechanism is of the hydrospring type. The recoil cylinder is fastened to the gun lug and therefore recoils with the gun. The piston, rod, being secured to the cradle head, remains stationary

spade and
for tools

during

recoil.

Throttling during recoil

is

obtained by the use of

three throttling bars, on the interior of the recoil cylinder, the piston having three slots cut in it to correspond to the throttling bars.

During
cylinder
bars,

recoil the piston is stationary

is

and the hydroline

slots.

oil in

the

forced past the piston through the

As

due to their increasing size, gradually close the piston, the gun is gradually brought to a stop.

the throttling slots in the

The

counterrecoil

mechanism

consists of three nests of inner

and

outer springs which function to return the gun to battery and serve The counterrecoil buffer consists of a to partially check the recoil.

tapered rod secured in the end of the cylinder which enters the hollow end of the piston rod, displacing the oil therein and preventing shock when the gun returns to battery. The elevating mechanism is of the double-screw type, consisting of a screw pivoted to the rear end of the rocker, which is moved up or down by the rotation of a bevel gear threaded on its interior surface. This bevel gear is rotated by a bevel pinion operated by a crank

handle on either side of the

trail.

135
Traversing is accomplished by means of a traversing shaft operated by a handwheel on the left side of the carriage. This shaft is threaded and passes through a nut which is pivoted to the cradle. The nut being secured to prevent its turning, swings the cradle in
traverse,

when
is

lock

the traversing mechanism is operated. provided for locking the cradle to the trail in order to

relieve the elevating

and traversing mechanisms of any unnecessary

strains during traveling.

CARRIAGE AND LIMBER HAULED BY TRACTOR.

Seats are supported on the axle on each side of carriage in front of the shield for the cannoneers, when traveling. Foot rests are provided which also support the brake levers and ammunition carriers,
there being four of the latter which

make

it

possible to

open

fire

quickly

if necessary.

CARRIAGE AND LIMBER IN TRAVELING POSITION.

The brakes

are of the shoe type

in front or rear of the shield, in the former case in the latter case when in firing position.

and may be operated from either when traveling, and

(See page 167.) for sighting and laying the piece include line sights, a rear sight, a front sight, a panoramic sight, and a range

Standard 56-inch wheels are used.

The instruments provided

quadrant. Three kinds of fixed ammunition are used in the 3-inch gun, models of 1902, 1904, and 1905, namely, common steel shell, common

136

137

138
shrapnel, and high explosive shrapnel. Each round is issued with The weight of the projectile is 15 projectiles filled and fuzed.

pounds and the

total

weight of one round

is

18.75 pounds.
1902.

3-INCH

GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

This materiel includes the following: 3-inch field gun, model of 1902, 1904, or 1905, mounted on carriage, model of 1902. 3-inch gun limber, model of 1902 and 1916. 3-inch gun caisson, model of 1902 and 1916. Forge limber, model of 1902 and 1902 Ml. Battery wagon, model of 1902, 1902 Ml and 1917.
Store limber, model of 1902 and 1902 Ml. Store wagon, model of 1902, 1902 Ml and 1917. Battery reel, model of 1917.

The above
facture.

materiel

is

entirely of

American design and manu-

3-INCH
The

GUN LIMBER, MODEL OF

1902.

limber, excepting the spokes and felloes of the wheels, is of metal throughout. The principal parts are the wheels, axle, frame,

and neck yoke. and wheel fastenings are the same as, and interchangeThe wheels able with, those used on the carriage. The axle is hollow, of a single piece of forged steel, the axle body being provided with lugs, to which the middle and side rails of the frame are riveted. The side rails are of channel shape, divided at the front, one branch being led forward and secured to the middle rail near the pole seat,
ammunition
chest, pole, doubletree, singletrees,

REAR VIEW OF LIMBER.

while the other branch
is

utilized as a foot-rest support.

The

foot

rest is a perforated steel plate formed to shape and riveted to the middle and side rails in front of the ammunition chest. The rear

ends of the side rails project slightly beyond the chest to form steps for the use of the cannoneers in mounting. The frame consists of a middle and two side rails riveted to the axle lugs. The middle rail is in the form of a split cylinder, one-half passing below and the other half above the axle, which are joined in front to form a seat for the pole and in rear to form a seat for the
pintle bearing. The pintle bearing is of bronze, made in halves and bored out to take the pintle shank. The pintle has a swiveling

motion of 360

upon its shank, but is kept in its normal position by the spring in the bearing. The doubletrees and singletrees are formed of flange steel. Two doubletree rods each from the ends of the doubletree to the tie-rod
clamps on the axle to which they are pinned.
(139)

pole prop

is

hinged

140
to the rear end of the pole and when not in use it is secured by fastenings under the limber frame and the prop-chain button on the foot rest. The ammunition chest is a rectangular steel box built up of sheet

and riveted together. The chest door is hinged at the bottom and swings downward and to the rear to an approximately horizontal position, where it is held by two door chains, and is held in its closed position by a shot bolt at each of the upper corners and by a lock in
steel

the middle.

Inside of the chest the cartridges are supported by three vertical diaphragms, flanged all around and riveted to the body of the chest.

Each of the diaphragms is perforated with 39 flanged holes. Corresponding holes in the middle and rear diaphragms are connected by conical brass tubes, which are cut away on top to reduce weight. These connecting pieces support the front end of the cartridge case and enable empty cases to be carried. The rear end of the connecting piece is turned over the rear face of the flange of the perforation in the rear diaphragm, and forms a stop for the rim of the cartridge case. The chest door closes against the head of the case so that the
cartridge is firmly held in position. Suitable finger clearances are cut in the flange of each cartridge hole in the rear diaphragm to enable the fingers to get a good hold on the rim of the case in with-

drawing

it

from the

chest.

Seats for three cannoneers are provided and the paulin issued with each limber serves as a seat cushion. Watering buckets are carried

compartments provided for them between the seats and the the seat is a handrail which projects above the top of the chest. At the front a lantern and two picket ropes are carried. Brackets for carrying an ax, a shovel, and pole prop are provided under the limber. All of the implements are secured in their brackets by leather straps, and held by strap fasteners
in suitable
chest.

At each end of

provided for that purpose. With each limber are issued three oil cans, each of the general form of a cartridge and of a capacity of approximately two-thirds of a gallon. They are intended for hydroline, lubricating, and coal oil, and are to be carried inside the chest
in the central vertical

row of cartridge

holes.
etc.

Weights, dimensions,

Weight, complete, empty

and equipment carried WT eight of ammunition carried Weight, completely equipped and loaded Rounds of ammunition carried in limber chest Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under limber Turning angle with carriage Turning angle with caisson

Weight of

tools

pounds__ do do do
inches

1,

do
do*

degreos__

do

964 101 675 740 36 56 60 22 80 75

3-INCH

GUN

CAISSON,

MODEL OF

1902.

wheels,

This caisson, with the exception of the spokes and felloes of the is of metal throughout. The frame is diamond-shaped and composed of two channel section

side rails riveted to lugs on the axle and meeting in front at the lunette and pintle, respectively.

and rear

FRONT VIEW OF CAISSON.

chest is a rectangular steel box of flange steel three vertical diaphragms which support 70 rounds of containing

The ammunition

ammunition. Caissons having serial numbers 1141 to 1284, inclusive, have provisions for but 56 rounds. The door of the chest is in the rear and hinged at the top, the door opening upward and held at each end by a prop. An apron of armor plate is hinged under the axle and may be
secured in a horizontal position for traveling. fuze-setter bracket is pivoted to the apron hinges on the right side of the carriage at the rear. It is raised and secured for traveling.

The road brake

all

is

parts as far as possible being interchangeable. 56-inch wheels are used.

(141)

designed similar to that of the gun carriage, with The standard

142
Weight, dimensions, Weight, empty
etc.

Weight of tools and equipment carried Weight of ammunition carried Weight, completely loaded and equipped Rounds of ammunition carried Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under caisson__ Turning angle

pounds.. 1, 424 do 84 do 1,312.5 do 2,820

70
inches

do do
degrees

56 60
22. 5

75

3-INCH
The frame

GUN

CAISSON,

MODEL OF

1916.

consists of two side rails and a middle rail braced by and by the ammunition chest to which they are rivited. tie-rods, The chest is a rectangular flange steel box containing three vertical diaphragms supporting TO rounds of ammunition. The door is hinged to the front of the chest, swings upward on its hinges, and is held by a door prop on the left side. An apron of armor plate is hinged below the chest for the protec-

tion of the personnel.

FRONT VIEW. SHOWING DOOR SWUNG UPWARD EXPOSING AMMUNITION.

are used similar to those on the 75-mm. gun carmodel of 1916, several parts of which are interchangeable. riage, Brakes are applied by a hand lever on the right side, operated by one of the cannoneers seated on the chest.
Weights, dimensions,
Overall length (traction pole removed) Overall width Overall height
etc.

Band brakes

inches__

* *

64

Weight, empty

Weight of tools and equipment carried Weight of ammunition carried Weight, completely equipped and loaded Rounds of ammunition carried Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under caisson Turning angle
Approximately.

1,312.5 2, 750 70 inches 56 60 do do 21 81 degrees--

do do pounds do do do do

74 57 1, 384 53.5
*

5516021

10

1 43 )

144

to

S3

b
_j

145
3-INCH

GUN LIMBER, MODEL OF

1916.

the exception of the chest, the limber is the same as the 75-millimeter gun caisson limber, model of 1918. The main difference in the chest is in the size of the holes in the diaphragms, which
are larger to

With

accommodate 3-inch ammunition.

Weights, dimensions,
etc.

Overall length Overall width

inches

Overall height

do do
(oil

Weight, complete, empty Weight of tools and equipment carried

cans

filled)

Weight of ammunition carried Weight, completely equipped and loaded Rounds of ammunition carried in limber chest Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under limber Turning angles with carriage Turning angle with caisson
Approximately.

pounds do do do do
inches

120 74 * 63 987 113 675

*

do do
degrees

do

1,775 36 56 60 24 80 81

146

CO CD

Q O
CC

51

BATTERY WAGON, MODEL OF

The frame
the axle.
consists of

1902.

seat for the lunette bracket

two side rails joined at the front to form a and projecting directly to the rear beyond
is

forge vise

securely fastened to the left side of the

frame in place of the handle.

REAR VIEW OF BATTERY WAGON.

chest is of wood and is bolted to the side rails. The interior divided into four compartments; the largest being accessible through a hinged lid at either end of the top. The other three comis

The

by a door

partments are in the lower rear portion of the chest, and are entered at the rear end which opens downward. Of the three compartments, the right one is for the saddler's chest; the left one for the carpenter's chest, and the middle one for the cleaning materials and small stores chest. In the larger compartment is carried
the grindstone and frame, the jackscrew, and the packing chest chest for spare sights is containing spare breech mechanism.

furnished, which

may

be carried either in the battery or store wagon.

(147)

148
In rear of the axle and under the chest are carried three oil cans of 5 gallons capacity each. Fastenings are provided on either side of the chest for carrying the two spare wheels. The wheels used and carried are standard 56-inch. (See page 167.)
This battery wagon
materiel, model of
is

used only in connection with the 3-inch gun

1902.
Weights, dimensions,
etc.

Weight of battery wagon, empty Weight of battery wagon, completely equipped and loaded Diameter of wheels

pounds do
inches

1,

244

Width

of track

Free height under wagon Turning angle

do do
degrees--

2,747 56 60 26
7.1

BATTERY WAGON, MODEL OF

1902 MI.

The battery wagon, model of 1902 MI, differs from the model of 1902 in the following respects: The chest with attachments is stronger, better braced, and attached in a better manner to the frame. The weight of the spare wheels is carried directly by the axle instead of at the top of the chest. The parts of the chest are bolted and screwed together so that they may be readily disassembled if necessary. The corners are not dovetailed but reinforced with corner irons inside and out.

This battery wagon

is

used only in connection with the 3-inch gun

materiel, model of 1902.

Weights, dimensions,
etc.

Weight of battery wagon, empty Weight of battery wagon, completely equipped and loaded Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under wagon Turning angle with limber Weight (approximate) at lunette, loaded

pounds do
inches do__

1,

2,

444 947

56 60
L'4.
."

do
degrees.-

pounds

75 112

STORE WAGON, MODEL OF

The
store

1902.

wagon

is

the same as the battery wagon, model of 1902,

with the exception that the vise is omitted and a frame handle attached in its place, and the body has but a single compartment, with two doors on top. As on the battery wagon, the store wagon carries two spare wheels and three oil cans.

SIDE VIEW OF STORE WAGON.

intended primarily for carrying such stores, in the battery wagon and, spare parts, in addition, such stores as may be designated by proper authority. Tire brakes are used, operated by a hand lever on the right side of the body. The wheels used and carried are the standard 56-inch wheels. (See
store

The

wagon

is

and materials as can be carried

page

167.)

For

detailed description

and table of weights, dimensions,

(149)

etc.,

see Battery

Wagon, page

147.

150

STORE WAGON, MODEL OF

The
store

1902 MI.

wagon, model of 1902 MI, is the same as the battery model of 1902 MI, with the exception of the differences as wagon, noted in the description of the battery store wagon, model of 1902. For detailed description and table of weights, dimensions, etc..
see

page

148.

151

FORGE LIMBER, MODEL OF

The frame of the forge limber is gun limber, model of

1902.

identical in all
1902.

its

parts with that

of the 3-inch

It consists of a

middle and

two side

rails, the middle rail being in the form of a split cylinder, one half passing below and the other half above the axle, uniting in front to form a seat for the pole and in the rear to form a seat for

the pintle bearing guide. The chest is a rectangular flange-steel box having a lid hinged along the front edge of the chest body. The lid is flanged all around,

TOP VIEW SHOWING INTERIOR OF FORGE LIMBER.

fitting

bolts

over the body of the chest to make it water-tight. on the rear face of the chest secure the lid when closed.

Shot

The interior of the chest is divided into five compartments by four vertical steel partitions. The middle compartment, which is
the largest, is fitted to take the field forge, the anvil, and several small tools, the next compartment on either side carries horseshoes

and horseshoe

nails,

and the end compartments are

(152)

fitted

with
oil

fastenings for carrying smiths' and machinists' tools.

tubular

153

JM

154
can
is

carried under each end of the chest, and various implements

are secured to the chest by straps provided for that purpose.

Weights, dimensions,
etc.

Weight of forge limber, empty, without equipment Weight of forge limber, complete equipped and loaded Weight of store limber, empty, without equipment Weight of store limber, complete, equipped and loaded Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under limber Turning angle with battery wagon

pounds do do do
inches

1,

1,

do do
degrees

958 577 955 106 56 60

75

^6. 5

FORGE LIMBER, MODEL OF

The forge

1902 MI.

limber, model of 1902 MI, is identical with the 1902 with the exception that the 1902 MI model has an automatic model, pole support, which is described on page 169. The forge limber is used in connection with the American, British, and French 75-millimeter materiel, and the 3-inch materiel, model

of 1902.
detailed description and table of weights and dimensions is given in a preceding article on Forge Limber, model of 1902, page 152.

STORE LIMBER, MODEL OF

The
store limber is practically the

1902.

same as the forge limber, model with compartments for carrying fire-control equipment, some of the compartments being padded to protect the contents from injury. For description and table of weights and dimensions, see preceding article on Forge Limber, model of 1902.
of 1902, except that the chest
is fitted

TOP VIEW SHOWING INTERIOR OF STORE LIMBER.

STORE LIMBER, MODEL OF

The
store limber,
store limber,
169.

1902 MI.

model of 1902 MI, is identically the same as the model of 1902, with the exception that it is fitted with an automatic pole support, description of which will be found on
page
table of weights and dimensions, see preceding on forge limber, model of 1902. The limber is used in connection with the American, British, and French 75-millimeter materiel, and the 3-inch gun materiel, model

For description and

article

of 1902.
(355)

BATTERY AND STORE WAGON, MODEL OF

1917.

The battery and store wagon is made of metal throughout, with the exception of the spokes and felloes of the wheels. The frame is built up of two channel section side rails connected at the rear and
intermediate points by similar channels. The side channels are bent inward near the front, meeting and forming a seat in which the

REAR RIGHT SIDE VIEW OF BATTERY AND STORE WAGON.

lunette bracket
is

riveted.

At the

rear of the frame

is

a compartment

for carrying recuperator, lubricating, and coal oil cans. The chest is divided into compartments for carrying various articles

of battery equipment.

The top compartments have

(156)

horizontally

157

!!

liiSIXHIJXqffl-.
:--^-'.yg5jB
r

w;i;djMW

'iy ^""i

iifiligfii

MiSiliisii
i.'r.-r.-.-i:--.-.-.-.-.-.:.-.-.-.-!-:

Hlllllli8kfe

158

and the lower compartments in front and rear have swing doors. Fastenings are provided on each side of the chest for carrying spare wheels, and provision is made for carrying a
hinged
lids

vertical

spare limber pole.

The battery and store wagons are identical, except for the tools and accessories that are carried in the compartments of each vehicle. A vise is carried on the front end of the frame and a crowbar bracket on the right side. The battery and store wagons contain packing strips and accessories for carrying a grindstone in the rear compartment.

Standard 56-inch wheels are used. (See page 167.) The battery and store wagon is used in connection with the American, British, and French 75-millimeter materiel, and with the 3-inch gun materiel, model of 1902.
Wights, dimensions,
etc.

Weight of battery wagon, empty Weight of battery wagon, completely equipped and loaded Weight of store wagon, empty Weight of store wagon, completely equipped and loaded Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under wagons Turning angle with limbers Weight (approximate) at lunette of both wagons, loadedOverall
length Overall height Overall height
*

pounds__ do do do
inches

1,

3.
1, 3,

do do
degrees__

705 325 705 590 56 60

24. 5

pounds__
inches

do do

75 112 *132 *74

*88

Approximately.

BATTERY REEL, MODEL OF

The
which

1917.

is

battery reel, model of 1917, is a single two-wheeled vehicle drawn by 4 horses. It is designed to carry, lay, and recover

5 miles of insulated cable, and in addition carries 2 steel chests containing fire-control instruments.

The frame is composed of two side rails connected by cross members and diagonal braces. Near the front, the side rails converge and are riveted to the pole socket. Axle brackets are riveted to the side rails,

LEFT SIDE VIEW OF BATTERY REEL.

in

which are mounted the axle arms for the wheels and the drum

shaft on which the cable

On

each side of the

a seat for

drum rotates. drum are supports which

are joined across the

Across the frame in front of the drum is top by secured an instrument chest divided into two compartments with separate hinged lids, the lids forming foot rests for the personnel on

two men.

Across the frame in rear of the drum a large steel chest is supported on springs. It has a lid hinged at the front and provided with guide rollers for the cable at its rear. The larger fire-control instruments are carried in this chest in specially designed comthe seat.

partments.

5516021

11

(159)

160

On

the right side of the

drum

is

secured a steel case in which a

plotting board is carried. At either end of the drum

is a sliding leather- faced cone which is controlled by a hand lever at the left end of the operator's seat. When either cone is engaged, the other is disengaged. The cone on

connected directly to a gear train driven by a gear attached to the wheel hub, and when engaged causes the drum to revolve. As the brake cone on the right is engaged the clutch cone is thrown
the left
is

out of engagement. The wire, when being laid out, leaves from the top of the drum, passing between the guide rollers attached to the
rear chest.

The
is

cart, model of 1918, together with the reel, model of 1909 MI, issued in lieu of the battery reel, model of 1917, for motorized

batteries.

^eights, dimensions,
Overall length (traction pole removed) Overall width Overall height

etc.

__inches do__

74
_

73.

7.~i

do__

65

Weight of reel (without equipment) Weight of reel, completely equipped and loaded Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under reel Length of wire carried (approximately)

__pounds__ 1,385 do 2,005 inches 56 __do__ 60 do__ 19

miles 5

REEL,

MODEL OF

1909 MI.

model of 1909 MI, is a two-wheeled vehicle designed to and recover 8 miles of insulated cable. It has interchangecarry, lay, able pole connections which enable it to be adapted to either horse or motor traction. The frame is composed of special shaped pressed steel members connected by gusset plates and reinforce pieces, the pole socket at the front, automatic pole support, a pintle at the rear, and the assemreel,

The

bled axle.

REAR VIEW OF REEL.

Two drums which

carry the cable are mounted end to end on an

axle which rests in the upper ends of the axle brackets. In order to lay the wire, the drums are disengaged from the clutch, permitting them to revolve free upon their axes, but controlled by the braking

action of the

drum

latch

and drum brake or the

friction clutch

when

applied for that purpose. To recover the cable or wind it on the drums, the clutch in the right drum is applied, and the drum made to revolve, by means of the chain driving gear attached to the right
wheel.

The

left
is

clutch which

drum is driven by the right drum through a pin operated by a handle in the left outer end of the left
(161)

drum.

1(12

163

An

operator's seat

is

secured to the right rear corner of the frame,

and the controls placed within easy reach. The clutch connecting the drum driving gear and the right drum is located in a recess in the right drum head and operated by a handwheel at the upper end of a shaft mounted on the right axle bracket. A lever on the right side near the seat operates the drum latch for
locking the right drum, and, through the pin clutch, the left drum leather faced brake shoe attached to the when they are at rest. drum latch lever may be brought against the flanged rim of the right

drum end

plate to act as a brake.

left

A brake shoe controlled by a foot lever near the operator's seat may
be brought to bear against the flanged rim of the

drum end

plate.

FRONT VIEW OF REEL.

Wooden rollers are placed under the frame so that the wire will be laid out or recovered without injury to it.
tool box with lid opening on top is secured to the right of the bracket in the space between the side rail and front cross rail. pole The reel, model of 1919 MI. together with the cart, model of 1918. is issued in lieu of the battery reel, model of 1917, for motorized
batteries.
Wcif/hts, dimensions, etc.

Weight Weight Diameter of wheels Width of track Free height under reel Turning angle with cart Length of wire carried

of reel (without load) of reel completely equipped

-__pounds__

1.459

and loaded

do
inches

__do
r

do

2,426 56 60 19

75 degrees __yards__ 22, 880

CART,

MODEL OF

1918.

The cart is a two-wheeled vehicle made of metal throughout, with the exception of the spokes and felloes of the wheels and the packing

'
:

"

""
VIEW SHOWING REEL AND CART, LIMBERED.

'.

within the chest.

equipment for the organization to which

It is designed to carry part of the fire-control it is issued.

REAR VIEW OF CART.

The frame

consists of a

middle

rail,

two

brackets, all of

which support the

chest.

and two axle The forward end of the

side rails,

(164)

165

166
middle
rail is fitted

with a lunette and the rear end with a

pintle.

Spiral springs are interposed between the side rails and axle brackets In connection with the axle to absorb the shocks when traveling.
brackets, Belleville springs are used to take up rebound. The chest is made up of flange steel plates riveted together and fitted with doors, lock bars, and packing devices, the interior being

divided into 17 compartments of different sizes. The chest is also furnished with fixtures on the exterior for attaching an observation tower. The road brakes are of the contracting band type and are operated from the front of the cart or from the operator's seat on top of the
chest

by means of
cart,

a brake lever

This

together with the

of the battery reel,

on the right side. model of 1909 MI, is issued in model of 1917, for motorized batteries.
reel,

lieu

Weights, dimensions,
Overall length Overall width Overall height

etc.

inches--

do__ do__

126 74 * 62

Weight, empty, without body equipment Weight, complete fully equipped and loaded

pounds do
inches*

Diameter of wheels?

Width of track
Free height under cart (approximate) Turning angle with reel (approximate) Weight of instruments
*

do do
degrees

1,676 2, 004 56 60 26
431

pounds

Approximately.

THE 56-INCH WHEEL.

All carriages and accompanying vehicles of the 3-inch and 75millimeter materiel, of American design, are equipped with standard 56-inch wheels, which are interchangeable for all vehicles of these
materiels.

The wheel

is

a modified

form of the Archibald pattern, 56 inches

oil valve in diameter, with 3-inch tires. The tires are of steel. so that the wheel can be oiled without removing it. is provided

An

SIDE

VIEW OF WHEEL.

The wheel fastening consists of a bronze yoke fitting in the outer end of the axle arm and is accessible when the hub cap is removed.

THE

57

BY

3.5-INCH

WHEEL. may

In place of the above 56-inch wheel a 57 by 3.5-inch wheel be used.

It is similar in design to the 56-inch wheel, but rubber tires. Like the 56-inch wheel it is interchangeable on
is fitted

with solid
of the

all vehicles

3-inch

and 75-millimeter materiel.

(167)

REEL,
One caisson
wire.

MODEL OF

1917,

FOR CAISSONS.
reel for tele1

in every battery

is

provided with a hand

It is riveted to the top of the caisson phone mile of field wire so arranged that the current goes

and contains
through
all

the

wire.

The

reel for caisson,

Terminals are provided for the connection of the instruments. model of 1917, is a hand-operated reel for the

transportation and handling of telephone wires.

REEL,

MODEL OF

1917,

FOR CAISSONS, MOUNTED ON A CAISSON.

The frame is built up of two flanged steel ends and two sides, riveted together with four angle-iron corner reinforces, and riveted to the top of the chest. The reel is built up of two, steel, spool flanges
mounted on a shaft, a spool riveted to the right flange and a basswood spool hub mounted between the spool flanges. The spool may be operated from either side. The crank on the right side is mounted on the shaft, and when not in use it can be removed and placed in its provided receptacle. The crank on the left side is connected with the spool through an 18 to 40 gear reduction. The crank shaft is fitted with a driving gear which meshes with a pinion
on the shaft of the spool. Chains are provided on either end of the frame for locking the cranks when not in use.
(168)

169

The reel is also fitted with a brake for controlling the speed of rotation when allowing wire to run out. The brake lever is pivoted on
the brake-lever pin, and operated by a thong attached to the lower

REEL FOR CAISSON, MODEL OF

1917.

made

By pulling the thong the upper end of the lever is on the inside of the rim of the left spool flange. A drag brake-release spring, attached to the upper end of the lever, and a lug on the left shaft bearing, keeps the brake open when not in use.
end of the
to
lever.

THE AUTOMATIC POLE SUPPORT.

Late designs of limbers for 75-millimeter and 3-inch gun materiel are fitted with an automatic pole support. The pintle hook has a lug formed on its lower side, which projects backward and bears against the lower side of the lunette on the

drawn

vehicle, thus preventing the vertical rotation of the pintle.

SECTIONAL DIAGRAM OF POLE SUPPORT.

The pintle bearing is pivoted by trunnion bolts permitting rotation in the vertical plane. spring rod is pinned to a lug on the top

of this bearing and carries the pole supporting springs. This spring is held between a collar on the rod and the pintle bearing guide so that

when
it

pintle

On
when

the weight of the pole on the coupled vehicle is put on the tends to compress the spring until the load is supported by it. the pintle bearing bolt is another spring, which is compressed
is

the pintle

drawn back, thus

relieving the shock of starting.

170

105-MILLIMETER HOWITZER MATERIEL, 1898-09 (GERMAN).

MODEL OF

The 105-millimeter howitzer materiel, model of 1898-09 (German), entirely a German product in design and manufacture. The carriage has several unique features and differs in a number of respects from any other carriage described in this book. The cradle and howitzer are so mounted that the breech of the howitzer is practiis

This permits loading at any angle cally at the axis of elevation. of elevation without the necessity of raising or lowering the piece in order to insert ammunition.
Because of the opening in the trail, the piece is permitted to recoil high angles of fire, and on account of the howitzer being hinged at the breech a constant recoil can be maintained and the trunnions are kept at a minimum height above the ground. This location of the trunnions, of course, necessitates the use of an equilibrator spring This is interposed to balance the overhang of the elevating parts. between the trail and the cradle. This carriage seems to have been very satisfactory, as the German Army made very extensive use of it during the World War, mounting three different types of guns on this same type of carriage a long and a short model of 105-millimeter field howitzer and a
at

77-millimeter field gun. The Germans do not appear to adhere to the type, once adopted, as firmly as did the French to their Model 1897.

it

was

are certain changes made in the manufacture of this no system seems to have been followed in applying them. To illustrate, there are two distinct types of shields, three different types of cradles, some of which are provided with an elevation

There carriage, and

The later type of carstop, and three types of top carriages. riage has a double lunette, the top of which is hinged, and an ice prong is added to the rear of the trail. These changes, however, do
not affect the use of the carriage for either of the three types of guns mentioned. The howitzer now in the United States for this carriage is known
as the 105-millimeter howitzer, model of 1916 (German). It has a muzzle velocity of 1,402 feet per second and a maximum range

of 10,930 yards, the projectile weighing approximately 35 pounds. Separate loading ammunition is used. The recoil mechanism used is the hydrospring type. It consists
of a hydraulic-brake cylinder, a spring return, and a continuous-act(171)

172
ing buffer.
constant.
sion.

The length of recoil is approximately 51 inches and is The maximum elevation possible is 40, with a 10 depresa total of 4. slight traverse is permitted
:

The

battery equipment of each howitzer carriage consists of the

following 105-millimeter howitzer, model of 1916 (German). " 105carriage, model of 1898-09 (German). 105howitzer caisson, model of 1898 (German).
105"

howitzer carriage and caisson limber, model of 1898 (German).

VIEW SHOWING CARRIAGE LIMBER AND CAISSON, COUPLED.

Weights, dimensions,
ballistics, etc.

Weight Weight Weight Weight

of howitzer with breech

mechanism

of breech mechanism

of carriage only of howitzer and carriage in firing position Total length of howitzer Length of tube

pounds do do do
do
calibers

985
70
2,270

2,950
82.

inches__ 90.9375

125

Length of tube

19.

Number

of rifling grooves Diameter of wheels Width of tire Weight of wheel

inches__

do

pounds
inches

87 32 48 3. 25 190
61

34 Road clearance 16 Over-all length, muzzle to center line of lunette 189. 25 Minus 10 to plus 40 Elevation, total degrees 4 (71.10 mils.) degrees Traverse, total

Track gauge Height of axis of gun above ground Height of trunnions above ground

do do do do

41

105-MILLIMETER HOWITZER
1898-09

AND CARRIAGE, MODEL OF

(GERMAN).

The howitzer consists of three pieces, a tube, a jacket, and a clip hoop. The tube is the foundation of the howitzer and in it is formed the powder chamber. The breech end of the tube is reinforced by the
jacket,

on the bottom of which at each end clips are formed integral with it. The clip hoop is forced on the tube near the center of its length and provides the forward clip.

FRONT VIEW. SHOWING BRAKES AND TRAVELING LOCK.

The breech block is the sliding wedge-block type and is operated by a lever placed on the upper right side of the breech and operated in a horizontal plane. The firing mechanism is the continuous-pull type,
the mechanism being both cocked and fired by one pull of the lanyard. The recoil cylinder recoils with the howitzer. It is held thereto by the howitzer retaining nut.

This nut
(173)

is

locked in position by a

174

Illllllll QU.(oc8t(j

175

The rear end of the cylinder is sealed by the rear head and a copper gasket. The head contains the filling plug cylinder and is locked to the cylinder by a headless set screw. Twelve throtlocking plug.
tling grooves of varying depth are cut lengthwise in the interior surface of the cylinder wall.

The front end of the piston rod screws into the cradle cap, so that during recoil the piston and rod remain stationary while the cylinder moves to the rear with the gun. The piston rod is hollow to within a few inches of the front end. The buffer, also hollow, is screwed When into the rear cylinder head and is locked by a set screw. assembled in the cylinder the buffer fits inside the hollow piston rod.

Two
ball

check valve

small throttling grooves are cut lengthwise in the buffer. is located in the rear end of it.

On the front end of the recoil cylinder there is a turned shoulder that holds the front inner-spring retainer in position when the springs are assembled. The front cylinder head is screwed in position against
a copper gasket and is locked by a leaf spring. This head forms a stuffing box for the piston rod and contains a bronze packing ring,

and babbit metal packing, and the stuffing box nut, which is locked to the cylinder head by a leaf spring. The counter recoil mechanism consists of two spring columns, one outer and one inner, of three springs each placed end to end. In releather
coiling the cylinder compresses the inner spring against a rear spring retainer. This retainer gives the load to a spring stirrup which
in turn gives the load to an outer-spring retainer, thereby compressing the outer-spring column. The outer-spring column impinges on the rear end of the cradle. The outer-spring retainer has extensions on each side that move in guides in the cradle.

When the piece is fired, the recoil cylinder moving to the rear while the recoil piston remains stationary, forces the liquid to move past the piston to the rear. The only orifice for its passage, in
addition to the slight clearance between the piston and the cylinder The wall, is through the throttling grooves cut in the cylinder wall. of the grooves is varied so that the orifice area is such that depth the movement to the rear is opposed by a practically constant force

throughout

its

entire length.

the recoil cylinder moves to the rear the buffer moves out of the piston rod, creating a vacuum therein and causing the ball valve to open, permitting some of the liquid, which has passed the piston,
to flow into the hollow piston rod, so that at the

As

end of

recoil this

space

is

is reached, and the counterrecoil springs act to return the piece to battery, compressed the ball rolls to the rear, closing the valve in the buffer rod, permitting the escape of the liquid in the hollow piston rod only through the

When

completely the end of the backward movement

filled.

5516021

T2

176
clearance space around the buffer and through the two small axial grooves. With the movement back to battery, the liquid in the
rear of the piston head, of course, returns past the piston to the front of the cylinder, but the force of counterrecoil stored in the springs is absorbed mainly by the throttling of liquid in the hollow piston
rod, causing the piece to return to battery without shock. The cradle is constructed in the shape of a tube of " U " section

made from

sheet steel

rolled or forged steel of such a shape as to

and having the top covered by a piece of form guides the full

EQUILIBRATOR MECHANISM.

length of the cradle,

which

it

upon which the howitzer is supported and upon moves during recoil. The recoil mechanism is contained

within the tube thus formed.

The trunnions

are riveted to the

cradle at the rear end and two elevating segments, one on each side, are bolted to it.

spring equilibrator designed to counterbalance the overhanging weight of the tipping parts is interposed between the trail and cradle. The spring column consists of an inner and outer spring so connected by a stirrup as to work in series. One end of the column bears against a seat on the trail and the other end bears against a seat on the under side of the cradle, both seats being of the ball and socket

177
type.

The
of

moment

force of the spring very nearly balances the turning the, overhanging howitzer and cradle whan at zero

elevation, so that very little effort is required to elevate the piece. The top carriage is built up of two side flasks of pressed steel

connected at the front and rear by steel transoms. On the bottom of the front transom is a pintle which sets into a pintle bearing on the trail. Riveted to the lower rear end of each flask is a clip.

These top carriage clips fit into two on small ball races making traversing

trail clips

and are supported

are attached to the upper flanges top carriage also carries the elevating mechanism.

The trunnion bearings easy. of the flasks near the rear. The

REAR VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

Elevation
is

accomplished by the double gear segments on the

cradle, operated through a train of gears by a handwheel side of the top carriage. The maximum elevation is 40

on the left the max;

imum

depression,

10.

Traverse is accomplished by causing the top carriage to rotate about the pintle. This is done by means of a screw fixed to the top carriage and a threaded handwheel revolving in a bracket attached to the left side of the trail. The traverse is 2 each side of the center. The trail is provided with a rock spade and a soft earth spade. The latter folds under the trail when not in use. To prevent strain

on the elevating and traversing mechanisms when traveling the cradle is locked to the trail by a locking device pivoting on the trail and engaging clips on the under side of the cradle. Shields of armor
plate are provided for the protection of the personnel.

178

tires.

The wheels are of wood, 48 inches in diameter and fitted with steel The carriage is equipped with a pair of tire brakes acting
on the
is

directly

tires of the wheels.

.sight.

Sighting

accomplished by means of a quadrant

sight
is

This Ger-

man quadrant

similar in basij principle and

method of

operation to the quadrant sight, model of 1918 (Schneider), the type of combination sight and quadrant that is standard equipment of the heavy artillery. The complete unit consists of a sight mount and a panoramic telescope, which furnishes the optiral element for
the unit. The sight is of the dependent-line-of-sight type. It is attached to the left trunnion of the cradle on an extension provided
for that purpose.

man ammunition
plosive

Separate-loading ammunition is used in this howitzer. Only Gerhas been issued. The shells are of the high ex-

and illuminating-star-shell types. Propelling charges conof flaked powder (Wuerfelpulver) are made up in bags and sisting enclosed in brass or steel cartridge cases with detachable pasteboard or cork covers. Flash reducers are used for night firing. They

smoke cloud, thus masking the flame. There are three types of fuzes, two of which are percussion fuzes, and the other is a 22-second time fuze. The latter is used on the
create a dense

illuminating shells.

105-MILLIMETER HOWITZER CAISSON,

Weight, complete, empty Weight of tools and equipment carried Weight, completely equipped and loaded

MODEL OF

1898

(GERMAN).
do do

_.-i>ouml$__ 1,079

2,

Rounds

of

ammunition carried

in caisson chest

Diameter of wheels

inches

Width of track

__do

435 28 53 61.25

105-MILLIMETER CARRIAGE
1918

AND CAISSON LIMBER, MODEL OF

(GERMAN).
etc.

Weights, dimensions,

Weight, empty

pounds
do do
2,

826 035 26

Weight of tools and equipment carried Weight completely equipped and loaded Rounds of ammunition carried in limber chest Weight at end of pole fully equipped and loadedDiameter of wheels Width of track Length, center of pintle to center of wheel

inches__

do do

53 61.25 31. 75

179

FRONT AND REAR VIEWS OF 105-MILLIMETER CARRIAGE CAISSON LIMBER. MODEL OF 1898 (GERMAN).

180

FRONT AND REAR VIEW OF 105-MILLIMETER HOWITZER SON. MODEL OF 1898 (GERMAN).

CAIS-

4.7-INCH

GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

1906.

model of 1906, is a mobile field gun, designed to fire or shell at greater ranges than the 75-millimeter guns. In shrapnel order to increase the range, a 45-pound shell is provided to replace the old type 60-pound shell. The former projectile gives consider4.7-inch,

The

ably higher muzzle velocity and longer range than the 60-pound proThe life of the gun before relining is approximately 5,000 jectile.
rounds.
a muzzle velocity of 1,700 footobtained, with a maximum range of 7,550 yards (6,903 meters) at an elevation of 15. With the 45-pound shell, a muzzle velocity of 2,050 foot-seconds, and a maximum range of 8,700 yards

Using the 60-pound shrapnel,

is

seconds

(7,900 meters) conditions.

is

obtained at an elevation of 15, under normal

VIEW SHOWING CARRIAGE AND LIMBER IN TRAVELING POSITION.

The

4.7-inch field

type, in

which the gun

carriage
stresses.

a carriage of the long-recoil a sufficient length of recoil on the permitted to render the latter practically stationary under firing The gun, in recoil, is controlled by two spring cylinders,

gun

is

mounted on

is

and a hydraulic cylinder, which

recoil, the oil in the

is filled

hydraulic cylinder is piston to the other through small portholes. The area of these ports are calculated to make the resistance which the liquid offers, plus the
the ground
resistance of the springs, such that the wheels will not jump from when the gun recoils. In counterrecoil the oil is forced

with 25^ pints of oil. In forced from one side of the

back through these small ports with the result that the return of the gun into battery is so eased and regulated that shock and consequent derangement of the aim is almost eliminated. To properly return
the gun to battery at high angles of elevation, the springs are assembled with an initial compression of approximately 1,500 pounds in each cylinder.
(181)

182

183

184

steel flasks,

The carriage is equipped with a single trail, composed of two pressed and is anchored in the ground by a spade when in action.

When traveling, the trail is supported by the carriage limber, which may be drawn by either a truck or tractor. On account of the single trail the maximum elevation of the gun, without digging in the trail,
is only 15. The allowable transverse movement is 140 mils, or about 8. The motorized equipment of each gun carriage, as indicated below, consists of a carriage limber, which supports the trail when traveling,

and three

which carry ammunition. and carriage, model of 1906. 4.7-inch gun carriage limber, model of 1905. 4.7-inch gun caisson, model of 1916 or 1917. The above materiel is entirely of American design and manufacture.
caissons, 4.7-inch gun

LEFT FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE EQUIPPED WITH BAND BRAKES.

Weights, dimensions, and
ballistics.

Weight of gun

pounds

2.688
134. 927

inches Total length Rifling Right hand, 1 turn in 50 calibers at origin to 1 turn in 25 calibers at 14.9 inches from muzzle, thence uniform. Weight of projectile, base fuzed shell and shrapnel pounds do__ Weight of point fuzed shell ounces Weight of powder charge pounds Weight of cartridge case

60 45 95
1,

Muzzle velocity (60 pound shell and shrapnel) Muzzle velocity (45 pound shell) Maximum range at 15 elevation of 45-pound shell Maximum range at 15 elevation of 60-pound shrapnel Weight of carriage, complete (without gun) Weight of gun and carriage, fully equipped Diameter of wheels Width of wheels Height of axis of gun Maximum angle of elevation (gun or carriage)

ft.

per sec

700

do
yards do

2,050 8, 700 7, 550 5,320 8, 069 61 6 51. 59 15

5

pounds do
inches

do do
degrees--

Maximum

angle of depression (gun or carriage) Amount of traverse Height of line of sight

do
mils
inches
53.

140(7.8)
92

185

186
4.7-INCH
TJie

GUN AND CARRIAGE, MODEL OF

1906.

is of the built-up type, and consists of a tube, jacket, lockand clip. The jacket covers the rear half of the tube, and ing hoop, projects beyond the tube at the rear to form the breech recess. The

gun

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE BRAKES.

jacket is equipped with a recoil lug on the underside for connecting the recoil cylinder. The clip is a short hoop near the muzzle and is
fitted

with guides to guide the gun in the cradle on

recoil.

BREECH MECHANISM.

The breechblock is of the interrupted screw type, having four threaded and four plain sectors. It is operated by a handle which swings from left to right, turning and withdrawing the breech with
one motion.

An

extractor

is fitted

for throwing out the shell case

when

the breech

is

opened after

firing.

187

The firing mechanism is of the type known as a continuous-pull mechanism that is, the mechanism is cocked and fired by the pull on the lanyard or by downward pressure on the firing handle located at
;

the left side of the breech.

composed of the following principal parts Wheels, housing and supporting the recoil mechanism of the gun), trail, traversing and elevating mechanisms. The gun carriage is of the long-recoil type, in which the gun is permitted to recoil on the carriage to render the latter stationary under firing stresses. The recoil mechanism consists of an hydraulic cylinder filled with oil, placed parallel to the gun, and attached to the cradle. The recoil cylinder controls the backward movement of the gun upon discharge, and the springs function to return the
is
:

The carriage

axle, the cradle (for

piece to battery position.

FIRING MECHANISM.

The recoil and counterrecoil mechanism is of the hydrospring type, and consists of two parallel steel tubes (the spring cylinders) fitted into a frame and surrounded by rails which form the gun slides and the cradle. The recoil cylinder is fitted between these two. The piston and spring rods are secured to the gun lug and recoil with the gun, while the spring cylinders and recoil cylinder remain
stationary.

The

recoil is of the constant type,

being 70 inches when the gun

is

fired at zero elevation, and is somewhat greater at higher angles, due to the action of gravity on the recoiling parts. The recoil cylinder

uses hydroline oil as the buffer

medium.

Throttling

is

obtained by

three throttling bars running lengthwise of the cylinder, which are of varying height to give a throttling effect with corresponding slots
in the recoil piston.

A counterrecoil buffer is fitted in

the springs return the

the piston rod

to take

up

the shock

when

gun

to battery.

188

189
the cradle are mounted in bearings formed by a which swivels in a pintle bearing provided at the front of the yoke
trail.

The trunnions on

obtained by means of a handwheel and screw mounted which swings the yoke, it carrying the on 70 mils on each side of center is possible. traverse of gun with it. The piece is elevated by a double screw type of mechanism. The upper end is attached to the cradle and so raises and lowers it. The screw is operated through gearing by two handwheels, one on

Traverse

is

the left side of the trail,

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE EQUIPPED WITH BAND BRAKES.

each side of the
elevation
is

trail.

From

5 degrees depression to 15 degrees

obtained.

The

trail is of the solid type,

made up

of flasks of channel section.

carries the pintle bearing in which the top or yoke, swings. tool box is fitted in the trail, and a carriage, seat is provided on each side of the trail for the cannoneers. The
It houses the axle

and

lunette transom

about 27 inches from the rear of the trail, A trail prop is fits the limber pintle. for supporting the trail when limbering. The spade can provided be released and folded up on the trail when traveling.
is fitted

and carries a bearing that

190
is provided on the trail for locking the gun when The piston rod and spring rods must be disconnected traveling. before the gun can be drawn back far enough to lock.

traveling lock

REAR RIGHT SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

The wheels are 61 by 6-inch, rubber tired, and are equipped with band brakes. Some of the older type of vehicles have steel tires and

ELEVATING AND TRAVERSING MECHANISMS.

are fitted with tire brakes. An armor plate shield is fitted to the carriage for the protection of the personnel. The sighting is similar to the 3-inch gun, model of 1902. The instruments for sighting and laying the piece include line
sights, a rear sight, a front sight, a rant.

panoramic

sight,

and a range quad-

191

5516021

13

192

The line sight consists of a conical point as a front sight, and a V-notch as a rear-sight. These are located on the jacket of the gun, and are useful for giving general direction to the gun. The rear and front sights are used for direct aiming. The rear sight is a peep sight mounted on range scale shanks on left side

REAR VIEW OF CARRIAGE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE BRAKES.

of the cradle.

The

front sight consists of a pair of cross wires

mounted in a ring about three feet ahead of the rear sight. The sight shank has a socket in which the standard United States
panoramic sight may be mounted.

On

which has

the right side of the cradle is mounted the range quadrant, in combination with it the angle of sight mechanism. For

indirect fire the

this instrument,

gunner on the right of the piece lays for range with and the one on the left lays for direction only.

193

194

Fixed ammunition
plosive shell

is

being used.

used with this gun; shrapnel and high exThe base fuzed steel shell and the shrapnel

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE BRAKES.

weigh 60 pounds.

The point fuzed

and are

shell

shells are also issued

identical with the

weighs 45 pounds. 45-pound steel

Gas
shell.

4.7-INCH

GUN CARRIAGE LIMBER, MODEL OF

1905.

The

riage riage for the

is

limber, a two-wheeled vehicle to which the trail of the carfastened, forms with the gun carriage, a four-wheeled car-

gun when

traveling.

carriage limber is designed to be used with the connecting pole for attachment to a tractor and to support the trail in traveling. The limber is made of metal throughout, wood being used only in

The

the spokes and felloes of the wheels.

The

principal parts are the

wheels, axle, frame, top carriage, pole socket, and connecting pole. The top carriage is a steel casting, formed to accommodate the trail

of the 4.7-inch gun carriage, the trail resting on

it

when en

route.

FRONT VIEW OF LIMBER.

The
rest,

front end of the top carriage is provided with three rollers which and run on, the top carriage rail the rail edge being equipped
;

with clips to prevent accidental dismounting.

top carriage which enters the
line.

trail

spur located on the holds the trail and top carriage in

tired.

The wheels are The hubs

51 inches in diameter, 4 inches wide, and are rubber are similar and interchangeable with those on the

wheels of the carriage. The axle is hollow and is made from a single piece of forged steel. bucket holder with straps is located on each side brace for carrying four canvas watering buckets.

(195)

19(5

197

The doubletree, singletrees, and pole complete are omitted for motorized batteries and a connecting pole is used in their place. The standard short pole with lunette is fitted for motor traction, and for horse-drawn equipment the longer pole may be substituted.
Weights and dimensions.
Weight, complete, including spare connecting pole

Weight of limber with gun and carriage, traveling position Diameter of wheels (rubber tired) Width of track Free height under limber and carriage

pounds do
inches

1, 9,

750 818

do do

51 60 16. 8

4.7-INCH

GUN

CAISSON,

MODEL OF

1908.

The

4.7-inch

gun

caisson is constructed

upon the same general

plan as the 4.7-inch caisson limber. bearings, lock bars, and most of the

wheels, axles, pintles and implement fastenings and chest

The

parts of the two vehicles are exactly similar and interchangeable. The principal parts of the caisson are the wheels, axle, axle bearings,

ammunition chest, pintle, connecting-pole socket, connecting pole, prop, apron, and brake. The flange-steel front plate and chest door (upper) of the limber are, on the caisson, replaced by armor plates, for the protection of

RIGHT SIDE VIEW OF CAISSON.

ammunition servers from small arms and shrapnel fire. An apron of armor plate is hinged to the bottom of the caisson chest and extends to within a short distance of the ground for the same purpose. This
apron swings forward against the bottom of the ammunition chest
to clear obstructions in traveling, and is held in that position latches attached to the sides of the chest.

by

limber,

is made longer than on the caisson with rollers which serve as wheel guards. The connecting body is made of steel tubing, its rear end is finished to fit the pole socket, and is provided with a seat for the rectangular key which secures the connecting pole to the socket. A prop of

The

pole socket of the caisson

and

is fitted

(198)

199
tubing with a bronze foot is attached to the connecting pole for a support when the caisson is unlimbered when not in use the prop is swung up under the connecting pole and is held by chains. The beams of the road brake are hinged in brackets riveted to the chest front. The brakes are built up of flange and forged steel parts and carry cast-iron shoes to bear against the wheel tires. Hangers for a spare connecting pole and a bracket for a spare key
steel
;

are provided on the chest. The ax, hatchet, lantern, and watering bucket fastenings are similar, and located like those on the caisson
limber.

The paulin on

the caisson chest serves as a seat cushion,

and on

either side of the chest handrails provide handholds for the

cannoneers,

when mounting or dismounting. The opening between the upper and lower intermediate plates on the left side is utilized to carry a two-gallon oil can. Of every
four caissons, three carry
fourth, hydroline
oil,

oil cans containing lubricating oil, and the the contents of each being indicated by a name

plate.

Weights, dimension,

etc.

Weight of caisson limber, empty (without implements or ammunition) pounds do Weight of implements carried do Weight of ammunition carried do Weight of limber, fully equipped and loaded do Weight of caisson, empty (without implements or ammunition) do Weight of implements carried (including spare connecting pole) do Weight of caisson fully equipped and loaded Rounds of ammunition carried in caisson limber Rounds of ammunition carried in caisson Diameter of wheels inches Width of track do Free height under caisson do Turning angle degrees
:
.

1,

821 85 2, 055

3, 961 2,058 147 4, 260 28 28

60. 60. 19.

55 80

4.7-INCH

GUN LIMBER, MODEL OF

1908.

The limber

is

a two- wheeled vehicle provided with an

ammunition

chest for the transportation of ammunition for the 4.7-inch gun. The principal parts are the wheels, axle, ammunition chest, pintle,

pole socket, pole, doubletree, singletrees, and neck yoke. The wheels and the wheel fastenings are the same as, and are inter-

changeable with, those on the carriage. The axle is hollow and of a single piece of forged steel. It is secured to the chest by axle bearings riveted to the sides of the chest and to the flanges of the intermediate
plates.

The ammunition
into

chest is built up of flange steel and is divided an upper and lower compartment by intermediate plates. Cor-

VIEW SHOWING GUN CAISSON AND LIMBER, LIMBERED.

responding holes in the middle and rear diaphragms are connected by conical brass tubes called connecting pieces, which are cut away on top to save weight. These connecting pieces support the front end of the cartridge case and serve to guide the projectiles. The chest
doors close against the heads of the cases so that the cartridges are firmly held in position. Suitable clearances are cut in the flange of each cartridge pocket to enable the cartridge hook to get back of the rim of the case in withdrawing it from the chest.

The doubletree is mounted upon a doubletree pin projecting up through a boss on the forward end of the pole socket. A limber prop When traveling, the prop is drawn up to is hinged to the pole socket. the rear and held by a chain. The pintle swivels 360 in the bearing, but is normally held in a
vertical position

by a spring bolted to the pintle bearing support.

(200)

201

The
pick,

right side of this vehicle

is

equipped with fixtures for holding a

left side

hatchet, and pickax; while on the

provision

is

made

for a shovel. the chest is held in place by straps suitably Other fastenings on top of the chest are for a picket rope, an ax. and a limber blanket. On the front are attachments for a wrench and a pole prop. The cartridge hook for use in withdrawing the cases and projectiles from the chest is fastened on the left side of the caisson. A spanner for tightening the hub bands of the wheels is carried between the intermediate plates. The pole, doubletree and singletrees, and neck yoke are standard and interchangeable with those on any limber of the battery. Doublefastened.
tree chains attached to the chest

The paulin on the top of

body prevent excessive movement of

either end of the doubletree.

gun limber, model of 1908, is only used in connection with the 4.7-inch gun caisson, model of 1908, both being of American design and manufacture. These vehicles are used with motorized as
4.7-inch

The

well as horse-drawn batteries of 4.7 inch

gun

materiel.

4.7-INCH

GUN

CAISSON,

MODEL OF

1916.

The caisson, model of 1916, is a two-wheeled vehicle with an armored ammunition chest for the transportation of ammunition for the 4.7-inch gun. This vehicle is designed to carry 28 rounds of the fixed type of ammunition. The body is suspended in such a manner that 7 rounds are carried below and 21 above the axle.

RIGHT FRONT VIEW SHOWING CHEST DOORS OPEN, EXPOSING DIAPHRAGMS.

The chest is built entirely of steel, but the upper door, rear plate, and an apron hung under the body are of armor plate for protection of the ammunition servers in the rear from shrapnel and small-arms The doors open to the front, and when closed bear on the heads fire. of the shells. Suitable fastenings are provided on this chest for carrying the usual complement of tools and accessories, also brackets
(202)

203

204
for carrying fuze boxes on the outside of the chest.
vides seats for two cannoneers.

The

chest prosufficient

This caisson

is

provided with an ammunition chest of

size to carry either shrapnel or high-explosive steel shells.

It

is

also

equipped with fixtures for holding picks, shovels, and other tools on the outside of the ammunition chest. By removing the connecting pole, and adding double and singletrees, this vehicle may be transformed into a caisson limber suitable for horse traction.

FRONT VIEW OF GUN CAISSON.

The

principal parts of the vehicle are the wheels, axle, ammunition

chest, pintle, brake, connecting pole socket,

and connecting

pole.

fastenings are the same as, and are interchangeable with, those on the carriage. The axle is fastened to the chest by axle bearings riveted to the chest sides.

The wheels and wheel

of flange steel riveted together, forming the top, bottom, and sides of the chest. The chest doors close against the heads of the cases so that the cartridges are held firmly in position. Suitable clearances are cut in the flange of each cartridge
chest
is

The body of the

205
pocket to enable the cartridge hook to get back of the rim of the case in withdrawing it from the chest. The chest doors open to the front, the lower door being hinged to the bottom of the chest, the upper
to the top of the chest, locked.

and by means of a lock bar the doors are

The armor-plate apron is hinged to the bottom of the caisson, so that when traveling it may be swung backward against the bottom,
held by latches on the chest sides. is equipped with a short connecting pole in front provided with a suitable prop for holding the pole up when the caisson At the rear is the standard pintle enabling other vehicles is at rest.

where

it is

The

vehicle

to be connected en train.

On
chest.

the tire brake models, brackets are riveted to the end of the To these brackets are pinned the brake beams by the same

kind of leverage system as on the carriage. The brake shoes are brought to bear on the tire by pressure on the brake lever, the brake lever and segment being on the left side of the vehicle. The brake band model, like the tire brake, has the brake lever on the left side of the chest and is of the contracting-band-brake type. Pulling up on the brake lever causes the brake bands to grip the

drums bolted to the wheels. The top of the chest has provision made for carrying a picket rope and spare connecting pole, an ax, and straps for holding a paulin. The paulin serves as a seat cushion. The left side carries the pick, mattock, and hatchet; the right, a long-handled shovel, cartridge hook, and pole socket key. On the back are riveted a bucket holder, lantern bracket, and a foot rest. Between the intermediate plates in front an oil can is carried on the right side, a fuze box on the left, and also a spanner wrench. In every battery one caisson is provided with a hand reel containing 1 mile of wire as for caisson model of 1917. (See page 168.)
Weight, dimensions,
etc.

Weight Weight Weight Weight

of caisson,

empty with implements pr ammunition

of implements carried, including spare constructing pole of ammunition

Round
Width

of caisson fully equipped and loaded of ammunition carried of track

pounds do do do
inches

2,

565 180

2,067

4812
28 61 60
20. 8

Diameter of wheels
Free height under caisson

do do__

4.7-INCH

GUN

CAISSON,

MODEL OF

1917.

The caisson, model of 1917, is a two-wheeled vehicle equipped with an armored ammunition chest for the transportation of ammunition for the 4.7-inch gun. The two most important changes from previous models are: The substitution of a band brake for a tire

brake, and a spring support for the ammunition chest. The principal parts of the caisson are : The wheels, axles, spring support, ammunition chest, brake, pintle, and connecting pole. The wheels are 60-inch, steel tired with standard hubs and fastenaxle is a hollow single piece of forged steel. distinfeature of this caisson is the spring-supported chest. Suitguishing able brackets are provided on the chest, and arms on the axle for
ers.

The

carrying spiral springs to take up road shocks. The ammunition chest is built up of flanged steel, except the rear

apron and chest doors, which are of armor plate. The body of the chest is made of two sheets of flanged steel formed to shape and joined at the sides. Three vertical diaphragms with connecting pieces provide an even distribution of the load of ammunition. The upper door when raised is held at about a 60 angle. The lower door is made with an armor plate apron hinged to its top edge, so that when it is dropped, it forms, with the upper door and rear plate, an armor-plate protection. The road brake is of the contracting-band-brake type and is operated from the right side of the chest by pulling up on the brake lever; this through a linkage causes the brake bands to grip the
plate,

drums of the wheels. The connecting pole

is attached to the caisson by a socket, the inside being tapered to accommodate the rear end of the connecting pole, also the horse pole.

The foot rests of commercial flange steel are riveted to the upper chest door; these also serve as handles in opening and raising the lantern bracket, and fastenings for holding a pick, shovel, door.

lunette,

and spanner wrench are riveted

to the rear plate.

At

the

top are riveted fastenings for holding an ax, connecting pole; also carstrap fastenings for the paulin and the caisson blankets.

tridge hook and hatchet fastenings are riveted

chest.

to the left side of the

oil.

Of every four caissons three carry lubricating oil and one hydroline One caisson in every battery is provided with a reel for caisson,
(206)

207

5516021-

-14

208
model of 1917, which
is

riveted to the top of the caisson and contains

(See page 168.) the connecting pole and adding the doubletree and standard singletrees this caisson is converted into a caisson limber. with a semiautomatic latch is provided at the rear. pintle

1 mile of field wire for telephoning purposes.

By changing

Weights and dimensions.

Weight of caisson, empty, without implements or ammunition Weight of implements carried, including spare pole Weight of ammunition Weight of caisson fully equipped and loaded Rounds of ammunition carried Diameter of wheels Width of track__

pounds do do
do
inches

2,

2, 4,

__do__

053 180 067 300 28 60 60

5-INCH,

60-POUNDER GUN MATERIEL (BRITISH).

The United States procured a number of batteries of 5-inch, 60 pounder guns with the necessary accompanying vehicles from Great
Britain.

The materiel is of British design and manufacture throughout, and the units ceded to the United States include the gun, Mark I, mounted on a carriage, Mark II the gun carriage limber, Mark II, the ammunition wagon, Mark II and the ammunition wagon limber,
;
;

Mark
The
thus

II.

is

materiel was originally designed for horse transportation and provided with poles and the necessary attachments for horse

REAR LEFT VIEW OF CARRIAGE

IN BATTERY.

draft. By substituting the engine-draft connector in place of the horse- draft poles, the materiel is converted into motorized batteries

and may be drawn by

cles
;

tractors.

When
two
is

to divide the four vehicles into

vehicles are

however, when the battery drawn as one train.

it is customary each having two vehitrains, adapted for motor draft, the four

horse drawn,

carriage and limber is about as heavy as is for horse transportation, although the British originally practicable designed their 8-inch howitzer materiel, which is of greater weight,
for horse transportation. The carriage is of the constant recoil type, the recoil mechanism being of the hydrospring type, located above the gun. The recoil mechanism consists of two spring cylinders and one hydraulic cylinder

The load of the gun

with glycerine and water. piston rod of the recoil cylinder and the rods of the two spring cylinders are connected to the lug on the breech ring of the gun and therefore recoil with the gun.
filled

The

(209)

210

211

Upon
The

through a throttling groove or

recoil of the gun, the liquid is forced past the piston head slot cut in the wall of the cylinder.

resistance offered by the action of the liquid in the cylinder, together with the resistance offered by the compression of the springs in the cylinders, controls and absorbs the shock of recoil, permitting

the carriage to remain practically stationary upon the ground when the piece is fired. The energy stored up in the spring cylinders due to the compression of the springs during recoil turn to the firing position.
is sufficient

to cause the

gun

to re-

hydraulic counterrecoil buffer is provided at the front of the hydraulic cylinder and acts as a cushion, thereby preventing the violent return of the gun to firing position.

VIEW SHOWING TRAIL CONNECTED TO LIMBER.

A range of 12,280 yards (11,230 meters) is possible, when firing a 60-pound projectile with a muzzle velocity of 2,080 feet per second
at the

maximum
carriage
is

elevation of

21.

The

equipped with tractor wheels provided with inde-

pendent wheel brakes.

The trail is of the single unit type, being broadened at the spade end and equipped with a fixed spade for anchoring the trail to the
ground.

When
The
tion.
is

traveling, the carriage is connected to the limber

by an
eleva-

adjustable connecter.

The

carriage permits elevation from 5 carriage permits traverse of 4

left

depression to 21 and 4 right,

when

it

elevated at 16^ or less. At higher elevations the traverse is but 3 right and 3 left, due to the interference of the trail with the gun

at these elevations.

212
Weights, dimensions, and
ballistics.

Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight

of carriage and gun of gun and breech mechanism of carriage of projectile

of powder charge Pressure of trail on ground

pounds do do do do do
inches

12,
4,

096 858 7, 238 GO 9. 44 920

Length of gun

168. 05

Length, over all, of carriage and limber, traveling position, with gun but without limber pole feet 28. 625 Length, over all, of carriage and limber, traveling position, with gun and
pole
feet

37^6
13.

Length between axles, of carriage and limber, traveling position do inches Height of axis of gun from ground

75

51. 5 21. 5

Maximum Maximum

elevation
_,

degrees

depression Traverse (at elevation of 16 J

do
:

5
4 4

or less)

Degrees right Degrees left Traverse (at elevation above 16^) Degrees right Degrees left Range, maximum Muzzle velocity, normal Rifling, uniform 1 turn in 30 calibers. Diameter of carriage wheels Track, center line to center line of wheels Diameter of turning circle
:

3 3

yards
ft.

12,
2,

per sec
inches

280 080 60

do
feet

63. 5

54

5-INCH,

60-POUNDER GUN,

MARK

I,

AND CARRIAGE,

MARK
The gun
is

II

(BRITISH).

of the wire

wound type and

consists of

two tubes,
steel wire.

jackets, breech bush, breech ring,

and several layers of

The inner tube extends the length of the barrel, the outer tube being shrunk upon it, extending over the rear of the inner tube to form a
threaded bearing for the breech bush which receives the breech block. The jacket is fitted over the tubes and extends to the rear, having a threaded section on which the breech ring is received. Several of steel wire are interposed between the jacket and tubes, layers the jacket being shrunk over the wire. The breech ring is provided at the top with a lug, to whicji the recoil piston rod and the rods of
the spring cylinders are secured, being the direct connection between the gun and recoil mechanism, and is provided with lugs at the right
side

which accommodate the breech

carrier.

On

either side of the

jacket longitudinal projections are provided, which engage and slide in corresponding slots in the cradle.

The breech block is of the interrupted screw type, having threaded and slotted sectors. The breech bushing is threaded and recessed to correspond with the sectors on the breech block. The breech mechanism is so arranged that by one pull of the breech lever from left to right the breech screw is unlocked and the screw and carrier swung into loading position. After loading, one thrust of the same lever inserts the breech screw into position in the breech bush and
turns
it

into the locked position.

is

hinged to the lugs provided

supported by the carrier, which pivots and is on the right side of the breech ring. The firing mechanism is of the " T " type and is fitted with a safety device which prohibits the firing of the gun until the breech is closed. Discharge is by means of a lanyard operated from the right side of
the carriage.

The breech screw

carriage consists of the following major parts Cradle, including recoil mechanism top carriage elevating and traversing mechanisms trail brake gear wheels and axle.
:

The

carriage is constructed on the long recoil principle, having practically a constant length of recoil at all elevations. The length of recoil is approximately 57 inches. The recoil mechanism is placed
recoil

The

parallel with, and located above the gun, the gun sliding during and counterrecoil in slides provided in the cradle.
(213)

214

mechanism being of the hydro-spring type, utilizes two spring cylinders and one hydraulic cylinder, independent of each The cradle is other, and held in relative position by the cradle. in form and inclosed the breech end of the gun, and is cylindrical provided with threaded holes at the front and rear for the reception of the spring and hydraulic cylinders, which are screwed into these holes. The three cylinders extend to the rear and engage suitable holes in the breech ring to which they are fastened by connecting pieces, the two spring cylinder rods being retained by nuts, and the hydraulic cylinder rod by an externally threaded collar which passes through the breech ring and engages the thread on the piston rod,
recoil

The

the three rods recoiling to the rear with the gun. The trunnions of the cradle are received in bearings in the top carriage, which in turn is pivoted on the front end of the trail to permit
traverse.

REAR RIGHT VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

Traverse and elevation is accomplished through the medium of handwheels located on the left side of the carriage. The elevating handwheel actuates a pinion meshing with a rack bolted to the cradle. The traversing handwheel operates a screw, one end of which is hinged on the top carriage, the other end engaging a nut which pivots on the trail. Traversing stops are provided on either side of the top carriage to limit the traverse to 4 right and 4 left, when the gun is elevated
at 16

or

less.

The amount of traverse is indicated by a pointer fixed to the trail, which reads to a graduated scale on the rear transom of the carriage. The trail is of the solid type, being cut out at the front to give clearance to the breech of the gun during recoil, and at high elevations. The front end of the trail is equipped with bronze brackets through which the axle passes. The trail has a bearing at the

215
forward section on which the top carriage rests and pivots, and through which the pivot pin passes, retaining the top carriage in proper position. Clips are provided on the trail which engage protrusions on the top carriage, preventing vertical movement of the
top carriage
is

when

the

to prohibit traversing of

elevated above

16.

gun is fired. Traversing stops are provided more than 3 left and 3 right, when the gun

is equipped with a connector for limberthe carriage to the carriage limber. The connection is held in ing position by pins, and is provided with holes for adjustment.

The

rear end of the trail

A
A

spade of the fixed type

is

riveted to the rear end,

and holds the

is

trail in a practically stationary position when the traveling lock is provided on the trail which

gun

in action.

of the
is

gun at degree elevation, when traveling. to the inside of the trail members and swings down

engages the breech The lock is hinged

when

the

gun

in firing position. The wheels are of the tractor type, being provided with diagonal cleats riveted to the rims. The wheels are 60 inches in diameter

and have

tires 12 inches in width.

"brake ring is

brake shoe

is fitted,

provided on each wheel against which an internal which is operated by a handwheel at the front

of the carriage.

Sighting is accomplished by means of a tangent sight and foresight on the right side of the carriage, and by an oscillating sight and dial sight (panoramic sight) on the left side of the carriage. The tangent and foresight together form an open sight for the
direct laying of the gun.

The oscillating sight on which the dial sight is mounted is used for indirect laying; the oscillating sight being used for laying in elevation and the dial sight for direction.
Ammunition of
plosive shell

and shrapnel.

the separate loading type is used, being both exThe weight of each is 60 pounds. The

propelling charge consists of 9 pounds 7 ounces of cordite. Normally these charges are not separate for zone fire, although special charges are sometimes made up for this purpose.

5-INCH, 60-POUNDER,

GUN CARRIAGE LIMBER, MARK

(BRITISH).

II

The limber consists mainly of

axle,

a steel frame,

two

steel chests, wheels,

and draft connections.

The vehicle is designed for 2-horse, 4-horse, or tractor draft. When horse drawn, the front end of the frame is equipped with a wooden horse pole, which is retained in place by a pin passing vertically
through the
rail

and

pole,

and

is

also equipped with

two or four

singletrees, as the draft may require. Chains, with the necessary draft connections, are also provided, and extend from two points on the frame to the forward section of the pole, thereby adapting the

vehicle for additional horse draft.

The

necessary neck yoke bars are

provided on the draft

pole.

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE LIMBER.

For 4-horse draft, the two outside singletrees are suspended from outriggers which are hinged to the main frame, and are steadied by
stays extending back to the axle arms. For 2-horse draft, the two outside singletrees are removed, the stays disconnected, and the outriggers folded back and over the main

frame, being held in the latter position by straps. The singletrees, when removed, are strapped across the center of the frame forward of the steel chests. For tractor draft, all the singletrees are removed and strapped to the frame, the horse pole being removed and replaced by the motor draft connector which is pinned to the frame.
(216)

217

The frame consists principally of four side rails, two inner and two outer, connected at the rear to the axle by flanges and pins. The front end is joined together by connecting plates, the frame
being strengthened by diagonal stays. In th rear of the frame at the center, a pintle is provided, which accommodates the adjustable connector on the trail of the carriage The pintle is provided with a thumb latch in traveling position. which prevents accidental unlimbering of the trial connector.

The
side.

steel chests are riveted to the

main frame

at the rear,

on either

The inner

rear corners of these chests are formed diagonally

REAR VIEW OF CARRIAGE LIMBER.

to allow clearance to the

swing of the connector on the carriage,

when traveling. The chests are

at the front side

of flanged steel, having lift lids which are hinged and are equipped with hasps, locks, and chains at

the rear.

each

is

interior of each chest is fitted for carrying stores, and provided at the top with a tray which carries small stores.

The

The

together with a number of small

carry the sights and attachments, tools, and one powder charge in a tin box. The right chest carries the clinometer, oil can, and other various tools and accessories, together with one powder charge in
left chest is constructed to

a tin box.

bracket

Extending from the base of each chest toward the rear a steel is provided on which one round of ammunition is carried.

218

The

shell is held in a vertical position

on this support by a bronze

bracket and a strap.

Suspended below the frame at the rear, a wire net tray is provided for carrying drag ropes and lashings. Forward of the steel chests, on the top of the frame, a board is fastened, extending across the frame, and is equipped with friction clips for the accommodation of two rifles.
6 inches in width.

The wheels provided The

are 60 inches in diameter, having steel tires outer end of the axle arms are equipped with

drag washers to
vehicle.

assist hauling.

No

brakes are provided on this

etc.

Weights, dimensions,

Weight without two projectiles Weight on limber pintle, traveling position Weight on pole, carriage limber (at center tug hole)
Without two projectiles With two projectiles Diameter of wheels Track of wheels, center line to center Length
:

pounds do
do do
inches

2,

240 641
51

39 60
63. 5

line

do
do do

With horse pole

Without horse pole

186 77
78. 5

Width

Over axle with dust caps

Outriggers extended Outriggers folded

do do do

110 65

5-INCH, 60-POUNDER,

AMMUNITION WAGON, MARK

(BRITISH).

II

The ammunition wagon (caisson) consists principally of a steel frame, ammunition chest, fuze lockers, brake gear, draft fittings,
wheels, and axle.

The wagon is constructed to carry 24 rounds of ammunition, 24 powder charges in tin containers, and 2 fuze boxes. The exterior is fitted with fastenings to carry ropes, handspikes, also other tools
and
accessories.

FRONT VIEW OF AMMUNITION WAGON.

The ammunition
steel

chest

is

constructed of flange

steel,

having flange

brackets on either side at the center, which extend below the chest, providing bearings which receive the axle.

The

interior of the chest is divided into a front section

and a rear

section, by a vertical steel plate passing through the chest parallel to the axle. Each section is divided by steel plates passing crosswise

through the chest into three horizontal rows of compartments. The lower compartments contain 4 high-explosive shell and 4 shrapnel. The middle row contains 2 high-explosive shell, 2 shrapnel, 2 powder charges in tin containers, 1 fuze box containing 14 fuzes, and 1 empty
compartment.

The upper row of compartments contain

(219)

10

powder

charges in tin containers.

220

The powder charge

proper position by

containers, and the shell are retained in the quick release straps, and the shell are withdrawn

from their respective compartments by means of the packing blocks which inclose the nose of the shell, and by the withdrawing straps provided. The withdrawing straps extend the length of the shell and are fastened to the nose blocks, and are also rivited to the compartment
shell is
plates,

preventing their complete removal.

its

When

the

length, the withdrawing strap is over the base of shell allowing the complete removal of the slipped

withdrawn about half

REAR VIEW OF AMMUNITION WAGON.

while the packing blocks and straps are held in their respective compartments. The powder charge containers can be lifted out withshell,

out the aid of straps. The front compartment

is equipped with a steel door which is hinged at the bottom and swings downward when opened. The rear compartment is equipped with an armor-plate door hinged at The its lower edge, and when opened hangs vertically downward. front door when opened downward is supported by the footboard in a horizontal position. Each door when closed is held in position by latches provided on the sides of the chests, which swing over and engage steel handgrips riveted on either edge of the door at the top.

221

Extending above the chest

at the front

on either

side,

handrails

are provided. The rails are constructed of steel and are provided with leather guards. The rails fit into small brackets rivited to the

and may be dismounted from the chest by removing the retaining pins. Three grip straps are also fastened to the upper front edge of the chest to assist the personnel when mounting the vehicle.
chest sides,

Straps are provided with the usual fastenings at the top of the chest accommodate the soldiers' personal equipment, and also picket ropes at the rear. At the front of the chest the fastenings accommodate blankets, lamps, and tool cases. On either side of the chest
to

fastenings are provided, the left side accommodating a leather case, and the right side a spanner wrench.

saw in a

two flanged sides connected by cross stays which consists of two flange steel members extending back the length of the vehicle. The outside rails are provided with flanges and holes through which the axle passes. The chest is mounted on the frame, the axle brackets on the chest corresponding with the flanges on the side rails, making a solid bearing for the axle, which
consists of
to the draft pole,
is

The frame

platform

side rails, a wooden footboard and Suspended below the footboard on either side is a fuze locker, which provides carrying compartments for 30 fuzes, 15 in each locker. Each locker is provided with a door, which swings downward when opened, and each is equipped with a hasp and a
is

held in place by keys. Forward of the chest, across the

provided.

pivot

thumb

lock.

Suspended from the platform to the rear of the right fuze locker, a tin box, containing 3 pounds of grease, is strapped. The frame is provided at the rear with a steel prop which swings up to the right side of the frame and is retained in this position by a
spring clip when in traveling position. Wire-net receptacles are suspended under the rear section of the frame on either side of the prop bracket. The receptacles provide space for canvas watering buckets and ropes. The draft pole, which is an extension of the center rail of the frame,
joined at its extreme forward end by a lunette, which engages the pintle on the ammunition wagon limber when in traveling position. pole prop is also provided for supporting the draft pole when the wagon is unlimbered. The prop swings up to a horizontal
is

position when the wagon is in traveling position. Attachments on the underside support a jointed draft pole and a handspike. Tire brakes are provided for each wheel, the brake system being operated as one unit. The shoes which bear against the wheel are

supported by brackets fastened to the side

rails at the front.

222

The

the vehicle under the frame.

shoes are operated by a crank located on the left rear side of The crank is connected to the shoes

by rods supported on the frame. Wheels of the wooden type, 56 inches in diameter, having steel tires 3 inches in width, are provided on this vehicle. They are retained on the axle by means of an adjusting collar and linch pin. The bearing is protected from dirt and other foreign matter by a dust cap which fastens over the end of the hub box.

AMMUNITION WAGON AND AMMUNITION WAGON LIMBER. LIMBERED.

Drag washers

are provided on each wheel to which ropes

may

be

fastened to assist in the maneuvering of the vehicle.

Weights, dimensions,
etc.

pounds-Weight of wagon, empty do Weight of wagon, loaded and equipped do Pressure of wagon pole on limber pintle, loaded Pressure of wagon pole on limber pintle with two men on wagon, loaded pounds feet Height to top of handrail do Height, handrails removed
Width, maximum Length of wagon
:

1,

3,

732 556

do do
.

Greatest projection beyond track of wheels Wheel track Diameter of wheels

inches

do do

196 229 4. 416 6. 291 9. 708 6. 25 63 56

5.

5-INCH, 60-POUNDER,

AMMUNITION WAGON LIMBER,

II

MARK

(BRITISH).
ammunition chest;

The limber comprises

the frame with pintle;

fuze locker; draft fittings; wheels and axle. The limber is designed to draw the ammunition

wagon by means

of the pintle provided at the rear. The vehicle is equipped for 2-horse draft. It carries 16 rounds of ammunition together with the necessary powder charges. Provision is also made to carry 43 fuzes. 28 of which are carried in the ammunition chest, and the remainder in the fuze locker fastened to the top of the chest. Implement fastenings are fastened on the exterior of the chest and foot-

FRONT VIEW OF AMMUNITION WAGON LIMBER.

board, and accommodate
rifles,

blankets,
is

and the customary

tools

and

accessories.

The

chest

is

constructed of steel and

provided at the rear with

three doors.

plates into Each division

The interior of the chest- is subdivided by two steel three main divisions, access to each being at the rear.

is separated by cross plates into four rows of comthe lower two rows of each division being subdivided into partments, smaller compartments to accommodate a total of eight high ex-

plosive

and eight shrapnel 1 5516021

r,

shells.
(

_>_>:} )

224

The two upper rows

to

of the two outside divisions are constructed

accommodate a

total of 16

powder charges, each protected by

tin containers.

The two upper rows of compartments in the middle division accommodate a tray for small stores, such as cotton waste, pins, pliers, and other small tools; and 2 fuze boxes, each containing 14 fuzes. The
fuze boxes occupy the upper row of compartments. The powder-charge containers and the shell are retained in place in the chest by quick-release straps, and the shells are withdrawn

REAR VIEW OF AMMUNITION WAGON LIMBER.

from the compartments by withdrawing straps and with those on the ammunition wagon.

blocks, identical

provided at the rear of the chest for each main compartment. The two outer doors are of armor plate and have hinges at the bottom edges, and when opened hang down vertically from the chest. A small armor-plate apron is hinged to each door at its upper edge. The aprons hang vertically from the door when each door is opened, and form an extension toward the ground, thereby

door

is

giving additional protection for the personnel serving the gun. the door is in closed position, the aprons fold down over the outside of the door and are retained in position by latches fastened

When

225
to the

upper part of the

chest,

which engage

steel

hand grips riveted

to the aprons.

The middle compartment is equipped with a steel door which is hinged at the upper edge, and when opened, rests over the top of the chest. The spring latches with thumb lift grips are riveted to the door which engages suitable latches on the lower edge of the chest when the door is in the closed position. Two small clips which extend over the edge of the side, at the lower sides, act as retainers
for the outer odors

when they

are closed.

In operation the middle door is first opened, thereby removing the clips which bear against the outside doors, allowing the outer doors to be swung open. In closing the chest the two outer doors are
closed
first.

Handrails, protected by leather, are provided on either side of the chest, and extend above the chest. They engage suitable brackets riveted to the chest, to which they are fastened by pins. By the removal of the retaining pins, the handrails may be dismounted from
the chest.
exterior of the chest is fitted with implement fastenings and straps, the front plate having spring catches for three rifles. Three grip straps are fastened to the upper edge of the chest at the front,

The

on this vehicle. Three leather pockets, one on the rear middle door and one on either side of the chest, are provided for carrying fuze and limber
to assist the personnel in riding

keys.

A wooden locker for carrying fuzes is fastened by steel straps to the

top of the chest on the left side. The locker is equipped with a lift lid, hinged at the front and provided with a hasp and thumb lock at the front. The interior is constructed to carry 15 fuzes. Two
blankets, which serve as a seat cushion, are strapped to the top of the chest at the front, and the soldiers' personal equipment is strapped
at the rear.

Each side of the chest has riveted thereto a steel bracket, which extends below the chest body, and is provided with an opening through which the axle passes.

The frame which supports

of two side
seat for the
rails,

two middle

the ammunition chest consists mainly rails, and the connecting cross rails.

rails are connected at the front of the frame to form a wooden horse pole. The outer rails converge slightly at the front, and with the middle rails form a support for the wooden platform and footboard. Two of the cross rails extend across the

The middle

frame, directly beneath the edges of the chest, giving a solid support which the chest is fastened. The other cross rail extends across the extreme front of the frame and is fitted with hooks for the supto

yoke bar,

port of two singletrees. is provided.

A wooden horse pole,

equipped with a neck

226

Forward of
to the

the chest a

wooden footboard and platform

is

fastened

upper side of the frame. The boards have staples for the accommodation of leather straps, which secure rope lashings, shovels, and other similar equipment to the footboards. On the under forward right side of the frame a case is provided to
carry a bolo.
tion, a case
is

the left side of the frame, in a corresponding posiprovided to carry a water brush.

On

Suspended from under the wooden platform, on the left side, is a box containing 3 pounds of grease. Under the right side of the platform, fastenings are provided to carry two cans containing lubricating
oil.

A pintle, which engages the lunette on the draft pole of the ammunition wagon, is provided in the frame at the rear. In each side rail at the rear a hole is provided which forms a bear-

ing for the axle. The steel axle bracket on the sides of the chest correspond with these holes, and form a solid bearing for the axle, which is held in place by keys. Wheels of the wooden type, 56 inches in diameter, having steel tires
3 inches in width, are provided. An adjusting collar and linchpin screws the wheel to the axle. Protection against the ingress of dirt

and foreign matter is provided by a dust cap which fastens over the end of the hub box. Drag washers to assist in the maneuvering of the vehicle are provided on each wheel. The wheels and axle of the limber are interchangeable with those on the ammunition wagon. No brake is provided on the ammunition

wagon
Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight

limber.
Weights, dimensions,
of limber, empty of limber, loaded and equipped of wagon and limber, empty
etc.
1,

-.pounds do do__ do of wagon and limber, loaded do of limber only, with wagon limbered up, empty do of limber only, with wagon limbered up, loaded of limber pole at position of center tug hole with wagon limbered pounds up, loaded, without men Weight of limber pole at position of center tug hole with wagon limbered pounds up, loaded, with 2 men on limber only Weight of limber pole at position of center tug hole with wagon limbered pounds up, with 2 men on limber and; 2 men on wagon feet__ Length of limber with pole do Length of limber without pole do Length of limber and wagon, over all do Length between axles of limber and wagon do__ Height of limber to top of handrails do Height of limber, handrails removed Width of limber, maximum do

410

2,632 3, 148
1.

6,188 486 2, 730

14

14.

Wheel track of limber

Diameter of wheels of limber Diameter of turning circle of limber and wagon

inches

do
feet

25 166 5. 5 22. 687 8. 25 5. 666 4. 895 6.291 63 56

23. 5

155-MILLIMETER .HOWITZER MATERIEL, (SCHNEIDER).

MODEL OF

1917

Experience indicated the necessity of artillery of larger caliber than the 75-millimeter, having a longer range and better characteristics, yet mobile enough to permit its use as a supplementary weapon. This necessitj- led to the adoption of the 155-millimeter caliber, as the more suitable 105-millimeter caliber was not available then. The importance of this 155-millimeter howitzer is evident when it is realized that it is the largest weapon at the present time that can be used by combat divisions, and is especially valuable for use against
strongly intrenched infantry and in counter battery firing. The type of 155-millimeter howitzer carriage adopted is known by the French as the 155-millimeter Court Schneider, model of 1917, and by the United States as the 155-millimeter howitzer carriage, model of

1918 (Schneider).

The howitzers manufactured

in the

United States

RIGHT SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE IN TRAVELING POSITION.

are also distinguished

''Model of 1918."
in

from those made in France by the designation The American materiel differs from the French

of steel

having a straight shield instead of a curved one, rubber instead tires, a slightly different firing mechanism, and several other minor changes. The howitzer is mounted on a carriage having a single trail composed of two pressed steel flasks. At the front end these are connected by the axle housing and at the rear by a fixed spade. The carriage embodies many ingenious features designed to reduce the weight and insure stability. The recoil mechanism is of the hydropneumatic type, the sleigh recoiling with the howitzer. In recoiling the liquid is forced from one side of the piston to the other through a variable orifice, which gradually closes until the howitzer is

brought to a

stop.

The

return of

(227)

228

229
the howitzer into battery
recoil.
is

effected

by the expansion of the

air

com-

recoil is practically constant, pressed during and in order to allow the howitzer to be fired at high elevations

The length of

without digging in the

trail the trail is

made

of a curved shape.

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE IN BATTERY.

sliding transversely along its axle the howitzer is capable of traversing through a total angle of 6. Its maximum elevation is

By

approximately 42. It fires a 95-pound projectile with a muzzle velocity of about 1,480 feet per second to a maximum range of about 12,300 yards. Separate loading ammunition is employed. By the use of the reduced powder charges, shorter ranges are reached with

SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE

EN ROUTE.
Its life, before

steep angles of fall

and with

less

wear on the gun.

relining is necessary, is approximately 7.000 rounds. The entire equipment is horse-drawn and the equipment for each

howitzer includes a carriage limber, used when traveling to support the trail, three caissons or ammunition vehicles, and a number of
repair and supply trucks.

230

155-MILLIMETER HOWITZER MATERIEL, (SCHNEIDER).

MODEL OF

1918

The 155-millimeter howitzer, model of 1918 (Schneider), is of the hydropneumatic long-recoil type, which may be used for direct fire, but was specially designed for indirect fire. On account of its high trajectory it is able to direct shells on targets inaccessible to field
guns of limited elevation. This howitzer has given satisfactory results in actual service and has proven to be superior to other howitzers of similar caliber. It has a muzzle velocity of 1.480 feet per second and attains a maximum
range of 12,300 yards, the projectile weighing approximately 95 pounds. A maximum rate of fire of four rounds per minute may be attained, but heating as well as difficulty of preparing and serving of ammunition by the gun crew renders such rate impossible for any length of time, however. The normal rate of fire is two per minute. The howitzer is mounted on a sleigh and rigidly secured by a breech key and a holding-down band. The sleigh contains the recoil mechanism which permits long recoil and insures stability at low elevations. When the gun is fired, the sleigh recoils on bronze slides on the cradle, which is a U-shaped steel plate and rests on the trunnion
bearing of the trail. This howitzer may be elevated from zero to 42 by means of the elevating mechanism. The traverse is 52.5 mils to the right and left, the carriage sliding on the axle and pivoting on the spade, which
prevents the carriage from recoiling when the gun is fired. The customary shield affords protection for the gunners from shrapnel

and flying fragments. In traveling position the howitzer

is

retracted

and locked

to the

cradle, the cradle locked to the trail, and the spade revolved and secured to the bottom of the trail. The lower end of the trail rests on the

carriage limber, which is used to carry its proportionate share of the load of the howitzer and carriage in traveling position. The limber is equipped with a connecting pole for motor traction. The carriage and limber wheels are rubber tired and considered able to travel over

any roads suitable for

field artillery.

This materiel consists of: The 155-millimeter howitzer and carriage, model of 1918

The

(Schneider). 155-millimeter howitzer carriage limber, model of 1918

(Schneider).
caisson,

The 155-millimeter howitzer

model of 1918.

(231)

232

g
_l

iL

i!

233

The howitzer, carriage, and limBer are of French design and were manufactured in the United States. The caisson is of American design and manufacture. This materiel is used with motorized batteries, and a full complement of tractors and trucks is provided for the transportation and service of the
battery.

The cart, model of 1918, and reel, model of 1909 MI, described with the 75-millimeter materiel, are also used with this materiel.
Weights, dimensions,
ballistics, etc.

Weight of howitzer, including breech mechanism

Caliber

pounds
inches

2,690 6.10
91.

Total length

do

Weight of projectile Weight of maximum powder charge Muzzle velocity of shell Muzzle velocity of shrapnel
:

pounds do
feet per second

95 8
1,476

Minimum Maximum Maximum range Maximum range

do do
of shell of shrapnel

1,

666 434

yards do

12,250 10,700
7,600
4,

Weight of howitzer and carriage, fully equipped Weight of carriage complete, but without equipment Diameter of carriage wheels

pounds do
inches

729 53

Width of carriage track Normal length of recoil

Elevation

do do

60 30 to 42 20
51.

Maximum traverse 3 (52$ mils) right and 3 (52$ mils) left. Weight of limber, completely equipped 1, 440 pounds Diameter of limber wheels inches 42. 82 Width of limber track do 61 Turning angle of 155-millimeter howitzer, limber and carriage limbered
degrees

52

234

Vs

235

155-MILLIMETER HOWITZER AND CARRIAGE, MODEL OF 1918 (SCHNEIDER).

is of the built-up type and consists of a tube hava jacket shrunk over its rear half. The breech end is equipped ing with a counterweight which is fitted with leveling plates to be used with a gunner's quadrant when setting elevations. Below the breech recess is the bridle which couples the gun to the sleigh and on the forward end of the howitzer a holding down band also functions to secure the tube to the sleigh. The breech mechanism is of the plastic obturator type with an interrupted screw type breechblock. The breechblock is hinged at the right and by means of one motion of the breech lever can be rotated and swung clear of the breech. The forward mushroom-shaped head of the breechblock is equipped with a flexible asbestos ring known as the obturator pad. The gas check pad or plastic obturator is composed of a mixture of one part asbestos and three parts nonfluid oil, contained in a canvas cover-

The howitzer

ing. The pad is protected by the small, front, and rear split rings. steel filling-in disk is placed between the gas check pad and the

ring is compressed and acts as of powder gases back through the a gas check to prevent the leakage breech. The asbestos pad, by its shape, causes the split rings to
breechblock.
firing, the asbestos

On

spread when pressure is applied on the mushroom head. sufficient resiliency to resume its original form after firing.

It has

The firing mechanism is of the French percussion primer type. The primer is fired by means of the firing pin driven forward by a hammer operated by the lanyard. The firing pin is supported in the firing mechanism block, which is unscrewed each time a new
used in connection with the it impossible to unlock the firing is in position, or to insert the block while the breech while the block breech is unlocked. The firing mechanism block is interchangeable with those used in the following weapons: 155-millimeter gun, model of 1918 (Filloux). 8-inch howitzer (Vickers Mark VI and VIIIJ). 240-millimeter howitzer, model of 1918 (Schneider).

primer

is inserted.

safety device

is

mechanism block, which makes

The recoil mechanism is of the hydropneumatic long recoil type. With this howitzer the type of recoil is known as constant, i. e., the The sleigh length of recoil is not shortened at high elevations. mechanisms and serves as a support for the contains the recoil
(236)

237

238

239
howitzer, being secured to
it

down band.
stationary.

On

recoiling, howitzer

by the breech lug and the holding and sleigh move on the cradle

fastened to the trunnions of the carriage, the piston rods remaining

recoil

mixture of glycerine, water, and caustic soda is used in the brake and counterrecoil mechanism. The gas used in the

counterrecoil
is

mechanism may be

either air or nitrogen.

always used when available, as it has no corrosive Nitrogen action on the mechanism. The energy of recoil is absorbed by the friction of the liquid while passing through the openings in and around the recoil piston and by the compression of the nitrogen in the cylinders. The howitzer is returned to battery by the energy
stored in the compressed nitrogen which forces the liquid out and reacts against the counterrecoil piston. When in battery, the initial

nitrogen pressure is approximately 485 pounds per square inch, which is sufficient to hold the howitzer in battery at all angles of elevation.

Gages are provided

to indicate both the quantity of liquid

and the

nitrogen pressure. for pumping in liquid and

Suitable

pumps
air.

are provided with the materiel

Cylinders of compressed nitrogen

are carried to replenish the supply of nitrogen. The cradle is secured in the trunnions of the carriage

and supports

the sleigh during recoil. To the underside of the cradle are fastened two elevating arcs by which the howitzer is elevated by means of the

Elevations handwheel located on the left side of the carriage. from O c to 42 20' may be obtained. The traverse of the carriage is obtained by the traversing mechanism causing the carriage to slide on the axle, the trail pivoting on
the spade. The movement is 3 each side of the center, or a total of 105 mils. The movement is obtained by means of a traversing nut rigidly fastened to the axle, causing a traversing screw to travel

carrying the carriage along the axle.

axle on rollers
fired, the

mounted on

carriage travels along the When the gun is Belleville springs.

The

lock

is

springs are compressed and the carriage rests on the axle. provided for relieving the strain on the traversing and

elevating mechanisms when traveling. Two traversing handwheels are provided, one on each side of the carriage. The wheels are of wood, 1,350 millimeters (53 inches) in diameter

and are fitted with solid rubber tires. The carriage with a pair of brakes acting directly on the rubber tires.

is

An

equipped armor-

plate shield for the protection of the personnel against small and shrapnel fire is also provided.

arms

Sighting
sight,

is

accomplished by means of a quadrant sight, panoramic

sight.

and peep 5516021

16

240

241

242
sight, model of 1918 (Schneider), is mounted on the trunnion of the carriage. It is used for laying the piece in elevation. The angle of site mechanism is combined with this sight. Mounted on the top of the quadrant sight is the United States panoramic sight for laying the piece in traverse. An extension bar is provided for use with the panoramic sight to enable the sight to be raised enough to see over the shield or other obstructions in direct
left

The quadrant

aiming.

The peep

sight, used only in direct fire, or in

emergency,

may

be

mounted on the quadrant sight

in place of the panoramic sight. Two complete sets of night sighting equipment are provided for use when firing at night. When not in use these equipments are

packed in cases provided for that purpose and carried on the carriage The night lighting equipment consists principally of a chest, an aiming lamp, an azimuth lamp, a portable lamp, and the necessary cables and fixtures.
limber.

155-MILLIMETER HOWITZER CARRIAGE LIMBER, OF 1918 (SCHNEIDER).

The 155-millimeter howitzer

MODEL

carriage limber is a two-wheeled to support the trail of the carriage when traveling. employed This limber consists of a built-up steel frame mounted on wheels
vehicle

and

axle.

It has no chests
is

pintle serves as a bearing for the lunette of the carriage when the howitzer is limbered. Additional support for the trail is provided by a trail
rest riveted in front of the pintle
trail bears.

The

and provides no seats for the personnel. riveted to the extreme rear end of the frame and

and on which the

fifth

wheel of the

Hooks are provided for carrying a picket rope, and small boxes for carrying grease and the night lighting equipment are secured on the frame.
provided on the front of the frame for holding the limber up when not en route. The standard short pole with the lunette for motor traction batteries is provided, or the long pole may be substituted for horse-drawn equipment.

prop

is

The wheels are of wood construction, 1,240 millimeters inches) in diameter, with solid rubber tires.
Weight and principal dimensions.

(48.82

Weight of limber empty Weight of limber completely equipped Weight of limber and carriage, limbered Weight on ground under each wheel, with carriage limbered Weight of each wheel Diameter of wheels Width of track Turning angle of limber and howitzer carriage, limbered
NOTE.
tically the

pounds__ 1, 227 do 1,440

_do do
\lo

inches

do
degrees
pole
is

930 380 335 48.82 61 52

8,
1,

The weight of this carriage limber equipped with horse same as with motor pole.
(243)

prac-

244

TREE
CASE TOANSVtRSE

OWH EYE

SUPPORT

LONGITUDINAL SUPPORT

OMTR/IL SUPPORT AUXILIARY BRACKET

TUOm. SUPPORT TEBAR SAFETY CHAIM 5ATETY CHAJM CROSS BAR

PLATE.

PLATE

155

MM. HOWITZER CARRIAGE LIMBER.

MODEL OF
1918 (SCHNEIDER).

PLAN AND RIGHT SIDE VIEWS

I00200.W0400500600W0800TOIOOOIIOO
1200

1500

MOO

MLUMETER5

155-MILLIMETER HOWITZER CAISSON,

The
155-millimeter howitzer caisson

MODEL OF

1918.

is a two-wheeled, springvehicle for the transportation of ammunition. Normally supported it is a motorized vehicle, two caissons forming a train drawn by one

However, by removing the connecting pole and substitutthe standard pole the front vehicle of the train can be converted ing into a horse-drawn caisson limber. Any caisson in the battery
tractor.

REAR VIEW OF CAISSON.

except the caisson equipped with the hand reel can be so converted The caisson carries 14 complete rounds of ammunition and 2 extra powder charges for the 155-millimeter
howitzer.

into a caisson limber.

The
plate,

chest

is is

made up

of the lower and upper chest body and rear

of armor plate. The chest is divided into an upper and lower compartment, the opening between them forming a space

which

for the axle, pole socket, and pintle bracket, and houses the fuze box

and
8

oil can.
is

The upper compartment

arranged for the transportation of

Powder is served to the projectiles and 16 powder charges. caissons in fiber containers, each containing 2 powder charges. The
(245)

246

247
container
is fitted

with an air-tight-joint metal cover and base.

The

lower compartment is arranged for the transportation of 6 projectiles. The upper chest door when closed forms a cover for the chest and is held open by door props. When open, this armor plate door serves
as a shield for the cannoneers.
is also provided with an armor plate door bottom of the chest body, and has an armor plate hinged apron hinged to its edge. When open, the lower chest door and apron hang down, forming a shield for the cannoneers. When closed, this door forms a cover for the lower compartment the apron doubles back against the lower chest door and is latched in place. Both compartments are provided with loose diaphragms, by the use of which the caisson can be made available for transporting any

The lower compartment

to the

of the following types of shells 155-millimeter common steel shell, 155-millimeter common steel shell,
:

Mark I; Mark II; Mark IV

;

155-millimeter shrapnel, Mark I 155-millimeter common steel shell.

;

Semi-steel shell, Mark XVII. Only one type of shell can be carried in the same compartment at one time. When carrying either common steel, gas. or shrapnel, the
loose diaphragms are placed in position after the projectiles are inserted in the projectile tubes. When the doors are closed (with either common steel or gas shells) the door stiffeners bear against

the bases of the projectiles, holding them in place. With shrapnel the edges of the flanged holes in the loose diaphragm bear against

mon

the rotating bands of the projectiles. When used to transport comsteel shells Mark IV the loose diaphragms are placed inside the

body of the caisson next

to the front

diaphragms.

When

the doors

are closed the door stiffeners bear against the bases of the projectiles, holding them firmly against the loose diaphragms.

Foot rests, handrails, and grip straps are provided on the chest for the convenience of its personnel. The outside of the chest is
provided with implement fastenings for the usual complement of accompanying tools and accessories. Blanket straps are provided on top of the chest for carrying the blanket rolls of the battery personnel
;

provision also

is

made on top

of the chest for carrying the con-

necting pole and on the rear for carrying the lunette and caisson prop when used as a horse-drawn vehicle.
caisson prop when the caisson ; in traveling it

The

down serves to support is swung up and held by

the front end of

the prop chain.

axle passes through the caisson between the upper and lower intermediate plates. Axle brackets are clamped on either end of the
axle just outside of the chest, and rotation or lateral motion of the chest is prevented by clamp screws and Belleville springs. The chest

The

248
has a spring suspension similar to that of the 4.7-inch gun caisson, model of 1917, for lightening road shocks. The caisson is provided with a brake mechanism of the band type. The brake drums are mounted on the hub boxes of the wheels and the band brakes lined with Raybestos. brake lever secured to a bracket riveted to the caisson body functions as a means by which the brakes may be applied. The caisson is usually equipped with the short pole for motor traction, but the pole socket is designed so that the long pole may be used when it is desired to use the vehicle as a horse-drawn limber. A

FRONT VIEW OF CAISSON.

standard pintle
vehicles.
is fitted

at the rear for the connection of the other

One caisson in each battery is equipped with a reel for caisson, model of 1917. This is a hand-operated reel for the transportation and handling of telephone wire. (See page 168.)
Weights and Dimensions.
Over-all length Over-all width

inchea

79
78. 5

Over-all height

do do

67
2,345
3,

Weight without equipment (unloaded) Weight fully equipped (unloaded) Weight completely equipped and loaded Weight of reel caisson completely equipped and loaded Width of track Diameter of wheels Turning diameter of two caissons

pounds do do do
inches__

2,447 949 006 60 60 18

4,

do
feet

155-MILLIMETER

GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

(FILLOUX).

1918

gun adopted is known by the French as the "G. P. F." (Grande Puissance Filloux), and by the United States as the model of 1918. This caliber, which corresponds
of 155-millimeter field
to 6-inch artillery, is the heaviest mobile artillery, exclusive of the

The type

heavy howitzers and the railroad artillery. This monster weapon is of rugged design, combining mobility and power, and has a large horizontal training angle to render it suitable
able

for the concentration of artillery fire at long ranges. No other availweapon of equivalent caliber can be considered to rival this type.

TRAVELING POSITION (RIGHT

SIDE).

This piece is especially valuable in firing against captive balloons, counter battery firing, and interdiction. The Filloux gun is mounted on a carriage having a split trail of

box girder

section,

which

is

spread out when in action, the ends of

the trail being firmly anchored by spades in the ground. The splittrail effect permits clearance for recoil at high elevations and allows
firing over a horizontal field of 60

and an elevation varying from

to
Its

35.
muzzle velocity
is

sion that throws

about 2,411 feet per second, a rate of propulits projectile, weighing 95 pounds, approximately or a little more than 10 miles. 17,700 yards,

The gun

recoils in slides

formed

in the cradle

which

rests in the

trunnions of the top carriage. The length of recoil is automatically controlled and varies with the elevation, while the counter recoil is

pneumatic. The entire recoil mechanism is commonly called the recuperator and is supported on the carriage at its trunnions. When
(249)

250

251
is closed up and the ends thereof are supported by limber provided with a steering gear brake, and drawn^ a carriage by a tractor. In traveling position both carriage and carriage limber are supported on semielliptical springs to absorb all road shocks

traveling, the trail

and vibrations.

PREPARING CARRIAGE FOR BATTERY POSITION.

The

life

of the

gun before
is

relining becomes necessary

fire is

is

about

3,000 rounds

and maximum rate of

motorized.

The

entire

equipment

two rounds per minute. carriage limber, which sup-

ports the trails in traveling, accompanies each gun. Caissons are not used with these guns, the ammunition being carried in motor

trucks or cargo carriers.

CARRIAGE IN TRAVELING POSITION (REAR VIEW).

155-millimeter gun materiel, model of 1918 (Filloux), consists of: 155-millimeter gun and carriage, model of 1918. 155-millimeter gun carriage limber, model of 1918.

The above

materiel

is

of French design and of both French and

American manufacture.

252

253
Weights, dimensions,
ballistic*, etc.

Weight of gun, including breech mechanism Length of gun

Caliber

pounds
inches

8,795
232. 87
6.

do
__feet per
in 2,989 caliber, right

1042

Muzzle velocity
Rifling:

second

2,411

One turn
range

hand, uniform.
elevation)

Weight of

projectile

Maximum

Weight of Weight of carriage only Weight of gun and carriage complete Diameter of wheels Width of track Height of axis of gun from ground

(Mark III shell at 39 maximum powder charge

pounds yards pounds

do do
millimeters

95
17,700 25$ 11,065 19,860 1, 160 2, 250 1, 482 to 35 60

do do
degrees

Range

of elevation

Maximum

traverse

Weight of gun carriage and limber Weight of limber complete The distance from center line of carriage axle
axle, approximately

do pounds do
to center line of limber

23,050 3, 190
4,

millimeters

500

155-MILLIMETER

GUN AND CARRIAGE, MODEL OF

(FILLOUX).

1918

The gun, models of 1918 and 1918 MI, is of the built-up type, consisting of a tube strengthened by a ring, jackets, hoops, and the muzzle bell. All details except the firing mechanism provide
interchangeability of parts with the 155-millimeter (G. P. F.) guns of French manufacture. recoil lug on the under side of the breech ring provides means of attaching the recoil and recuperator rods.

Bronze

clips to serve as guides in the cradle are secured to the sides

of the jackets.

MAXIMUM ELEVATION OF GUN.

The breechblock
and four threaded

is

sectors.

of the interrupted- screw type, having four plain The breech mechanism is of the plastic

obturator type, having the forward mushroom-shaped head of the breechblock equipped with an asbestos ring known as the obturator

Upon firing, this ring is compressed and acts as a gas check to prevent the leakage of powder gases through the breech. It has The sufficient resiliency to resume its original form after firing.
pad.

mechanism is of the French percussion primer type described under "155-millimeter Schneider howitzer," page 236, and is interchangeable with the guns enumerated therein. The cradle is a steel forging bored with three parallel cylinders for housing the recoil brake and recuperator, and is pivoted by trunnions On the upper side of in the trunnion bearings of the top carriage. the cradle are slots for the gun slides, and to its lower side the elevatfiring

ing rack

is bolted.

(254)

255

5516021

256

257
of the hydropneumatic, variable recoil The larger of the three cylindrical bores in the cradle block type. contains the recoil mechanism; the two smaller ones, the parts of

The

recoil

mechanism

is

the recuperator mechanism.

This mechanism consists of a piston and piston rod and a control The piston rod is connected to the breech lug and, therefore, Grooves of variable depth are milled along the recoils with the gun.
rod.

length of the control rod, controlling the flow of oil through the ports of the piston during recoil. The control rod assembles within the bore of the piston rod, and does not move longitudinally, but The amount of this rotating changes the area of the orifices rotates.

through which the oil can pass. Its rotation is accomplished by means of an arm and gear sectors in such a manner as to shorten the recoil
as the

gun

elevates.

CARRIAGE IN FIRING POSITION.

replenisher or gravity tank

is

provided in connection with the

recoil cylinder which assures the recoil cylinders being full at all times and also takes care of any expansion of the oil due to heating.

Its capacity is about 17 quarts.

The recuperator mechanism

consists of

two connected cylinders,

valve and a diacontained in the first

one containing the piston and piston rod which are attached to the
breech lug, while the other contains a

mushroom
oil,

phragm.

The diaphragm

separates the

cylinder and part of the second cylinder, from the high-pressure air, which compels the return of the gun into battery after recoil. Nor-

mally a small amount of oil must be between the valve and diaphragm. Oleonapthe is the liquid used in this recoil mechanism. The amount of oil in the recoil and recuperator "mechanism is shown by indicators, so that it can always be seen whether or not they need filling.

258

259
a steel casting mounted on the bottom carriage, pivots to traverse the piece. Belleville springs carry the weight of the gun when traversing, but on firing the springs compress and the firing stresses are taken on the bearing surfaces between the

The top

carri((</<' is

on which

it

top and bottom carriage. The tipping parts are carried on the trunnions of the top carriage, which also houses the elevating and traversing mechanism and permits

high angle of elevation for the cradle. The bottom <'<iri-'i(/c is a steel casting suspended from the axle (in traveling position) by a heavy multiple leaf spring. It supports the top carriage, houses the axle, and provides hinge connections for the trail. When firing the axle is unshackled from the springs and the bottom carriage bears directly on the axle. Ti'dversing is accomplished by rotation of the top carriage on the bearing surface of the bottom carriage by means of a rack and train

ACCESSORIES AND CATERPILLAR WHEEL SHOES.

of gears which are operated by the handwheel on the left side of the 30 right and 30 left is possible. carriage. A traverse of 60

Elevating

is

accomplished by a rack on the cradle operated through

gears by the handwheel located on the gear box at the left of the top to 35 are obtainable. carriage. Elevations from

type and consists of steel plate beams of Locks are pivoted at the forward end of the trails for securing them in the open position. When brought together they are clamped, and attached to the limber. A traveling lock is provided on the trail for retaining the gun in retracted position. Two types of spade are provided, one for soft and one for hard ground. When traveling the spades are always removed from the trail. The wheels are of cast steel, each wheel having two solid rubber tires, and are equipped with the usual band brakes. Caterpillar wheel shoes for traveling over soft ground are provided, which astrail is of the split

The

box section.

semble over the rubber tires. They consist of 12 plates for each wheel, which give a broad bearing surface under the wheel.

260

261

The sighting equipment is exactly the same as that described under the 155-millimeter Schneider howitzer, except the difference in the bracket as indicated on page 239.
is of the separate loading type, the projectile 95 pounds and the charge 25 pounds. Either shrapnel or weighing high-explosive steel shell is used, as well as gas shells and other

Ammunition used

The propelling charge of smokeless powder special ammunition. a base charge and is a sectionalized charge made up of two sections
one smaller increment.

The

fuzes

commonly used are the 31-second combination fuze

for

use with shrapnel and combining time and percussion elements, the point detonating fuze Mark IV used with the steel high explosive
shell,

and the Mark II point detonating fuze used with gas

shell.

CATERPILLAR ADAPTERS.
Caterpillar tracks similar to those used on trailer caissons, replacing the road wheels on gun carriages or other normally wheeled vehicles are being tried out. The adapters are attached to the carriage axle, the purpose being to greatly decrease the unit ground pressure. The adapter should not be confused with bands consisting

shoes which are sometimes placed over gun carwheels to decrease the unit ground pressure. riage
of

wood or metal

CATERPILLAR ADAPTER FOR

155-MM. GUN, G. P.

F.,

MODEL

1918.

The adapters and wheels of this gun carriage are interchangeable. The unit ground pressure when using wheels is 41 pounds per square
that with the adapters, 10 pounds. In addition to the experimental adapters on hand, sufficient are being constructed to equip the weapons of one battery for more extended service test.

inch

262

155-MILLIMETER

GUN CARRIAGE LIMBER, MODEL OF

(FILLOUX).

1918

is a two-wheeled vehicle designed to support ends of the trails and to provide a coupling and secure the rear The attachment to the tractor when transporting the carriage. principal parts are the wheels, axle, steering mechanism, frame,

The carriage limber

springs, and seat. The axle is very similar to the usual design of front axles of automobiles. It is of I-beam section, having forked ends with axle arms

pivoted therein, providing a means of steering. By means of a drag link and steering lever pivoted at the center of the frame and connected to the steel pole, steering
is

accomplished.

FRONT VIEW OF LIMBER EN ROUTE.

The frame or clamp for holding the gun trail in position is mounted on the axle by means of two semielliptical multiple-leaf springs. The upper cross beam of this frame has a seat bolted to it for the brakeman, who operates the gun-carriage brake when en route by means of a lever acting through a wire rope. The wheels are identical, and interchangeable, with the wheels of the gun carriage.
Weights and dimensions.

Weight complete pounds do Weight with carriage and gun do Weight of carriage on limber (traveling position) Width of track (center to center of tires) millimeters Free height und'er limber and carriage (traveling position) do do Diameter of wheels Height of seat cushion from ground (seat assembled on top of trails,
millimeters-traveling position) Distance from center line of carriage axle to center line of limber axle trails on limber) millimeters
(263)

23,

3,190 050

6,490 2,250 250 1, 160

1,550

4,500

264

6-INCH
The

GUN MATERIEL, MODEL OF

1917 (BRITISH).

gun materiel, model of 1917, is British throughout, being designed and manufactured in England. It consists of a 6-inch gun, Mark XIX, mounted on an 8-inch howitzer carriage, Mark VII, known as the 6-inch gun carriage, Mark VIIIA. This Mark XIX gun is of wire-wound construction, having a muzzle velocity of 2,500 feet per second and a range of 19,650 yards. The gun body is of steel and consists of tubes, a series of layers of steel wire, jacket, breech bush, and breech ring. The breech ring is for the reception of the breech mechanism and is provided prepared
6-inch

with a lug on the underside for the attachment of the hydraulic and recuperator of the carriage. The breech mechanism is operated by means of a lever on the right side of the breech. On pulling the lever to the rear the breech screw is automatically unlocked and swung into the loading position. After loading, one thrust of this lever inserts the breech screw and turns it into the locked position. The breech mechanism is similar to that used on the 8-inch howitzers, both in design and operation. The firing mechanism is of the percussion type and is not interchangeable with other British guns. The firing mechanism is designed for percussion firing, and is so arranged that the gun can not be fired until the breech screw is locked and the breech mechanism lever home. The only changes necessary on the 8-inch howitzer carriages
buffer
(p. 279) for mounting this 6-inch gun are: The rear extension plug, which connects the gun to the recoil mechanism, is modified and the

cut-off gear is set differently to shorten the recoil

when

in action.

The

firing

platform and

all

of the accompanying vehicles of the

is

8-inch howitzer materiel are used.

Ammunition of the separate loading type

and
shell

used, both shrapnel

being issued.
Weights, dimension*, and
ballistics.

Materiel of gun, steel wire wound.

Length of gun

inches

219
10,248 9, 940

Weight gun with breech mechanism Weight of gun without breech mechanism Rifling, uniform one turn in 30 calibers.
of

pounds do
do do

Weight of shell or shrapnel Weight of powder charge (maximum) Weight of powder charge (reduced)
(265)

100 23 15 pounds 7$ ounces

266

267

268

Maximum

range: yards- _
19,
17,

Full charge

Reduced charge Muzzle velocity

:

do
feet per second--

650 570

Full charge

Reduced charge

do
degrees
(fully equipped)

Maximum

elevation

2,500 2, 350 38
12,548 22,796

Weight of carriage only Weight of gun and carriage

pounds do

7-INCH

NAVAL TRACTOR MOUNT, MARK

is

V.

The

field piece

7-inch naval tractor mount, Mark V, bearing a 7-inch, 45-caliber naval

a mobile, track-laying
Projectiles weigh-

rifle.

ing 153 pounds

horizontal to

may

40,

be fired at angles of elevation varying from and at the maximum elevation the extreme range

obtainable 25,000 yards.

The chamber diameter of the gun is 8.5 inches and the distance from the face of the tube to the base of the projectile is 54.39 inches. The volume of the powder chamber is 3,369 cubic inches. The maximum
charge consists of 60 pounds of smokeless nitrocellulose powder, which produces the maximum service pressure of 17 tons per square inch. Under these conditions a muzzle energy of 8,315 foot-tons is

CARRIAGE AND LIMBER IN TRAVELING POSITION (FRONT VIEW).

imparted to the 153-pound projectile, the muzzle velocity being 2,800 feet per second. The recoil mechanism is of the hydraulic type, the gun being returned to battery by a pneumatic counterrecoil system. The recoil system consists of a simple hydraulic brake, the energy of recoil being absorbed through a distance of 32 inches by forcing a mixture of glycerine and water through orifices of gradually decreasing diameter cut in the head of a piston operating in the recoil cylinder.

The method of reducing the size of the orifices is interesting. The recoil piston has holes bored through it to allow the liquid to pass from one side to the other when the piston starts to move back when
the

gun is fired. Tapered throttling rods enter the holes in the piston head, and as the piston moves back the size of the orifice is gradually diminished. The area of the orifices is so calculated that a constant
retardation
the stroke.
(269)
is

given to the gun, and

it is

brought to rest at the end of

270

mechanism adopted on this mount is similar to mechanism of the French type, as used on 155millimeter guns. In this type of mechanism when the gun is fired, a piston attached to the gun yoke moves backward in an air-tight cylinder containing air at a pressure of several hundred pounds per square inch, still further compressing the air. The air pressure acting on the counterrecoil piston when the gun has reached the end of the

The

counterrecoil

the counterrecoil

gun back into battery or firing position. counterrecoil system which is used on this mount is located on the top of the gun, and has been changed into a combination of three
recoil brings the

The

cylinders, connected at the lower end by a bronze head. attached to the yoke operates in the central cylinder.

The piston The system

REAR VIEW OF CARRIAGE.

of liquid packing retained, but simplified, and the entire system well adapted to American machining methods.
is

traversing gear, incorporated in the carriage trail, permits of limited training either side of the center line. When a greater range of training is desired, the trail is either shifted on the ground or the
a firing platform which provides for training through a firing angle of 60. A shell-loading tray, which rests on the carriage trail, is used to load shells into the breech. The elevating gear consists of a simple combination of a handwheel, worm gear, and rack and pinion. The sighting arrangements for the gun consist of a standard panoramic field sight fitted to a bracket attached to the gun carriage.

carriage

is

mounted upon

271

The track layer, which is of the double-tread caterpillar type, is designed to carry the mount over practically any kind of ground The proportions of the chain likely to be encountered in service. tracks are such as to produce a pressure of about 14 pounds per
square inch upon the soil during transportation, which is approximately half that exerted by a horse. The track layer also serves as a

stand or foundation for the mount during action. caterpillar tractor is used to draw this vehicle from one position A limber hooked between the mount and the tractor to another.

supports the trail during transit; during action the limber and the tractor are withdrawn from the immediate field of danger. The limber wheels are carried on taper axles and are equipped with
pintle and lunette are progrease cups for lubricating purposes. vided on the axle in case it is desired to attach an ammunition or

supply trailer for transportation.

The limber

is

connected to the

LEFT SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE IN BATTERY.

mount by means of
connection of the

a swivel-pole which

is

pivoted on the limber

trail.

The firing platform provides a durable and substantial foundation, adaptable to various soil conditions and light enough to permit of easy and convenient transportation. The firing platform includes a
table, upon which the track layers rest, and a rear thrust which the trail is secured by suitable pins. The rear thrust is made in two sections, which, when combined, provide for training through an arc of 60. One section may be used alone if desired. Training is accomplished by shifting the trail around the

forward
to

beam beam

arc of the platform to the set of pin holes nearest the desired angle. Accurate adjustments in training are made with the traversing gear. The 7-inch naval tractor mount is so designed that its weight is almost entirely supported by the track layers, but a small percentage of the weight being carried on the trail. When the mount is being pulled along an upgrade of appreciable slope, the center of gravity

5516021

18

272
is

shifted

and the weight of the gun may have a tendency

air.

to

throw

the trail in the

preclude any such occurrence, eyebolts are secured to the gun yoke, which are used to draw the recoiling parts back sufficiently to bring about equilibrium. Track grousers may be bolted to the track shoes when there is
likelihood of the
sides,

To

mount slipping
test this

sidewise during transport on hill-

gun was pulled over rough ground and proved able to cover any ground over which the tractor itself was able to operate. Obstructions were mowed down, and yet the entire weight of the gun was so evenly and well distributed that no damage was done to the roads. The mount functioned perfectly, remaining steady on the point of aim during continued firing. The caterpillar treads, locked in position by the brake, were as steady as a
in an actual road
concrete foundation.

7-INCH GUN,

MARK

II

AND CARRIAGE, MARK

V.

The T-inch, 45-caliber, naval rifle is built up of a tube, hoops, and locking rings. When erosion destroys the effectiveness and accuracy of the gun it may be rebuilt by boring out the tube and shrinking in
a conical nickel-steel liner.

weighs 12.81 tons, while the weight of

28,700 pounds.

The gun, without the breech mechanism, gun and breech mechanism is

The rifling is right hand of hook section and consists of 28 grooves and lands, having an increasing twist from zero at the origin to one turn in 25 calibers at a point 22 inches from the muzzle. The remainder of the twist is uniform. The gun is the heaviest and
hardest hitting gun for which a mobile
field

mount has been requested

by our Army.

CARRIAGE AND LIMBER IN TRAVELING POSITION (REAR VIEW).

The carriage which supports the gun is a work built up of standard shapes, consisting

structural steel frameessentially of

two

steel

trunnion bearing plates cross braced at each end to form a single unit with a central well into which the gun recoils. These side
girders are riveted to the carriage trail. The carriage and trail forming a rigid unit, are supported on the carriage axle which turns in hubs mounted in the truck frames of the track layer. On the left-hand side of the carriage is arranged the mechanism for elevating and depressing the gun. The traversing gear, which

provides means for training 2 either side of the center line, is incorporated in the rear section of the trail. This gear consists of a steel
plate resting on the ground underneath the trail ; a worm shaft operated by ratchet wrenches shifts the trail with reference to the plate and enables the gun to be accurately trained.
(273)

274

Navy guns do not carry trunnions attached directly to the gun ; they are turned on the outside surface of a gun slide. This cylindrical gun slide, on which the trunnions are attached, carries the gun. The
trunnion seats are placed at the upper end of the carriage. The and counterrecoil mechanisms are also attached to the gun The gun slide, operating through pistons attached to the yoke. runs in and out of the gun slide when recoiling, bronze liners being
recoil
fitted to the inside of the slide to enable this to take place easily.

The trunnions of

the

gun are mounted

sufficiently

high so that at

maximum

angles of elevation only a shallow trench need be clearance for the recoil of a gun. permit

dug

to

TOP CARRIAGE AND AXLE DETAILS.

elevating arc segment, meshing with the pinion of the elevating mechanism, is bolted to a pad on the left-hand face of the slide. The teeth of the arc are cut on a pitch circle concentric with the

The

trunnion centers to permit of a 40

movement of the

slide in a ver-

tical plane, starting from horizontal. The upper and lower extremities of the arc are fitted with limiting stops to prevent jamming. The hydraulic brake. The energy of recoil is checked and dissi-

slide.

pated by means of a hj^draulic brake mounted on the bottom of the This mechanism is made up of a piston operating in a cylinder filled with liquid and rigidly fixed to the slide. The piston is attached to the gun yoke by the piston- rod which passes through a
stuffing

box in the rear end of the cylinder. Two orifices are provided in the piston head for throttling rods which are arranged

longitudinally in the cylinder. In battery, all the liquid is in rear of the piston. As the piston recedes during recoil, the liquid is forced around the throttling rods through the orifices in the piston
to the

forward end of the cylinder, dissipating the energy through

275
the frictional heat generated. rods, around which the liquid
orifices, is

The cross section of the throttling must flow in passing through the

upon

such that a pressure approximately uniform is exerted the liquid throughout the period of recoil. The length of re32 inches.

coil is

Incorporated in the cylinder head is a counterrecoil chamber into which the recoil liquid flows during recoil. When the gun is brought back to battery by the counterrecoil mechanism, its momentum is

ASSEMBLED VIEW OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE.

checked through the action of a counterrecoil plunger, mounted on the forward face of the piston, as it enters the chamber and forces the liquid back into the cylinder through the orifice between the plunger and the plunger bushing screwed into the mouth of the

chamber.

This action takes place during only the

last 14 inches

of

counterrecoil stroke.

The liquid used in the hydraulic brake consists of a mixture of 4 parts glycerine and 1 part water, by volume. This liquid is poured into the cylinder through a filling hole on the right-hand side of the
cvlinder head.

276
of the cylinder head is arranged to form an chamber to provide for the expansion of the liquid which expansion results from the frictional heat generated in the cylinder. When

The upper portion

expansion of the liquid takes place with continued firing, the increased volume of the liquid simply compresses the air in the expansion chamber instead of acting to prevent the return of the gun to
battery.

To

assure the presence of a definite

amount of

air in the

expansion chamber at all times, the filling hole is fitted with a tube which extends down into the chamber and traps the desired volume of

when the cylinder is filled. Counterrecoil system. Energy to return the gun to battery and to maintain it in that position at all angles of elevation is obtained by means of a pneumatic counterrecoil system, mounted on the top of
air

VIEW OF AXLE MOUNTED

the slide. the

IN

TRACK LAYER.

gun yoke when the gun recoils. At the end of recoil, the compressed air acts upon the piston to return the gun to battery. On either side of the air cylinder and connected with it through a port is an air tube which serves as a reservoir.
cylinder

piston, operating in an air cylinder and connected to by a piston rod. serves to compress the air within the

Since it is necessary for the counterrecoil system to support the weight of the gun and breech mechanism against gravity, the system is charged initially with air at 300 pounds per square inch, gauge

This pressure assures the proper functioning of the counat angles of elevation up to approximately 34. It is apparent that the factor of gravity decreased with the angle of elevation, and hence less pressure is required to bring the gun to batpressure.
terrecoil

mechanism

tery

when

it is fired at

angles near horizontal.

277

When charged to 340 pounds pressure, the mechanism will function properly at all angles ; however, if the cylinder should be charged only to, say, 225 pounds, the mechanism may be relied upon to return
the

gun to battery at angles of elevation up to 23 or 24. To insure return of the gun to battery when firing at angles above 34, air cylinders should be charged in accordance with the instructions, and
to prevent breakage of the

of the instrument, it moved before firing.

is

gauge glass and to preserve the accuracy recommended that the pressure gauge be re-

The elevating gear train from the rack on the slide to the handwheel on the left side of the trail is made up of a pinion and shaft in mesh with the elevating arc. One turn of the elevating handwheel moves the gun 56' 17" in elevation or depression. The axle, a steel forging extending across the width of the carriage, is supported in the track layer by a hub bracket which in turn is carried by the structure of the girder on which the sprocket and truck

SIDE ELEVATION OF

TRACK LAYER.

wheels are mounted.

is

This bracket is held by oscillating bearings and so that the caterpillar may adjust itself to any spring supported unevenness in the road when the gun is in motion. When the gun is
placed in firing position, the springs are taken up by means of holding down screws in order that the mount may keep steadily on the point of aim while firing. The function of the hub springs is to impart to the mount a degree of resiliency during transit. However, when firing, resiliency in the

mount

is

undesirable and often dangerous, thus before firing the

springs are compressed until the hubs bear directly upon the truck frames. This is accomplished by means of adjusting screws screwed

down on the hub bearing blocks until the springs are compressed and the hubs rest solidly upon the truck frames. The track itself consists of an endless belt of cast-steel links connected by hardened pins, each link carrying a corrugated forged-steel
plate which makes contact with the ground. The plates overlap when horizontal so that a continuous surface is presented. To prevent the

278
corrugated surface of the tread from slipping in soft ground, detachable grousers are provided. The track links run over a large idler wheel, a sprocket wheel, seven truck rollers, and four track rollers on each caterpillar track The sprocket wheels carry but little of the load except when layer.
the

gun

is

descending a grade or when the brake

is

applied to the

For smooth running and reliability, roller bearings are fitted in the truck and idler rollers, the ends of the rollers being closed by steel plates to prevent the entrance of dirt when the mount is hauled
mount.

through mud, sand, or soft earth. A brake is provided to permit control of the mount when descending hills and also to lock the caterThe brake conpillar in position when the gun is set up for firing. sists of a toggle joint operating on the rim of one of the sprocket wheels, the tension applied being controlled by an adjustable spring.

CARRIAGE IN BATTERY

POSITION*,

SHOWING MAXIMUM ELEVATION OF GUN.

Simple as the brake

is it

tion in controlling the heavy any tendency of the mount to

has been exceedingly satisfactory in operamount on steep grades and in checking

move on

firing.

carried around two track idler wheels which are provided with bearings mounted on the extremities of the track frame.
is

The track

The aft idler wheel bearings are so mounted that they may be moved backward or forward as necessary to adjust the tension and to take up wear on the links and shoes. Friction brakes operating against the forward idler wheels are mounted on the truck frames. These brakes are of the spring release type and are applied by means of handwheels functioning through yokes and levers to the brake shoes. The quadrant sight (Schneider) is mounted on the left trunnion of the carriage both in traveling and in action.

8-INCH

HOWITZER MATfiRIEL (VICKERS).

compromise between
is

The
fire

characteristics of this howitzer are a

those of a

gun and

a mortar.

The

trajectory

classed as curved

and the useful angles of elevation and resulting angles of fall lie between 15 and 45. Inherently a long life of the piece, favorable angle of fall for penetration, a small zone of dispersion, and economy of ammunition result and may be said to be the advantages of the 8-inch howitzer; the range, however, is not great. This caliber is
mobile in a sense, but there are limits to its mobility. When these howitzers have to be transported over land full of huge craters, 'with the roads entirely destroyed, the country encumbered with all kinds of debris and frequently reduced to a sea of mud, it can be

" " push usually nets a considerable easily seen why a successful in captured artillery. If the trenches give way, it is almost gain

impossible to get the heavy howitzers away quickly enough to save them from being captured by the enemy. The howitzer, being comparatively short when compared with a gun of the same caliber, is capable of a greater angle of elevation than the same caliber of gun. The chief aim of the howitzer is

incumbrance such as trenches, barbed wire, pill boxes, A shell that travels from the howitzer ascends at a and drops almost vertically. The explosion of a shell so high angle fired is much more effective than one that is fired with only a slightly
to destroy

and the

like.

elevated trajectory.
(279)

280

281

The 8-inch howitzer, being mounted on a wheeled carriage and not having to be disassembled for transporation, is much more mobile than the 9.2-inch or 240-millimeter howitzer. This howitzer

when set up ready for firing rests on and is braced upon a firing platform, which is transported on a two-wheeled wagon, the wagon being attached to the howitzer carriage and drawn as part of the unit with the carriage and limber by a tractor. On reaching the spot
selected for position the firing platform is buried flush with the

surface of the ground, furnishing a steady emplacement from which

to
fire.

is called the "Vickers" model of of which there are in use two types, the Mark VI and Mark VII, 1917, the main differences between the Mark VI and the Mark VII being that the former has a lower muzzle velocity and consequently a shorter

The 8-inch howitzer materiel

Mark VII has a barrel of the " wire wound construction, whereas the Mark VI type is of the " built up " construction. The Mark VII is also longer and heavier than the Mark VI. The Mark VII has lately been superseded by a Mark VIIIJ, the
range than the
"
latter, also

that the

difference between the

two being that the powder chamber walls of the

overcomes

Mark VII proved

this defect

by

to be too thin, while the Mark VIII having thicker powder chamber walls.

Due

to the

howitzer has a greater muzzle velocity, and consequently a greater maximum range than the Mark VI by some 15 to 20 per cent, the former is the preferred type. The life of the howitzers before relining is necessary, varies greatly. The number of rounds they are capable of firing before the lining becomes badly worn depends on whether light or heavy propelling
fact that the

Mark VIILJ

The use of light propelling charges and greater trajectory elevation to get the desired range is recommended, rather than heavy charges and lower elevation. From information based on
charges are used.
actual experience the average life of the 8-inch howitzer, Mark VI, is 3,000 rounds. is 7,800 rounds, while that of the Mark VIII
Comparative table of weights, dimensions, and ballistics for 8-inch howitzers, Marks VI and VIII$ and 6-inch gun, Mark XIX.

282

283
Comparative table of weights, dimensions, and ballistics for 8-inch howitzers, Marks VI and F///$ and 6-inch gun, Mark XIX Continued.

284

The elevating elevation for the

and 38
for the

mechanism permits

movement
for the

Mark VI carriage, 45 Mark VIII A carriage.

its

of 50 maximum Mark VII carriage,

in the top carriage,

trunnions and rests in bearings provided is pivoted at its front center to a transom on the trail in such a manner that it is free to rotate under control of the traversing gear. 4 to the right or 4 to the left of the
cradle pivots on

The

which in turn

center line of the trail, a total of 8

types.

traverse for each of the three

REAR VIEW OF CARRIAGE, SHOWING MAXIMUM ELEVATION OF HOWITZER.

quick-loading gear is fitted to the cradle for bringing the howitzer rapidly to the loading position (7 30' elevation) after
firing,

and vice
trail is

versa.

composed of two side members supported at the front end of the axle and terminating in a spade at the rear end. Screw
brakes for use in firing or traveling are
fitted to either side at the for-

The

ward end of

the trail.

traveling lock is provided on the trail to lock the trail and cradle together to prevent strains on the elevating and traversing

mechanisms when traveling.

285

The wheels
steel cleats to

are

made entirely

of steel and have wide tires fitted with

ensure good traction. The sighting gear is composed of a rocking bar sight with panoramic sight and clinometer for the usual method of sighting and a dial sight for the quick laying of the piece.

SIDE

VIEW OF CARRIAGE

IN

BATTERY

Comparative table of weights and dimensions of 8-inch howitzer carriages, Marks VI and VII, and 6-inch gun carnage, Mark VIII-A.

286
These types of carriages are provided with a platform by means of which a traverse of 26 right and 26 left is obtainable. The platform is used whenever conditions and time permit emplacement. For transportation the platform is disassembled and placed on a transport wagon, which consists of two wheels and an axle, to which
the parts of the platform are securely clamped. Eight-inch howitzer materiel (British) consists of:

Model of 1917 (Vickers, Mark VI and Mark VII). Model of 1918 (Vickers, Mark VII). Limber, model of 1917 (Vickers). Firing platform and wagon, model of 1917 (Vickers). The 8-inch howitzer materiel, model of 1917 (Vickers, Mark VI).
consists of
:

Carriage, model of 1917 (Vickers, Howitzer, model of 1917 (Vickers, Limber, model of 1917 (Vickers).

Mark VI). Mark VI).

The

Firing platform and wagon, model of 1917 (Vickers). 8-inch howitzer materiel, model of 1918 (Vickers, Mark VIII),
:

consists of

Carriage, model of 1918 (Vickers, Mark VII). Howitzer, model of 1918 (modified from Vickers,
to

Mark VIII

United States, Mark VIIL}). Limber, model of 1917 (Vickers). Firing platform and wagon, model of 1917 (Vickers). The above materiel is of British design and of both British and American manufacture.

287

5516021

19

8-INCH

HOWITZER AND CARRIAGE

(BRITISH).

The Mark VI howitzer is of the built-up-construction type and which is shrunk a jacket. Front and rear guide rings provide means of supporting the howitzer in the cradle. A breech ring is also shrunk on for additional strength and carries a lug for connecting the gun to the recoil mechanism, and a breech bushing is provided for reception of the breechblock. The total length of this howitzer is about 10| feet and its maximum range is approximately 10,760 yards: this howitzer is mounted on the Mark
consists of a tube over

VI

carriage.

REAR RIGHT SIDE OF CARRIAGE

IN FIRING POSITION.

The Mark Vlll\ howitzer is also of the built-up-construction type, but differs from the Mark VI howitzer in that it consists of two tubes. an inner and an outer, over which is shrunk the jacket. The jacket in this case supports the howitzer without the use of guide rings. A breech ring is shrunk on over the jacket and carries a lug for connecting the gun to the recoil mechanism. A breech bushing similar to that of the Mark VI is fitted for the breech mechanism. The total length of this howitzer is about 12| feet and its maximum range is
approximately 12.360 yards. This howitzer
(288)
is

mounted on the Mark

VII

carriage.

289

290

291
It is operated is of the interrupted-screw type. a lever on the right-hand side of the breech, which by one motion by releases the screw threads and opens the breech, or vice versa, on
closing.

The breechblock

with a

The forward mushroom-shaped head of the breechblock is equipped flexible asbestos ring, known as the obturator pad. On firing,

this ring is compressed and acts as a gas check to prevent the leakage of powder gases back through the breech. It has sufficient resiliency to resume its original form after firing, as described on page 236.

For
used.

firing the charge,

The one known

fits

as the

two separate types of igniters or primers are T tube consists of a small T-shaped
;

copper tube which

into a suitable socket in the breech

it is

fired

by

pulling a friction wire out of the tube

by means of

a lanyard.

BREECH BLOCK.

The other

type, the percussion primer,

rifle

is

very similar in construc-

mechanism cartridge. on the breech which fires the primer by means of a hammer operated by the lanyard. This mechanism is common and interchangeable with the 155-millimeter gun and howitzer; also the 240-millimeter
tion to a blank
It fits a percussion firing

howitzer.

Howitzers

fitted for

one type of primer will not permit the use of

the other type. Both types have a safety lock, which prevents firing when the breech is not entirely closed.

The recoil mechanism is of the hydropneumatic long-recoil type and contains both recoil brake and recuperator. The recoil mechanism is an hydraulic brake to absorb the energy of recoil of the piece. It consists of a piston rod and piston traveling in an oil-filled cylinder. The piston rod is connected to the cradle.

292

CD

293
which remains stationary while the howitzer recoils. The cylinder is connected to a lug on the howitzer and recoils with it so that
the
inder.

block

gun is fired the piston is forced against the oil in the cylPorts are provided in the piston to permit of the passage of some of the oil. At the beginning of the recoil a large quantity of oil is permitted to pass, but as the howitzer further recoils a valve on the piston rod, operated by lugs sliding in spiral grooves in the cylinder walls, gradually closes the port so that no oil can pass and the howitzer is brought gradually to rest.

when

FRONT VIEW OF HOWITZER CARRIAGE.

In order to prevent the gun striking the ground when firing at high elevation, a method is provided for automatically closing the piston valves sooner as the elevation increases, thus shortening the recoil. The mechanism which accomplishes this feature is known
as the valve turning gear.

The rear end of the piston rod is extended and so designed that it forms a counterrecoil buffer when it enters a suitable chamber bored out in the buffer plug. This buffer prevents violent return into
firing position after recoil.

The recuperator or counterrecoil mechanism serves to return the howitzer to firing position after recoil. It consists of two liquid

294
cylinders which are connected in turn with two air cylinders. On recoiling, the recuperator pistons force the oil out of the recuperator cylinders into the air cylinders, thereby highly compressing the air.
this air expands to its original volume it drives the oil back against the recuperator pistons, thereby returning the howitzer to firing position. The recuperator also acts as an auxiliary recoil The buffer, absorbing about 10 per cent of the energy of recoil.

When

air in the recuperator is maintained at a pressure of about 700 pounds per square inch in order to prevent the howitzer slipping back on the

cradle at high elevations.

suitable

pump

is

provided with the

material for maintaining this air pressure.

ELEVATING AND TRAVERSING MECHANISM.

The carriage
axles,

consists of a top carriage, cradle, trail, wheels with

and the elevating and traversing gear. The Mark VI and Mark VII carriage are similar in design and differ only in that Mark VII has a slightly larger recoil mechanism and the trail is cut out somewhat to allow for the greater length of the howitzer recoil. The top carriage is built up of nickel-steel plate and carries the trunnion bearings for the cradle. It is pivoted in the front transom
of the
trail, so as to

permit the necessary traverse.

carries the recoil

The cradle which

ways for the

mechanism and provides

in action
is

slide

recoil of the howitzer

when

supported by

the trunnion bearings of the top carriage.

295

296

297

The trail is of the solid type, cut out to provide clearance for the howitzer to recoil. The spade is removable and the shoe or bracket may be substituted when firing on scotches or using the firing platform.
The elevating and traversing gears are operated by handwheels on the left side of the carriage. The Mark VI carriage permits of an elevation of 50; the Mark VII, 45; and the Mark VIIIA, 38.
All three carriages permit a traverse of

8.

provided to allow the gun to be brought quick-loading gear to loading position when firing at high angles of elevation. rapidly The wheels are of the all steel wide-tire type, 66 inches in diameter
is

They are fitted with brakes which act on each wheel. independently Sighting is accomplished by means of a rocking-bar sight supplemented by a panoramic sight. These are located on the left side of
with
tires 12 inches wide.

the piece and serve to lay for elevation and traverse respectively. dial sight is provided on the right side of the piece for quick

laying.

of the separate loading type is used with the 8-inch Shell issued is of the high-explosive type only and weighs 200 pounds. These are issued filled but not fuzed and are fitted with
howitzer.
a

Ammunition

booster and adapter. Fuzes of types to suit different conditions of firing are provided, giving delayed or instantaneous action.

The propelling charge is contained in cloth bags and is made up of separable increments, permitting various zones of fire. The maximum charge for the Mark VI howitzer weighs 10.8 pounds for the
;

Mark VIII
on
a

howitzer. 17.5 pounds.

is

Separate loading ammunition

used in the 6-inch gun mounted

The original British ammunition so carriage. closely resembled the American that it was decided to use the regular Mark II high-explosive shell. Each round is issued with the projectile filled, also

Mark VIIIA

the adapter

is fitted

the adapter and booster in place. The fuze hole in with a white-metal plug. The weight of the

The propellant charge will projectile complete is 90.33 pounds. consist of a base section and increment section having a total weight
of approximately 25 pounds.

298

CATERPILLAR ADAPTERS.
application of the adapter to this weapon requires a slight alteration in the wheeled carriage; i. e., wheels and adapters are not entirely interchangeable. The unit ground pressure of this

The

CATERPILLAR ADAPTERS FOR 8-INCH HOWITZER CARRIAGE, MARK VI AND

VII.

is 32 pounds per square inch. By using the adapter this is reduced to 12 pounds, with the corresponding increase in mobility. In addition to the experimental adapters on hand, sufficient are being constructed to equip the howitzers of two batteries, in accordance with recommendation of the Artillery Equipment Board, for more extended service test.

weapon on the wheeled carriage

8-INCH

HOWITZER CARRIAGE LIMBER, MODEL OF

(VICKERS).

1917

The limber provided with this and for the 6-inch gun materiel is of steel construction and provides a chest for tools and spares, also seats for the personnel. No ammunition is carried in this limber, but two types of poles are provided, a long one for horse-drawn
vehicles

The box or
and
is

and a shorter connecting pole for motor traction. chest, of limbers manufactured in England, is of wood

The lid is covered with waterrails. canvas and hinged at the front. Those limbers which were proofed manufactured in the United States are provided with steel chests which vary slightly from the wooden chests in fittings provided for
bolted to the top of the
tools

and

accessories.

is cylindrical in shape and fitted with special axle arms. It passes through bearings formed in the rails and is held in position by brackets.

The

axle

equipped with guard irons and blanket straps, receptacles being provided on the sides and ends to take an The interior of the chest is ax, a shovel, and other implements. for buffer and recuperator, and fitted to carry tools, spare packings
the chest
is

The top of

Clips are secured at the front of the chest to accommodate two rifles, used in emergencies when attacked en

other necessary stores.

route.

The wheels

are 66 inches in diameter

and have a

tire 6 inches in

width with rounded edges.

Weights and dimensions.
inches Length of wheel base, limber, and carriage (limbered) Overall length of limber, carriage, and firing platform wagon (tractor
draft)

187

inches

Turning angle Weight of limber, empty Weight of limber, fully equipped and loaded Diameter of wheels

degrees

pounds do
inches

2,
2,

550 40 160 600

Width of tires Width of track Weight of each wheel

do do

pounds
(299)

66 6 82 554
3

Number

of

men

carried

300

8-INCH

HOWITZER FIRING PLATFORM AND WAGON, MODEL OF 1917 (VICKERS).

firing platform is provided

wooden

the 8-inch howitzer and 6-inch

sufficient

on which the carriage of gun materiel can be mounted when

time is permitted for setting up. The platform consists of wooden beams which assemble to form a triangular platform.
be removed and a special bracket fitted on the trail platform. This bracket travels in a groove which

The spade must when using this

gives a bearing for the bracket and also provides a means of traversing the piece 52 on the platform. The platform is disassembled

and mounted on a pair of wheels and axle for transportation. The main objects in the use of the firing platform are: To provide a reliable support for the wheels and rear end of the trail, so as to prevent sinking or movement when firing on soft ground; to insure the gun remaining on the target when firing and to provide means for shifting the trail transversely through an angle 52 (26 each .side of center). By using the traversing gear on the carriage a total traverse of 30 on each side of the center is obtainable. The firing platform is composed of a support upon which the wheels of the carriage rest, two side beams hinged together at the forward end and a rear beam made in a top and bottom section. These components form a triangular-shaped frame upon which the
;

carriage

may

is placed near the apex of the formed by the hinged side and rear beams. The rear beams triangle form the base, the upper one being curved at its front edge to form a guide for shifting the trail. The carriage wheels rest on steel on the wheel platform and are guided by curved-steel angles plates which prevent lateral movement of the gun off the target when in

The support

be placed when firing. for the carriage wheels

action.

When

tached, which
its place.

the firing platform is used, the float plate, with spade atis bolted to the underside of the trail, is removed and
is

another float plate, having a thrust bracket attached,

bolted in

In traveling the units of the 8-inch materiel are arranged in the following order Limber, carriage, and platform wagon. The usual plan is to draw this combination by a tractor.
:

(301)

302

303
Weights and dimensions.
Overall length of wagon (traveling position) Overall height of wagon Overall width of wagon inches

'.

Diameter of wheels

Width of tires Width of track Road clearance

Weight of platform Weight of wood platform and wagon (complete) Weight of steel platform and wagon (complete)

do do do do do do

pounds do do

5,

240 66 105 66 6 85 18 740

7,840 9,630

5516021

20

304

VIEWS SHOWING

9.2-INCH

HOWITZER CARRIAGE (MARK

II)

IN BATTERY POSITION.

305

9.2-INCH

HOWITZER MATERIEL (VICKERS).

The

9.2-inch

and 240-millimeter howitzers are the largest weapons

of the mobile type in service witli the American Army at the present time. While these calibers are mobile in a sense, yet there are limits

when they have to be transported over land huge craters, with the roads entirely destroyed, the country encumbered with all kinds of debris, and frequently reduced to a sea
to their mobility, for
full of

of mud, one can realize just why a successful attack usually nets captured artillery, and on the other hand, if the trenches give way,
it is

very

to save

difficult to get these heavy howitzers away quickly enough them from being captured by the enemy.

Both types of 9.2-inch howitzers are practically similar in all features, both being platform mounts as illustrated. These units break up into three separate loads for traveling, the howitzer proper
forming one load, the top carriage and cradle the second load, and the platform the third load. The Mark I type of howitzer is 13 calibers long, while the Mark II type is 17.3 calibers, the principal difference being that the latter

model is a more powerful weapon. Both types are provided with an earth box which is secured on firing beams, and in which the earth excavated for the firing beams is thrown the additional weight gives
;

greater stability

when

firing.

The recoil mechanism is of the variable type which limits the amount of recoil according to the elevation, the recoil cylinder being
fitted

with a counterrecoil buffer to control the return of the howitzer

into battery. gravity tank insures that the recoil cylinder will at all times be filled with the proper amount of oil and provided

with the necessary amount of void for the expansion of the

oil.

mechanism is of the hydropneumatic type consisting of a cylinder, ram, and floating piston with rod. The floating piston forms a barrier between the air and oil to prevent aeration and to form an intensifier to prevent leakage of air by opposing a
counterrecoil

The

superior pressure of liquid to it. In the operation of firing the howitzer the recoil cylinder and the counterrecoil, or recuperator piston rod, move to the rear with
the howitzer, the recoil piston rod and the recuperator cylinder remaining stationary. The flow of oil in the recoil cylinder past the piston rod and valve limits the length of the recoil and the comit

pression of the air in the recuperator cylinder is sufficient to return to battery after the force of the recoil has been absorbed. The

counterrecoil buffer in the recoil cylinder limits the counterrecoil of the howitzer and allows the piece to return to battery position without shock.

306

307

The howitzer, being comparatively thick and short when compared with a gun of the same caliber, is capable of greater angle of elevation than the same caliber of gun. The gun is primarily intended for attacking troops while the chief aim of the howitzer is to destroy incumbrance such as trenches, barbed wire, pill boxes, and the like. A shell that travels from the howitzer ascends at a high

FRONT VIEW SHOWING MAXIMUM ELEVATION OF HOWITZER.

angle and drops almost vertically. The explosion of a shell so fired much more effective than one that is fired with only a slight elevated trajectory as in the case of the field gun of the same caliber.

is

From information based on actual experience, the 9.2-inch howitzer, Mark I type (low velocity), has an average life of 8,300 rounds, while the Mark II (high velocity) has an average life of 3,500 rounds.

308

The howitzer transport wagon is a four-wheeled vehicle the body of which contains a winch for removing and mounting the howitzer
in the cradle. This vehicle is equipped for motor traction and has brakes acting individually on each hind wheel. The carriage bed (or platform) transport wagon is formed by fixing a front and rear axle to suitable attachments on the bed, thus forming the body of the wagon. Attachments are provided for

brakes which act independently on each hind wheel and connections for attachment behind the howitzer transport wagon.

LOADING POSITION OF HOWITZER, SHOWING SHELL ON TRAY.

The top carriage transport wagon is formed by attaching two axles with wheels to the top carriage, which forms the body. Individual brakes are fitted on the hind wheels. This vehicle is usually
coupled behind the platform wagon. The three wagons are drawn en train by tractor but
singly in case of necessity. The 9.2-inch howitzer materiel (Vickers), Howitzer carriage, model of 1917.

may

be hauled

Mark

I consists of:

Howitzer platform transport wagon, model of 1917. Howitzer carriage transport wagon, model of 1917. Howitzer transport wagon, model of 1917.

The

Howitzer Howitzer Howitzer Howitzer

9.2-inch howitzer materiel (Vickers), carriage, model of 1918.

Mark

II, consists of:

platform transport wagon, model of 1918.

carriage transport wagon, model of 1918. transport wagon, model of 1918.

309

9.2-INCH

HOWITZERS AND CARRIAGES, MARKS

(BRITISH).

AND

II

This materiel is designed to be transported in separate loads, thus three four-wheeled vehicles are issued for this purpose. The first carries the howitzer, the second the carriage, and the third the plat-

form and earth box,

States
is

all

of which

is

of British design, but the United

in this country

in possession of in Great Britain.

equipment made both

and

REAR VIEW OF CARRIAGE, SHOWING HOWITZER AT MAXIMUM ELEVATION.

The howitzer consists of a tube, muzzle stop ring, a series of layers of steel wire, jacket, breech bushing, and breech ring. Over the exterior of the tube is wound a series of layers of steel wire extending from the breech end to the stop ring, which is shrunk over the tube
at the muzzle.

Over the exterior of the tube

is

shrunk the jacket,

which

secured longitudinally by the breech bushing. The bushing The breech ring is is prepared for the reception of the breechblock. screwed and shrunk over the jacket at the rear.
is

(310)

311
has two tubes shrunk one over the The Mark I howitzer is 133 is in length, while the Mark II is 170 inches. inches The breech mechanism of the screw type with plastic obturator is so arranged that by partially revolving the operating lever the breechblock is unlocked and the block with the gas-check pads and disks withdrawn from the seating in the chamber. The breech mechanism can then be swung into the loading position by means of a handle on the rear face of the breechblock. The breech is closed by a parallel screw having five portions of the screw thread removed longitudinally, each one-tenth of the circumference. The main characteristics of the Vickers 9.2-inch howitzers are indicated in the accomdiffers in that
it

The Mark II

other on which the wire

wound.

panying table, giving the important dimensions, weights, and ballistics. The Mark I breech requires two operations to open. A handle turning on the rear of the block revolves and releases the block, then

BREECH MECHANISM (MARK

it

I).

must be swung open by the handle provided on the breech. The II breech can be opened by one motion of a lever on the right side of the breech, which revolves and withdraws the breech in one motion from front to back. Both types are fitted with a firing mechanism to accommodate the T-tube primer. Later models are fitted with the French percussion type of firing mechanism described with the 155-millimeter howitzer

Mark

materiel on page 236.

The

recoil

with a variable
elevation.

mechanism is of the hydropneumatic type and is equipped recoil, which shortens the length of recoil after 15

The recoil cylinder, located above the howitzer and secured thereto, moves with it, while the piston rod is secured to the cradle and remains stationary. The recoil is controlled by passage of oil through ports in the cylinder, which are varied by the valve located near

312
the piston on the rod. This valve gage spiral grooves in the cylinder.
is is

A mixture of glycerine

rotated by lugs which en-

and

oil

used in the cylinder. Later models are fitted with gravity tank on top of the recoil cylinder to replenish the oil and relieve pressure due to expansion. The end of the piston rod is extended and shaped to form a counterrecoil buffer. The recuperator is located below the howitzer. The cylinder being secured to the cradle remains stationary when the howitzer is recoiling but the ram is secured to the howitzer and moves with it. The oil and air in this cylinder are separated by a floating piston. The ram on recoiling increases the liquid pressure on this piston this in turn compresses the air, which on expansion will return the howitzer An initial pressure of 475 pounds per square inch is to battery. maintained in the air chamber to hold the piece in battery.
; ;

ft/MCt

LU

RCTRIHINC C/ITCH

BREECH MECHANISM (MARK

II).

To maintain

this pressure a

pump

is

attached to the carriage,

which can be operated either by hand or a small gasoline engine. The cradle is a cylindrical casting formed to house the howitzer. It is provided with trunnions and has the elevating arc secured to its lower side. Grooves cut in the cradle cylinder serve to guide the howitzer during recoil. A toothed arc on the left trunnion operates
the valve turning gear through gearing. front tranThe top carriage or body is built up of steel plates. som carries the pivot block, which fits over the pintle on the bed and on which the top carriage pivots. To the rear transom is secured a

pinion which, meshing with a rack on the bed, serves to traverse the Suitable platforms are hinged to the body, thus permitting piece. access to working parts and loading platform on the rear for the personnel. On the left rear side of the body is a loading gear, which
consists of a

swinging arm with a winch and loading tray.

313

314

The traversing gear is actuated by a hamlwheel on the left side of the carriage, motion being transmitted to a vertical rack pinion which works in the rack at the rear of the bed thus a traverse of 30 right
;

and

left

may

be obtained.

METHOD OF LOADING, SHOWING LOADING GEAR MECHANISM

IN ACTION.

The elevating gear is operated by a handwheel on the left side of the carriage, which, through a system of gearing, operates the arc beneath the cradle.

RIGHT SIDE VIEW OF CARRIAGE IN BATTERY.

quick-loading gear operated by a handwheel on the right of the carriage permits the howitzer to be brought readily to the loading
55
angle. 3 depression. elevation.

The

firing angle ranges

from 15

elevation to

315

316

317

The bed on which the top carriage pivots

consists of

side guides of box section with transom, a pivot block, ersing rack. The bearing of the top carriage is formed

two steel and a travby an upper

and lower roller path. At the front of the bed are suitable connections for fastening a steel box which is filled with earth to help maintain stability.
/Sighting
is

ramic

sight, or a

accomplished by means of a rocking-bar sight, a panoNo. 7 dial sight located on the left of the carriage.

The rocking-bar sight serves to lay for elevation and carries the telescope sight or the dial sight for laying for direction. The dial sight is similar to the United States panoramic sight, which can be
substituted.

Ammunition employed is of the separate-loading type. Highexplosive steel shell weighing 290 pounds are used, which are fitted
with percussion fuses. The propelling charge is put up in cloth bags, charges built up with four and with five increments for zone fire being provided. The charge is ignited by the T-tube friction type of primer.
Weight, dimensions, and
ballistics.

MarkL
of howitzer without breech mechanism of howitzer with breech mechanism Total length of howitzer

Mark

II.

Weight Weight

pounds..

do
inches .
.

6,320 6,800 133J

13f 290 1,187 10,060

9,576 170i
27 290 1,500 13,080 35,500 11,200 9,100 2,100 5,700 530 44 19 50 3 60

Rifling (uniform).

Powder charge Weight of shell

Muzzle velocity Maximum range
ft.

pounds. .
do....

Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Length Length

of

mount in

firing position

earth box)
of body and cradle of bed and earth box of earth box empty of firing beams of ground ramps of recoil at 15* elevation of recoil at 50 elevation angle of elevation of traverse

per sec. . yards . complete with howitzer (but without dirt in pounds.. do
.

do do do do
inches do. . degrees do. . do. .

Maximum

Loading angle (depression)

Amount

29,100 10,100 8,200 1,600 4,200 410 40 19 50 3 60

9.2-INCH

HOWITZER TRANSPORT WAGON (VICKERS).

lar

This wagon consists of a front and rear axle and a steel rectangubed prepared for transporting the howitzer. The front axle is of forged steel, having an axle arm on each end,

steel

which are fitted 60 by 6-inch steel tired wooden wheels. The framework is formed for the reception of the axle and draft pole, and has provisions for the attachment of a tractor. The bed for transporting the howitzer is prepared on its upper surface to receive the howitzer and is supported at the rear on an axle, each axle arm being provided with a dust excluder and linch pin. When traveling the front end of the howitzer is secured by pawls, the muzzle end being supported by two bronze brackets and secured
to

METHOD OF MOUNTING HOWITZER.

by a wire rope and draw

nuts.

The frame

is fitted

with a draft

link in rear for attachment of the draft connector of the next load.

A winch gear for the purpose of shifting the howitzer into or from the cradle is provided, consisting of an endless chain which, by means of sprocket wheels, imparts motion to a larger endless chain to which the howitzer is connected. Two rods, one on each side, are secured to a crossbar for connecting the rear of the wagon to the carriage body when mounting or dismounting the howitzer. The brake gear consists of two brake arms and brake screw fitted with handwheels and two brake blocks. Each side is operated indeshoe, connected

pendently by handwheels from the rear. A roller scotch and drag by chains, are attached for use when traveling.
(318)

319
Weights and dimensions.

320

321
9.2-INCH

HOWITZER PLATFORM TRANSPORT WAGON (VICKERS).

in general is very similar The front axle and draft

The howitzer platform transport wagon

to the howitzer carriage transport wagon. connections are entirely similar to those

on the howitzer carriage that only one hole in the center of the axle transport wagon, except When preparing for travel the is provided for the raising screw.
with two vertical holes for lifting screws, is The axle is fitted with dust excluder, linch pins and adjusting collars, and a brake gear which is operated from the rear by handwheels, each side being operated independThe roller scotch and drag shoe are similar to those used ently. with the howitzer carriage transport wagon.
rear axle, which
is fitted

attached to rear of the bed.

Weights and dimensions.

322

240-MILLIMETER HOWITZER MATfiRIEL, (SCHNEIDER).

The 240-millimeter howitzer
unit, a

MODEL OF

1918

accommodate American manufacturing

French design modified to practice, differs from the

smaller type of field artillery pieces in that it is split up into a number of loads for transport. When arranged for firing the carriage is set upon a structural-steel platform which rests in a specially pre-

pared pit and has a large trunk portion embedded in the ground to absorb the reaction of the recoiling parts. The platform is stabilized by

two hinged

floats at the rear.

FRONT VIEW OF CARRIAGE, SHOWING MAXIMUM ELEVATION OF HOWITZER.

Although approximately the same size as the British 9.2-inch howitzer (the exact diameter of the bore of the 240 being 9.45 inches) and only a little larger than the 8-inch howitzer, the French gun is by far more powerful than either. The 8-inch and 9.2-inch howitzers have ranges in the neighborhood of 6 miles, their shell weighing 200 and 290 pounds, respectively. On the other hand, the 240 hurls a shell weighing 356 pounds and carrying a bursting charge of 45
to 50
It is

pounds of high explosive, obtaining a range of almost 10

estimated that the
is

miles.

life

of the 240-millimeter howitzer before

relining

approximately 5.000 rounds.

(323)

324

325
Comparative characteristics of heavy
artillery.

326
unit

composed of a limber, false trail, and a rear two- wheeled wagon. and accessories for each unit are carried on two 4-ton trailers and the six loads are drawn by caterpillar tractors. In assembling and dismounting, an erecting device made of structural steel is used for placing the platform and top carriage in position. The cradle and howitzer are drawn into place by a cable and windlass which is attached to the forward part of the top carriage. This erecting device is also used for lifting and placing projectiles on the shot truck from the shell storage. The howitzer, when elevated to about 43^ and using a propelling
is

The

tools

charge of 35 pounds, giving a pressure of about 33,000 pounds per square inch on the base of the projectile, will fire a projectile weigh356 pounds and containing a bursting charge of about 49 pounds
of T. N. T. to a distance of approximately 10 miles.

METHOD OF LOADING THE HOWITZER WITH RAMMER

CAR.

The following sighting equipment meter materiel

:

is

carried with the 240-milli-

Quadrant sight, model of 1918. Panoramic sight, model of 1917.

Peep
sight.

Sight extension. Gunner's quadrant, model of 1918.

Night lighting equipment for

sights.

of the separate loading type is used with this howitzer, consisting of point- fuzed high-explosive common-steel shell and point-fuzed gas semisteel shell. The shells are issued filled but

Ammunition

The not fuzed, the fuze hole being closed with a suitable plug. of each round are the primer, the propelling charge, components the filled projectile, and the fuzes. To transport the complete carriage, there are provided four transhowitzer transport wagon, top carriage transport platform transport wagon, and cradle transport wagon. wagon,
port vehicles

327

328

329

Each transport vehicle consists principally of a limber, false trail, and rear axle and wheels. The limber consists of wheels, axle, pole, and turning arc and is similar for each wagon. It is equipped with a pintle, over which
fits

to the axle,
pintle.

the lunette ring of the false trail. The turning arc is attached and the false trail bears on it as it rotates around the
false trails are provided, one for each wagon. They are front end with a lunette ring and at the rear with a

Four

fitted at the

locking arrangement for attachment to the unit to be transported. The rear axles are provided with suitable means for attachment to
their respective units,
axles.

and band brakes are

fitted

on

all

the rear

When
units,

vehicles are close coupled

is set up for firing, the transport by means of the false trail and form short having four wheels, which can be drawn away. All wheels

the complete carriage

are equipped with solid rubber tires.

ftlfi-mitllimeter
sists

howitzer materiel, model of 1918 (Schneider) , con-

of

cradle transport wagon, model of 1918. top carriage transport wagon, model of 1918. platform transport wagon, model of 1918. The above materiel is of French design, but was manufactured

Howitzer Howitzer Howitzer Howitzer Howitzer Howitzer

and carriage, model of

1918.

carriage limber, model of 1918. transport wagon, model of 1918.

only in the United States.

240-MILLIMETER HOWITZER

MODEL

MODEL OF

1918

1918 MI AND CARRIAGE, (SCHNEIDER).

The howitzer is built up of alloy steel and consists of a tube, a jacket, and hoop. The jacket is shrunk on the rear end of the tube and is secured from slippage by threads cut in its inner surface,
which screw over corresponding threads on the tube, the rear end The is prepared for the reception of the breechblock. is shrunk and screwed on the tube forward of the jacket, which hoop is fitted at its rear end with a hinge lug, vertical clips for joining the howitzer to the sleigh, and guide bosses for joining the sleigh to
of which
the howitzer
;

also a T-slot to suit the false trail

when en

train.

At

the front end of the

hoop

is a

boss to accommodate the axles of the

transport wagon, and lugs for rollers used in the dismounting and mounting of the howitzer.
is of the interrupted-screw type and is with a plastic obturator. One motion of the breech lever swinging from left to right turns and swings the breech clear.

The breech mechanism

fitted

330

The

firing

mechanism

is

as used on the 155-millimeter howitzer,

of the French percussion type, the same and is interchangeable with

:

the mechanism of the following materiel 155-millimeter gun, model of 1918 (Filloux). 155-millimeter howitzer, model of 1918 (Schneider).

The

8-inch howitzer, Marks VI and VIIIJ (Vickers). sleigh, a steel forging, is bored out to house the recoil mech-

anism and supports the howitzer, being attached to it by lugs and locking clips, and therefore recoils with the howitzer when in action. Grooves in the sleigh house guides are fastened to the cradle, which
serve to guide the howitzer in recoil. The sleigh is also fitted with two tracks for the rollers on the howitzer, which are used in mounting

and dismounting. The cradle carries the trunnions and is a nonrecoiling part. The recuperator piston rod and the recoil piston rods are attached to it.

MOUNTING THE CRADLE.

The recoil mechanism is of the hydropneumatic, long-recoil type, the length of recoil being constant for all elevations. In the sleigh forging are bored five longitudinal cylinders, the upper two being
bored about half the length of the sleigh and are closed at the front end by caps, forming air reservoirs. The left reservoir has an opening in which the pressure gage is fitted to test the pressure of air or
gas.

The lower

two outer cylinders form the

cylinders extend the full length of the sleigh, while the recoil and the middle the recuperator

The recuperator cylinder is connected by passages to the cylinder. two air chambers, permitting the liquid from the recuperator to flow into them.
hollow and are fixed rigidly to the In the hollow space travel the throttling rods, which move with the recoiling parts. These rods are so shaped that they give a throttling effect on the liquid which passes through annular openings around the piston. On return to battery the throttling rods act
recoil piston rods are

The

cradle.

as a buffer to prevent violent return into battery.

331

332

333
air (or nitrogen gas) in the recuperator is maintained at a pressure of 568 pounds per square inch, which is sufficient to keep

The

the howitzer in battery at all elevations. Tanks of compressed nitrogen are kept at hand to replenish that in the recuperator in case the pressure gets low. The liquid used in both recuperators and recoil
cylinders is a mixture of glycerin, water, and caustic soda. pumps are provided for filling these cylinders.

Suitable

firing handle is fitted on the left side of the cradle, which, through a system of shafts, operates the percussion hammer on the breech, the firing handle being accessible at all elevations of the

howitzer.
a lanyard.

In case of emergency the piece

may

be fired by means of

The elevating mechanism consisting of elevating arcs, which tip the cradle, is operated by a handwheel on the left side of the carriage

LOWERING THE TOP CARRIAGE IN POSITION.

through a system of gearing.

obtained.

A maximum

elevation of 60

can be

In connection with the elevating gear a quick-loading gear is provided, by means of which the howitzer can be quickly brought to the loading angle (9 15') and again elevated without the use of the slower method of using the elevating gear. handwheel on the right side of the carriage is used to operate the quick-loading gear.

means of rotating the top carriage and traversing the piece. A pinion at the rear of the carriage meshing with a rack on the plat-

The top carriage is a structural steel, built-up unit. The top of the flasks forming the top carriage carry the trunnion bearings for the cradle. At the front of the carriage a pintle bearing is provided, which bears on the pintle of the platform, thus providing a

334
in traverse. A traverse of each side of center is thus obtained. windlass mounted on the top carriage is used for setting up and dismounting the unit. At the rear of the top carriage is attached a loading platform on which is mounted a loading crane for handling the shells. On the

form swings the rear end of the carriage

10

loading platform tracks are provided for a

rammer

car which

is

used

to transport a projectile from the loading crane to the breech and to ram it into the bore of the howitzer. This ramming of the projectile

accomplished by means of a movable chain on the rammer car which has suitable lugs for engaging the shell and is operated by cranks on the rammer car. The platform on which the top carriage rests is a structural-steel unit composed of a top and bottom plate secured by channels. The middle portion is open and has a trunk section to provide a space
is

for the howitzer to recoil at high angles of elevation.

The traversing

METHOD OF LOWERING PLATFORM.

rack is secured to the rear end of the platform. Built-up steel floats are attached to the rear of the platform by swinging arms, which function to give stability to the mount at extreme angles of azimuth.

Axle brackets and attachments for the

wagon

false trail of the transport are provided for use when traveling. Accessories. considerable number of tools and accessories are

required for the erection, operation, and maintenance of the piece. The principal ones are as follows Erecting frame, shot truck, sights, transport wheel tracks, track for shot truck, shell tongs, shot barrow,
:

air pump, liquid pump, hydraulic jacks, wheel blocks and mats, axlelifting levers, etc. The erecting frame is composed of structural-steel beams. It is

operated by hydraulic jacks and is used in assembling and dismounting the piece. It may also be used as a derrick for handling shells. When used for this purpose, a trolley attachment with shell tongs is
provided.

335

5516021

22

336

337

The

shot truck
is

is

a track which

laid

a four-wheeled vehicle with flanged wheels fitting from the magazine to the piece, and will carry

two of the

The track for this truck is 600 millimeters projectiles. It is supplied in built-up lengths of light steel (23f inches) gauge. rails joined by pressed-steel ties.
Weights, dimensions, and
ballistics.

Weight of howitzer Length of howitzer Rifling Right hand, 1 turn in 40 calibers at origin to 1 calibers at a point 24.369 inches from the muzzle. Weight of powder charge Weight of projectile Muzzle velocity ft. Maximum range Weight of howitzer and breech mechanism Amount of traverse (right and left)
.

pounds
inches turn in 20

10,

790

199. 6

pounds do
per sec yards

pounds
degrees

angle of elevation of howitzer angle of depression of howitzer Loading angle Normal length of recoil Maximum recoil allowable Height to center of trunnions Weight of howitzer arid transport wagon

Maximum Maximum

do do do
inches

38$ 356 1, 700 18, 000 10, 831 10 60

1

do do

9i 44. 83 46. 73
64. 5
15,

pounds
do do do do do
caps,

Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight

Sleigh

and transport wagon of top carriage and transport wagon of platform and transport wagon
of cradle

14, 12, 16, 41,

33,

of complete unit in firing position of erecting frame

'.

220 605 545 230 296 024

747

(complete, filled with liquid and all pistons, packings,

pounds etc.) do Cradle (complete, but without elevating arms) do Recuperator (steel forging only), completely machined do Elevating arms (including quick-loading gear) Top carriage (complete, with elevating and traversing gear, windlass, footboards, bearing caps, traversing rollers, rear clips, draft hook, cradle lock, jack rollers, etc.) pounds do Rammer car do Loading platform do Loading-crane bracket and loading crane do Shell tongs do Shot truck Platform with (complete, swinging arms, and pintle springs,
floats)

5,

4,068 3,931 855

6,685 540 555 441 39 430

11,
1,

Transport wheel tracks with inclined planes Erecting frame (complete, with hydraulic jacks)

pounds do do

895 175

3,024

338

240-MILLIMETER HOWITZER TRANSPORT LIMBERS

AND

WAGONS.
In order to transport the complete carriage there are provided four transport vehicles, namely, the howitzer transport wagon, top carriage transport wagon, platform transport wagon, and cradle transport wagon. Each wagon consists principally of a limber, false
trail,

rear axle, and wheels.

HOWITZER TRANSPORT WAGON.

The limber
all

consists of two wheels, an axle, pole, and turning arc, are similar for each wagon. of which
is

steel parts joined with a flexible of a coil spring, plunger, and hinged spring coupling, consisting joint, providing a movement of about 15 inches at the end of the

The pole

composed of two

CRADLE TRANSPORT WAGON.

pole to make up for any difference in height between the limber and the vehicle to which it may be coupled. This spring coupling

any sudden shocks during transportation. provided with a pintle over which fits the lunette ring of its false trail. Safety chains are attached to the pole to hold the false trail on the pintle in proper position.
also relieves the vehicles of

Each limber

is

(339)

340

The turning
it

arc

is

attached to the axle and the false trail bears on

as

it

rotates

Four

around the pintle. false trails are provided,

one for each wagon.

They

are

similar in most respects, especially the front end that has the lunette ring. This lunette ring floats in the trail and is surrounded by coiled

springs which take up the shocks incidental to transportation.

The

TOP CARRIAGE TRANSPORT WAGON.

body of the false trail is formed to suit the heights of the unit to which it attaches and has brace rods for stiffening. A locking arrangement is provided to lock the units to the false trails and is operated by means of a hand lever.

The

shaped to

rear axle of the transport wagon is made of a special forging suit the unit which it carries. The axle for the howitzer

PLATFORM TRANSPORT WAGON.

wagon is curved to suit the radius of the howitzer and has pawls which lock the howitzer in place. Band brakes are used and are alike for all four types of rear axles, but the brake-operating mechanism is different for the various transport wagons. The brakes on each vehicle are connected by a connecting lever shaft which is operated by a lever with ratchet and
transport

pawl. Provision is made for the setting of the brakes by the operator of the hauling tractor by means of a rope attached to the operating lever and extending to the tractor.

342

When

vehicles are close coupled

the complete carriage is set up for firing, the transport by the false trail and form short units,

having four wheels which can be drawn away. Brackets are provided attached to each axle for the brace rods which are used when the vehicles are unloaded and close coupled. Both the limber and rear axles are equipped with standard rubbertired wheels.

Weights and dimensions.

Howitzer and transport wagon Weight of transport wagon Weight of front wheels and Weight of rear wheels, axle, Weight under front wheels Weight under rear wheels

(complete)
(close coupled)

pounds do
do do do do
inches

axle

and brake

Wheel base
Overall length Cradle (with elevating arms and sleigh) transport Weight of transport wagon (close coupled) Weight of front wheels and axle

do

15,200 4,385 1, 185 2. 750 4, 864 10, 356 162 314

14,605

wagon

pounds
do do do__ do do
inches

Weight of rear wheels, axle, and brake Weight under front wheels Weight under rear wheels Wheel base

do Overall length Top carriage (with rammer car, loading platform, loading crane) and pounds 12, 545 transport wagon do 4, 285 Weight of transport wagon (close coupled) do 475 Weight of false trail complete for platform Weight of false trail for cradle, howitzer, and top carriage, 450 each pounds

4,335 1, 185 2, 700 3, 530 11, 075 150 267

Weight of front wheels and axle Weight of rear wheels, axle, and brake Weight under front wheels Weight under rear wheels Wheel base
Overall length

do do do do
inches

1,

2,

185 650

do__

4,030 8, 515 181 280

16,

Platform
hook)

and

transport

wagon

(including

brake lever

and draft pounds

do do do do do
inches

230

Weight of transport wagon (close coupled) Weight of front wheels and axle Weight of rear wheels, axle, and brake Weight under front wheels Weight under rear wheels Wheel base
Overall length Weight of limber wheel

4,335 1, 185
2,675 4, 485 11, 745 153 292 350 1. 050 4,385 4,335 4,285 4,335

do pounds
__ do__

Weight of transport wagon wheel Howitzer transport wagon (close coupled)

Cradle transport wagon (close coupled) Top carriage transport wagon (close coupled) Platform transport wagon (close coupled)

do__ do__ do do

343

Maximum width of transport wagons (platform) Maximum height of transport wagons (top carriage) Minimum road clearance (distance between lowest point

inches..

102

do
of

102
15 544

wagon and

inches ground ) Diameter of smallest circle in which a transport wagon will turn.do do Wheels on transport wagon, rubber tired Wheels on limber, rubber tired do Limber wheels Width of track, center to center of tire do do Bearing surface Rear wheels Width of track, center to center of tire do do Bearing surface Maximum width of widest transport wagon (platform) do Maximum height of highest transport wagon (top carriage) do Maximum overall length of longest transport wagon (howitzer) do
:

60 by 8 49 by 4
60. 83
3.

54

63. 84
4.

74

102 102 314

ANTIAIRCRAFT ARTILLERY.
In considering the question of antiaircraft materiel it is to be rethat the science of antiaircraft gunnery has changed probto a greater extent than that of any other branch of the service. ably It was unheard of at the beginning of the war, and in consequence has grown from nothing at all to an important phase of operations. As a result, materiel is constantly changing and can not be said to have reached a definite basis even at this time. The materiel was " " greatly affected also by the change from position warfare to warfare of motion; portability changing from a somewhat neglected factor to one of paramount importance. In field artillery practice, range problems are presented in connection with mortars, howitzers, and guns, but the results to be accomplished and the problems in connection with each of these weapons are quite different. The provided elevation of the guns of some calibers is small, while the muzzle velocity of some of the howitzers and all of the mortars is comparatively low also the traverse of all three

membered

different types of

weapons

is

limited.

The

field target is
its

usually sta-

tionary,

maps being
available in

time

is

available for establishing which to figure its range.

position,

and ample

Observation of the

point of fall of one shot serves as a guide in correcting the range for the next shot. Frequently it is possible to choose atmospheric conditions under which the weapon would be employed, and assisting or

opposing longitudinal windage, or driftage due to side windage, calculated with the aid of wind gauges.

is

For antiaircraft service the problem is entirely different. The single weapon must be able to cover the elevations of all three types of the field artillery weapons and preferably have a traverse of 360.
These wide variations in elevation introduce serious recoil problems, and the difference in the traverse problem may be to some extent

by reference to the fact that the millimeter French, model 1897 MI, field gun
illustrated

total traverse of the 75-

is only 6. Instead of a stationary target there may be presented one whose speed is one-sixth of the speed of the projectile itself and whose course can in no wise be forecast by road direction or terrain forma-

and whose position may be at any vertical or horizontal angle. The possible altitude and speed of airplanes increased from time to time, making useless the earlier and present basic data to be employed in the design of protective materiel. Under certain conditions of airplane approach the range must be calculated on the instant and there is no choice as to atmospheric conditions. As the target is not station
tionary, range corrections are difficult to estimate
(344)

by observation.

345

While gauges may indicate the direction and force of the wind

at

the altitude at which they are set. they furnish no indication of air currents existing at other altitudes through which it might be neces-

sary for the antiaircraft projectile to pass. With the flat trajectory of a fieldpiece at but a few degrees elevation, the density of atmosphere through which the projectile must pass is largely uniform,

while at high angles of fire with antiaircraft guns the projectile passes through atmospheres of different rarefactions, and hence different resistances to the passage of the projectile. These influences
affect the trajectory of the projectile, the rate of travel of the projectile,

and the time element of the burning of the fuze. field artillery, shrapnel is employed with both a time fuze and an impact fuze, and high-explosive shell with impact fuze only,

With

346
but antiaircraft projectiles are fitted only with time fuzes, as otherwise a projectile which has missed its aerial mark would be apt to cause damage within friendly lines through impact explosion on

reaching the ground.

is practically no position which is entirely free from the of aircraft attack, and as there is no means of determinpossibility ing the direction from which such attack may come, ready mobility of antiaircraft guns is most desirable, and as opportunity to reach

As

there

the target
firing

is

is essential.

frequently only momentary, rapidity of sighting and of In the case of indirect fire from a camouflaged

gunner has not even had a view of the approaching but must lay his gun on the basis of telephone data, or data plane, otherwise transmitted from the battery commander's station. The antiaircraft target may be a balloon either stationary or towed a dirigible, or an airplane, but is most frequently the latter. Location of the position of balloons or dirigibles is comparatively simple, as compared with airplane location, owing to the size of the target and the stationary position or low speed of motion. For night fire, searchlights or other illuminating means are required, and for night fire or protective fire in thick weather, sound-locating devices
position, the

are employed.

The

earlier fire

from antiaircraft

artillery

was directed

solely

from

the burst; that is, by firing a shot, and judging the direction of the next shot solely by observation of the nearness to which the burst

shot had approximated the position of the target. In the meantime, however, the position of the target had changed. This system has given way to the use of an elaborate system of instruments of the
first

for the determination of

principles.

fire

in accordance with certain established

In the attack upon aircraft the desired end may be accomplished by the destruction of the aircraft itself or by the disabling of its occupants, in which latter case the destruction of the aircraft would follow. The methods adopted include destruction by incendiarism, by direct hits, by flying particles from exploding shell or shrapnel, and by shell shock. Methods of fire may involve explosive projectiles from a single gun, salvos or barrage fire from a number of guns, rapid firing from pom-poms (small caliber guns, firing explosive projectiles), or from machine guns firing small-arms ammueither
nition.

Because of the important field played by aerial sound-detecting apparatus, searchlights, and telephony, including wireless, future
progress in the design of antiaircraft artillery will consider these With the perfection of airplane motors and their intersubjects. connected functioning apparatus, the design of aircraft, and the art of flying, other factors upon which the design of artillery equipment

should likewise be based, enter into this problem.

347

3-INCH ANTIAIRCRAFT

GUN MATERIEL, MODEL

1918.

hardly possible to estimate how great will be the future importance of the perfection of the country's aerial defense from a strategic point of view. Aviation as an offensive arm will remain a principal arm, and antiaircraft artillery, as a defensive branch, will play the part that coast artillery plays to the naval squadrons. Antiaircraft gunnery differs from other forms of gunnery, such as field-artillery problems. It is a new subject, one more complicated than any other artillery problem, and consequently one which essentially demands new methods and modes of measurement. Development has gradually led to the design of the 3-inch autoIt is

trailer carriage,

which consists of a 3-inch gun, model 1918, antiand a 3-inch autotrailer carriage, model of 1917. mounted aircraft, on a four-wheel trailer truck, having springs and solid rubber tired wheels. The gun and the mount remain fixed on the trailer, both in traveling and in battery positions. The muzzle velocity of the gun is 2,400 foot-seconds. Both shrapnel and high-explosive shells, each weighing about 15 pounds,
are employed.
elevation of 10
6,100 meters.

At

maximum

elevation of 85
is

the

tical ordinate, limited

by the time fuze,

7.940 meters.

maximum verAt minimum

the projectile strikes the ground at approximately elevation the bursting vertical ordinate is meters and the horizontal ordinate approximately 7,025 meters. 1,176 The recoil mechanism is similar to that employed with the

At 23

American 75 millimeter, model

1916, field gun, but with the use of a This recoil mechanism is of the counter-recoil buffer. spearhead and the variable adjustment of the stroke is govhydro-spring type

erned by a rotating valve, the movement of which moves port holes behind the edges of three lands permitting the passage of oil to the by-passing recesses. The anti-aircraft gun, together with the recoil mechanism, is held by the cradle and swings from 10 to 85 elevation in the trunnion bearings of the top carriages. A base plate rigidly bolted to the trailer chassis supports the top carriage on traversing rollers on which the top carriage rotates 360 in azimuth around a pintle on the
base plate.
(348)

349

350

The
floats

trailer carriage is

lifting jacks
trailer.

equipped with outriggers. Stability and which, when in firing position, rest on detachable

on the ground, support the entire weight of carriage and These outriggers and jacks are employed to stabilize this unit when in action and to prevent the mount from overturning when the gun is fired at low angles of elevation.

VIEW OF REAR OUTRIGGERS FOLDED; OUTSIDE END OF RIGHT OUTRIGGER BRACE READY TO BE PLACED IN RECEPTACLE; SCREW JACK WITH OUTRIGGERS
FOLDED.

In traveling position the outriggers are folded up, the jack screws raised, and the floats and spades carried in another vehicle, with the exception of the stability jack floats, which are attached to the

5516021

(352)

353
jack screws. Traveling locks are provided to lock the gun at about elevation to protect the elevating mechanism. In azimuth the carriage is locked lengthwise of the trailer to remove unnecessary

20

strains

from the traversing mechanism when the unit is traveling. Adjustable seats and foot rests for the gunners and platforms that

fold
is

up when traveling are fastened to the top carriage. This unit considered able to traverse over any roads suitable for field ar-

tillery.

Weight of complete unit is approximately 14,000 pounds. Fixed ammunition is used with these guns, consisting of time-

fuzed high-explosive, illuminating shell, tracer shell, and shrapnel. All the shell and shrapnel are issued fuzed.

3-INCH
The 3-inch

AUTOTRAILER CARRIAGE.

autotrailer carriage consists of a 3-inch gun, model of 1918, antiaircraft, and a 3-inch autotrailer carriage, model of 1917, mounted on an autotrailer.

The gun, of which there are two models, 1918 and 1918 MI, is built up of nickel-steel forgings and consists of a tube, a jacket, and a breech ring, the latter being screwed to the rear end of the jacket
forming a housing for the breech mechanism.

Lugs are provided

at

the top and bottom of the breech ring, to which are secured, respectively, the recoil cylinder and counter- recoil spring rods. The 1918 MI

model

differs

from the 1918 model only in the

jacket,

which

is 1.6

inches longer at the threaded part, allowing a greater thickness of metal in rear of the jacket, thereby strengthening the gun around the chamber.

The breech mechanism is practically the same as that used on the 75-millimeter field gun, model of 1916 (American) (see p. 75), being of the drop block type, semiautomatic, and operated by a handle on the right side of the breech, which is pulled backwards and down to
open the breech.
Weights, dimensions, and ballistics of gun.

Weight of gun (including breech mechanism)

Caliber

pounds

Total length of gun Length of bore Volume of chamber

rifled portion of bore of grooves Width of grooves Depth of grooves

Length of

Number

Width of lands

1,966 3 do 129.69 do 120 cu. in__ 200 inches.. 95. 87 24 inches.. 0.2927 do 0. 03 0. 10 dc
inches

Maximum

Muzzle velocity range

per sec__ 2,400 12. 140 yards Twist, right hand increasing from one turn to 50 calibers at the origin to one turn in 25 calibers at a point 8.87 inches from the muzzle and uniform from that point to the muzzle.
ft.

354

The carriage comprises the top carriage and cradle. The top carriage consists of two side frames bolted to a bottom plate which in turn rests on a circular roller frame and rotates about a pintle on

VIEW OF RIGHT REAR OUTRIGGER WITH JACKSPADE AND FLOAT REMOVED AND BRACE DROPPED FROM SHACKLE AT INSIDE END; LEFT REAR OUTRIGGER IN POSITION. WITH FLOAT CONNECTION FOLDED.
the base plate.

The

base plate

is

rigidly bolted to the trailer chassis

and

equipped with outriggers and stability and lifting jacks which, when in firing position, rest on detachable floats on the ground and support the entire weight of the carriage trailer. The top carriage
is

355
prevented from tipping or lifting from the tranversing rollers by a front and rear clip which are fastened to the bottom plate and which engage an annular flange on the base plate.
is

The recoil mechanism is of the variable recoil hydro-spring type and operates the same as that of the 75-millimeter field gun, model of 1916. The only noticeable difference between the two is that a

356
spear buffer is used instead of a valve in the buffer rod head as is used in the 75-millimeter gun. The length of recoil varies from 16 inches at 85 elevation to 40 inches at 10 elevation. An elevating arc having teeth is secured to the lower side of the cradle and meshes with a Hindley worm which is driven through bevel and spur gears by a handwheel located on the right side of the

top carriage.
carriage.

The traversing mechanism is attached to the left side of the top The handwheel, through bevel gears, a worm, a worm

wheel, and a friction clutch, rotates a pinion which in turn meshes with an annular rack bolted to the base plate. The pinion when
rotated causes the top carriage to revolve about its pintle on the traversing rollers. Four seats are attached to the top carriage, two on either side,

which are used by the personnel who operate the sights and elevating and traversing mechanisms. Platforms are bolted to both sides at the rear of the top carriage for the personnel who load and fire the piece. The platforms may be folded up and the seats swung to one side for traveling. When traveling, the gun is locked, at an elevation of about 20 and lengthwise of the trailer, by upper and lower traveling locks for the purpose of taking up any strains or shocks which might come on the elevating or traversing mechanisms.
Weights and dimensions of carriage.

Weight of carriage unit complete (including spare ammunition chest filled with ammunition, tools, and accessories) pounds 14,085 Weight of cradle (recoil cylinder complete, including oil, trunnions, gun slides, piston rod bracket complete, and spring cylinder with springs assembled) pounds 1, 203 Weight of trailer (with ammunition chest only, without tools and accessories or ammunition) 4,085 pounds Weight of trailer with carriage, gun, and ammunition chest only do 13, 200 do Weight under front wheels (fully equipped) 7,075 do 7,010 Weight under rear wheels (fully equipped) do 26. 8 Weight of one round of ammunition (complete)

Maximum angle of elevation Minimum angle of elevation

Traverse of carriage

degrees--

do do
inches

Maximum

length of recoil

Minimum length of recoil Number of rounds in ammunition chest Number of rounds in spare ammunition chest
Height from ground to center of trunnions Height from ground to top of gun (in traveling position) Maximum width of carriage

do

85 10 360 40 10 14 16
119 77

inches__

Maximum Maximum

length of carriage (drawbar up) length of carriage (drawbar down)

do do do do

230 243

357

358

upon which the carriage is mounted consists of two parallel side frames, between which are secured the cross members, and bracing making up the complete chassis. Between the front and rear wheels the frame is so depressed that the base plate of the carriage is on the same plane as the hubs of the wheels, thus bringing the center of gravity of the carriage lower and lessening the possiThe space at the front of the trailer formed bility of overturning. by the side frames and cross members is provided with a bottom

The

trailer

FRONT VIEW OF TRAILER.

plate, a top plate,

and hinged cover, and

is utilized

as a tool box.

The

similar to the front, except that a support is for the ammunition chest. The chest which carries 16 provided rounds of ammunition also serves as a seat for the operators of the
is

rear section

foot rest is fastened to the rear tool box cover. The carriage. chassis is supported on the axles, both front and rear by semielliptical springs. The trailer is

lunette

towed and steered by a drawbar equipped with a and fastened to the front axle in such a manner that the

(360)

361
trailer will actually follow in the path of the truck or tractor by which it is drawn. The trailer may also be steered by the rear
is released and the steering bar is on the rear end of the trailer to acpintle provided commodate any vehicles which may be attached thereto. This vehicle is equipped with a brake of the internal expanding type operating within drums attached to the rear wheels and applied and released by a lever on the right side of the trailer by one of the personnel seated on the ammunition chest.

wheels when the rear wheel lock

inserted.

is

W-eights and dimensions of trailer.

Wheelbase Width of track Length of frame over all Width of frame over all Weight of chassis
Size of tires

inches

do do do

pounds
inches

Width of

tires

Height from ground to center line of drawbar Height from ground to top of frame, empty Diameter of brake drum

do do do do
feet

Turning radius

Road clearance under front axle Road clearance under rear axle
Height from ground to center line of pintle Over-all width at widest part Center to center of spring pads (front) Center to center of spring pads (rear)

inches

do do do do do

156 60 200 48. 125 3, 800 37 6 15 13 16. 625 28. 6 10. 281 11. 375 20. 5 77. 25 28.5 28. 5

The sight issued for antiaircraft carriages, model of 1918, consists of two units, one being mounted on the right trunnion of the cradle and the other on a bracket attached to the left side of the carriage, the two units being connected by a coupling shaft. The elements on
the right side are the range and elevation corrector and those on the left side are the angle of site and deflection corrector. An open sight

attached to the sight proper for rapid location of the target. All necessary points for night firing are illuminated by the elec6- volt system is used, the current being supplied trical equipment. by dry batteries, storage battery, or by a manually operated generator. Small lamps of one or two candlepower, shielded by reflectors, are used to illuminate the necessary scales and cross hairs.
is

362

3-INCH ANTIAIRCRAFT

GUN MOUNT, MODEL OF

artillery
is

1917.

The
tors

principal use of antiaircraft

to

hinder avia-

from carrying out their missions. The destruction of airplanes, with the means actually at its disposal, is still a question of luck.
fire

Experience has taught aviators to defend themselves against continual changes in direction.

by

The

earlier antiaircraft artillery fire

of the burst, but that eventually gave

was directed by observation away to direction of the fire

by carefully deduced

tillery theory lays but

Nevertheless, the antiaircraft arprinciples. little stress upon the possibility of inflicting

GUN MOUNT IN ACTION.

damage through
gun, as
it is

a direct hit

by the

projectile

which

is fired

from the

considered that the possibility of such hit is too remote. The artillery practice is, therefore, to so direct the projectile that it will explode at a more or less predetermined position and cause

damage

either

by the fragmentation of the

projectile,

which covers

a very much larger area than the intact projectile, or through the concussion caused by the exploding projectile, the effect of which
also be felt through a considerable sphere. one type of antiaircraft gun carriage or mount can possibly It is, however, possible satisfy all conditions of modern warfare.

would

No

(363)

364

365
to design a standard

gun and top carriage having a wide range of action and by means of interchangeability enable this mount to be used on either a truck mount, a two or four wheel trailer, a cater-

these types pillar tread trailer, or as a semifixed mount, as each of of vehicles has its own sphere of action. However, the problem of seacoast defense and for the defense of depots, etc., led to the design of the 3-inch antiaircraft gun mount, model of 1917.

The

3-inch antiaircraft

stant recoil, designed to be

mount is of the barbette type, with conmounted on a solid concrete base about

VIEW SHOWING RIGHT SIDE OF MOUNT.

30 inches thick and 18 feet in diameter. The gun mount is designed to mount the 3-inch antiaircraft gun, model 1917, 1917 MI, or 1917

Mil, commonly known as the 15-pounder gun. The gun has a 12-inch recoil and a muzzle velocity of 2,600 footseconds. Both high explosive shell and shrapnel may be employed, the weight of the projectile being 15 pounds, and of the complete round of fixed ammunition 28.38 pounds. The gun is mounted on a cradle of the sleeve type, which also serves as a housing for the spring and recoil systems. The cradle is

366
suspended by the trunnions from the top of the pivot yoke. The pivot yoke is bolted to the racer, which rests and revolves on 30 rollers on the roller path of the base plate. The base plate is held in position in the emplacement by 16 anchor bolts set in the concrete.

The field of fire is 360 traverse, and to 90 elevation. Removable stops are provided, however, to limit the elevation to 85, due to possible injury to the personnel when the piece is fired at a higher
angle.

used in these guns, consisting of a tune- fuzed high-explosive shell, illuminating shell, tracer shell, and shrapnel. Each round consists of the cartridge case with its primer and powder charge also the filled and fuzed projectile.
is
;

Fixed ammunition

Weight, dimensions, and

ballistics.

Weight
Caliber

pounds
inches

3,

105 3

Total length Length of bore in calibers

do
bore
inches

174. 65

55
137. 28

Length of
Rifling
:

rifled portion of

Number

of grooves

24
inch__ 0.22927

Width of grooves Depth

;

do

0.03

Twist, right hand, 1 turn in 50 calibers at origin to turn in 25 calibers at 9.28 inches from muzzle thence uniform. pounds Weight of projectile, filled and fuzed

Weight of charge Weight of fixed ammunition (1 round)

Travel of projectile

do do

5.

15 32

28.375

Volume of chamber Muzzle velocity

__inches__ 139.33 296 cu. in

ft.

per sec__

Maximum Maximum Maximum

pressure per square inch horizontal range

vertical range

pounds yards
do

2,600 32,000 12, 755 9, 000

The model of 1917 gun is built up of alloy steel, consisting of tube, and locking hoop. The jacket envelops the rear portion of the tube and forms the recess or seat for the breech mechanism. A recoil lug projects from the upper surface of the jacket near its extreme end and affords a point of attachment for the piston rod of the recoil cylinder. A lug also projects from the under surface, to which are attached the counterrecoil spring rods. The locking hoop is forced on the tube and forward end of the jacket, securing the latter against any rearward movement of the tube under firing
jacket,
stresses.

The model of 1917 MI gun is similar in general construction to the model of 1917 gun, except that instead of the breech ring being integral with jacket, it is a separate piece. The breech end of jacket is threaded to receive the breech ring, which is screwed and shrunk
on the jacket and held by a lock screw.

The locking hoop

is

omitted

367

5516021

24

368

nnm
t
w o

369

The model of 1917 Mil is similar in general construction to the model of 1917 MI, except in the method of securing the latch plate On the models of 1917 and 1917 MI the latch plate to the gun. is secured to the gun by screws, while on the 1917 MI the latch plate is secured to gun by means of a lug.
The breech recess is rectangular in shape. Two extractor trunnion seats, one in each side, are cut to the proper radius for the
extractor to rotate and slide. Two holes are drilled from the rear face of the breech, one on each side, to accommodate a spring and

plunger which press against the hub of the extractor, keeping

place and

it

in

The cam

also aids the extractor in ejecting the cartridge case. breech mechanism consists of the following parts: Breech-

block, operating lever, operating handle, operating cam, operating cover, trigger shaft, extractors, firing mechanism, latch,
case.
is

and

closing spring

of the drop-block type and is rectangular in run lengthwise on the block, giving a wedging shape. grooves effect against the end of the cartridge case when the block is closed, and when opened, insuring a clearance between the cartridge case and the block, thus eliminating any chance of the cartridge case jamming. A venthole permits the escape of gas from a ruptured primer. Two extractor grooves, one on each side of the block, are cut parallel to the guide grooves and curve to a certain cam development which permits the proper action of the extractors. At the top

The breechblock

Two

of the block a radius is cut to permit of clearance when inserting the projectile. The toe of each extractor is cut to a radius which

body of the cartridge when in place and the rim of the cartridge case. engage The firing mechanism belongs to that type known as the continuous-pull mechanism; that is, no cocking of the firing pin is
will just slide along the

required other than a pull on the lanyard or trigger shaft. This arrangement permits of repetition of the blow from the firing pin in case of a misfire as often as desired without the opening of the

mechanism.
Weights, mount,
etc.

Weight of mount only pounds-do Weight of gun and mount do Weight of gun and cradle do Weight of cradle and recoil systems do Weight of yoke with elevating and traversing mechanisms Weight of traversing rack, friction band, roller cage, and base plate_do do Weight of sight and supports

12, 15,
7,
4, 5,

3,

175 280 105 000 100 000 75

The mount

is

anchor bolts are

thrust plates. connections are

emplaced in a concrete emplacement, in which 16 set, and depressions provided for 8 leveling screw A niche for an outlet box, through which electrical

made

to the

main

base, or for a storage battery

when

370
generated current
to
is

not available,

is

constructed in the concrete

meet the requirements of the mount. This emplacement is constructed by the Engineer Corps, which also furnishes and installs the necessary outlet or storage battery and furnishes the plug box, portable lamp, cable, and plug.

The principal parts of the mount are the base plate racer pivot yoke; cradle (containing recoil cylinder and counterrecoil mechanism) traversing mechanism, including traversing rollers and distance ring; elevating mechanism; firing mechanism; illuminating
;

circuit;

which rests on the concrete upper surface machined to form the lower roller path. Sixteen holes, equally spaced around the circumference of the flange, are provided to receive the foundation bolts which
a circular steel casting
its

and sight. The base plate is

emplacement with

retain the base plate in its proper position in the emplacement. cylindrical projection in the center forms on its interior the housing

for the 360

electrical contact,

and on

its

exterior receives the trav-

ersing rack. The racer

bolted.

upon which the pivot yoke is machined to form the upper roller path, and the upper surface to fit the yoke. The racer rests on the Two rollers and rotates freely about the hub on the traversing rack. clips, front and rear, are bolted to the under side of the racer, and engage with a lug on the base plate to prevent the racer from leaving the rollers, and overturning the mount, when the gun is fired. The pivot yoke is a steel casting, consisting of two vertical side frames joined in front by a transom. At the top of each frame is a trunnion bearing and trunnion cap lined with bronze bushings. Tapped holes are provided in the left frame for the depression and
is

a circular steel plate,

is

The under surface

The distance ring is a circular bronze ring provided with spaces and bearings for the traversing rollers. The traversing rollers, 30 in number, are interposed between the roller paths of the base plate and racer, bearing the weight of the mount. The rollers, roller paths, traversing rack, and pinion are protected from the entrance of dust, sand, or grit by dust guards. The oil grooves on the circumference of the distance ring serve to distribute oil from the
elevation stop.
holes in the flange, forming the base of the yoke, to the axles of the friction band, resting on the base plate, is made to grip rollers.

the traversing rack. To adjust this band, which allows slipping of the traversing rack to protect the teeth of the traversing pinion from too heavy a stress, a cover in the base of the yoke is removed,

giving access to the parts beneath.

Motion of the mount in azimuth is obtained by a traversing pinion and shaft, the pinion meshing with the teeth of the traversing rack. Power is transmitted from the traversing handwheel to the traversing

371

372

373

worm, thence to the mount through a set of gears and a clutch mounted in the traversing gear case. Two speeds of traverse are possible upon throwing the clutch in by means of a handle, so that
high or low speed gears are connected to the upper traversing shaft. The elevating mechanism consists of an elevating rack keyed to the underside of the cradle, having teeth on its face which mesh with the elevating worm. The rack is of sufficient length to provide for elevations from
to
is

90.

bored and bushed to receive the gun. Front and rear liners are provided through which the gun slides in recoil. In addition, the cradle forms the housing for the recoil and counterrecoil systems. The interior of the cradle has a cored recess to suit the firing mechanism. Recoil mechanism is of the hydrospring type. The recoil cylinder is screwed from the front into a seat provided in the top of the cradle. The piston rod is attached to the gun lug at one end and provided at the other end with a piston, slightly smaller than the bore of the cylinder. Three longitudinal throttling grooves are cut in the interior surface of the recoil cylinder, each groove subtending an arc of 30. With the cylinder in assembled position one groove is located at the bottom. The recoil cylinder has a capacity of 6 pints of
cradle

The

hydroline

oil.

cylindrical holes bored in the cradle form the housing for the counterrecoil springs. Spring rods are attached at one end to the gun lug and at the other end to the spring-rod piston. When the
is first assembled it is secured against rotation by a retaining screw. The counterrecoil plunger, designed to check the recoiling parts as they return to battery, passes through the front end of the recoil cylinder and enters the recess in the forward end of

Two

spring compressor

the piston rod. When the gun

is fired it recoils to the rear about 12 inches in the with it the recoil piston and spring rods, thereby cradle, carrying compressing the counterrecoil springs. A portion of the energy of recoil is taken up by the resistance the liquid offers to being forced through the variable slots formed by the throttling grooves and the constant clearances between the piston head and the interior surface of the cylindrical bore, the remainder of the energy being absorbed by the springs. The width of the grooves is uniform, but their depth is proportioned so that the areas of the orifices, varying with the position of the piston during recoil, will be such as to give, with the

aid of the counterrecoil springs, a constant resistance throughout the length of recoil. The pressure in the cylinder is therefore a uniformly decreasing one.
is tapered so that the escape of oil during the varying diametrical clearances between xxmnterrecoil, through

The

counterrecoil buffer

374
the plunger and the hole in the piston, will offer such resistance as will control the motion of the gun during its return to battery position after firing.

mechanism consists of a firing handle whose shaft passes the center of the right trunnion and carries on its inner through end a lever which operates the firing shaft. Previous to the firing the gunner pulls the firing handle which compresses the cocking
TJu' -firing

spring solid and moves the lever on the breech to the tripping position; the gunner will know when the mechanism has reached this position by feeling the increased pressure exerted by the firing spring.

To

the gun, the gunner pulls the firing handle, compressing the The two-stage movement firing spring, thus tripping the firing pin. of the firing handle is intended to permit a shorter movement at the
fire

moment
plate.

of firing.
circuit has a 360

The illuminating

contact

mounted in the base

Direct-current mains of either 110 or 220 volts are connected

with an outlet box located in the concrete emplacement. Two circuits are led from the 360 contact, one leading to the plug

box of a portable lamp of line voltage, and the other circuit leading to the switch box; from here it is led to the rheostat, from which two branch feeders are taken to the two receptacle boxes bolted to the yoke. A circuit is taken from the right receptacle box with a spliced branch feeder to a candelabra receptacle for the reticule lamp and deflection pointer lamp. Another circuit is run from the left receptacle box with two spliced branch feeders to a candelabra receptacle for the elevation pointer, range disk pointer, and elevation correction lamps. These lamps are supported by lamp brackets fastened to the trunnion and sight mechanism. The rheostat used cuts down the voltage and makes the use of low-voltage lamps and batteries practicable in case the line voltage
through accident. The cable leading from the 360 contact with the plug, switch, and rheostat is of the twin conductor, leaded, and armored type. The two branch feeders leading from the rheostat to the receptacle boxes and thence to the lamp brackets are of the portable conductor type.
fails

The various

cables are fastened to the

mount by means of

cable

straps and twisted hooks.

Sight for antiaircraft mount, model of 1917. This instrument includes all parts used to direct the elevating and traversing of mount so that the gun may be pointed properly in elevation and direction.
of a sight proper (telescope) the sight mount, range For any visible target the data disk, correction scale, and pointer. the gun consist of fuse-setter range, travel necessary to properly lay in elevation and deflection, and the required arbitrary correction.
,

The parts consist

375

The target is brought into the field of view by turning the azimuth and the angle-of-sight knobs, imparting to the sight a movement in azimuth and elevation, respectively.
whereby the sight proper may be set in elevadesired angle, whence the gun by means of the elevating any mechanism is also elevated to the same angle (corrections being zero). An azimuth scale is also provided between the fixed and rotating
scale is provided

tion at

mechanism may be

parts of the carriage so that the gun by means of the traversing set at any desired angle in azimuth.

376

CD

75-MILLIMETER ANTIAIRCRAFT TRUCK MOUNT, MODEL

OF
To

1917.

sider that one

appreciate the difficulty of antiaircraft fire it suffices to conis firing practically at a bird whose velocity is about

50 meters per second, i. e., one-sixth the average velocity of the The projectile itself in the case of the 75 -millimeter field gun. principal result hoped for by the antiaircraft artillery fire is to prevent airplanes from accomplishing their mission by obliging them to fly at increasing altitudes, to continually change their direction, and
also to prevent their crossing certain regions. At the present time the antiaircraft artillery aims to keep airplanes beyond the limit of their range. Observation airplanes are

obliged to fly out of range, reconnoitering airplanes continually increase the height at which they cross the lines, and battle planes must

TRUCK IN TRAVELING POSITION (RIGHT-SIDE VIEW).

teries

when they wish to attack trenches or batwith machine guns. Raids of this kind are almost exclusively carried on at night. The result is that three kinds of fire have
also fly very high, except

become particularly important:

Fire against airplanes at a great range and a great height. Fire against very speedy airplanes attacking positions. Fire at night against bombarding airplanes. The necessity of extemporizing an antiaircraft weapon to meet the above requirements led to the design of the 75-millimeter antiair(377)

378
craft truck mount.

This development involved the use of the American model 1916 field gun and recoil mechanism, which was most This gun and recoil mechanism is secured on an offset available. swivel gun mount, suitably mounted on a 2^-ton White gasolinedriven truck, Model TBC, designed to receive the base plate of the

top carriage.

The gun (see p. 75) is carried on a cradle which rocks in elevation about the trunnions of the top carriage, and by means of the elevat-

75M.M. ANTI-AIRCRAFT

TRUCK MOUNT, MODEL OF 1917

SIDE ELEVATION.
e
6 g
it

go

tr

fi

to

ing mechanism a range of elevation from 31 to 82 is obtainable. The piece has a recoil of 33 inches on its cradle and is provided with
a recoil cylinder, counterrecoil springs, and buffer. The piece has a muzzle velocity of 1,830 feet per second, and uses high-explosive and shrapnel shells, the former weighing 14.7 pounds

and the
tical

fuze with each.

pounds, employing a 20-second (maximum) time a maximum vertical elevation of 82 a verbursting ordinate of 5.980 meters is obtained, and with the
latter 14.3

With

379

minimum
meters
is

elevation of 31

vertical

bursting ordinate of 1,750

obtained.

In both cases the bursting ordinates were

is

limited by the time fuze. The gun with the breech

seat,

located directly behind the driver's

but as the length of recoil is fixed, the firing position is limited to such horizontal position of the mount as would permit of the gun recoil clearing the sides or rear of the truck chassis.

HON.

heavy base plate is secured to the rear end of the chassis, and the top carriage swings in azimuth about a central pintle bolt on rollers. By means of the traversing mechanism, the carriage, carrying the gun and its corresponding mechanism, can be traversed
through 240, which is the field of fire. The chassis is equipped with firing and stability jacks to relieve the rear springs and truck of all With the jacks properly placed and leveled, the firing strains. vehicle is supported on a rigid horizontal platform formed by the

When in action the stability equipfiring jacks and the base plate. ment functions to prevent the mount from overturning when the gun is fired at low angles of elevation.
Weights, dimensions, and
Caliber
ballistics.

inches.-

Total length of gun Length of the rifled portion of the bore

do do

Length in calibers Weight of projectile

Shell

953 90.9 72. 72 28.4

2.

Shrapnel

Weight of

full

powder charge

pounds__ do do

14.7 14.3 1.625

Service muzzle velocity feet per second 1,830 Horizontal range at 45 elevation (14.3-pound shell) __yards__ 10,595 82 Maximum elevation degrees 31 do Minimum elevation 240 Total traverse.. __do__

380
Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight
of gun and breech

mechanism

of gun, breech mechanism, and carriage of chassis, including attachments and accessories

pounds do do

750

3,300 4. 500
4,100 4, 250 9, 500 209
74$ I57i 36 x 4

of chassis only (without attachments) do of top carriage, and its corresponding mechanism, etc do Total traveling weight of unit (fully equipped) do Over-all length of vehicle (traveling position) inches__ Over-all width of vehicle (traveling position) do
.

Wheel base
Wheels, front Wheels, rear Road clearance

do do do do
tons

36 x7
9$ 2$ 62

Rating of load Tread

inches--

The

principal parts of the carriage are:

The base

plate, top car-

mechanisms, cradle, elevating and traversing mechanism, angle of sight mechanism, firing jacks, stability jacks, and
riage, recoil
rails.

The

Ixise

plate is a rectangular steel casting secured to the truck

and serves as a support for the top carriage. The traverse of the top carriage is limited by lugs provided on the top of the clip surface. The clip prevents the traversing rollers from leaving their path due to the shock caused by action of recoil or counter recoil. Four lugs radiating from the pintle bearing serve as points of attachment for the firing jacks and rail tie-rods. At the forward end of the base plate are two lugs, one on either side, which project out
chassis,

at right angles to the truck chassis, serving as points of attachments for the stability jacks. The firing strains produced during action

are transmitted through these lugs and jacks, thus eliminating all unnecessary strains from the rear springs and wheels of the truck.
is a steel casting, comprising a base and two vertiframes designed to mount the cradle to permit sufficient clearance for the recoiling parts at high angles of fire. A pintle bolt projecting from the base plate through the case of the top carriage forms an axis about which the carriage is rotated in azimuth upon four rollers resting on the roller path of the base plate. Between the two side frames is housed the angle of sight mechanism. The

The top carriage

cal side

traverse of the carriage

is limited to 240 by means of a traversing which engages the lugs on the clip surface. When prestop plunger,

paring for travel the stop plunger can be raised to clear the limit stop, thus permitting the proper position of carriage when en route. Four seats (two on each side) riveted to swinging arms, for the use of the cannoneers during action, are secured to the top carriage. Recoil mechanism. The recoil mechanism is of the hydrospring type, with recoil cylinder mounted above the gun. Three longitudinal ribs, or throttling bars, of uniform width but varying height, are

formed on the inside of the cylinder and engage with corresponding grooves in the piston head. The clearance between the bars and grooves determines the amount of oil which may pass from the back to the front of the piston head, thereby regulating the amount of
recoil.

The
head.

piston rod is a hollow steel tube and is fitted with a bronze The rear end of the piston rod is bored out to accommodate

the counterrecoil buffer, which fits into the bore with a small clearance. This clearance depends on the taper of the buffer, as the hole
in the piston rod
is

of constant diameter.

In each spring cylinder, three coils of inner and outer counterrecoil springs are assembled over the spring rod. The inner and outer springs are wound in opposite directions to prevent nesting, and each pair of inner springs is separated from the next pair by a bronze
separator.

When

fired the

recoil cylinder

gun moves back on its slides, carrying with it the and counterrecoil springs. The piston rod is secured

to a nonrecoiling part of the carriage ; thus, when the recoil cylinder moves to the rear the oil in it must pass from one side of the piston to

the other.

The energy of

recoil of the

gun

is

absorbed by the

resist-

ance which the oil offers to being forced through small openings past the piston, also by the compression of the counterrecoil springs. The energy stored up by the springs returns the gun to battery position.

movement is eased and regulated by the counterrecoil which prevents any undue shock to the recoiling parts by offering resistance, due to the fluid in the hole of the piston rod being
return
buffer,

The

forced out as the buffer gradually enters the hole. The cradle comprises the counterrecoil spring cylinders with their

component attached parts. The spring cylinders are below the gun and in the form of two cylinders joined at the center. Above the
cylinders are the bronze lined gun ways or slides. The trunnions are secured to the cylinders, and the elevating arc is bolted to lugs on the bottom. Riveted to the right side of the cradle is the elevation stop and the depression stop.

The rocker, a U-shaped forging, is journaled upon the trunnions. Bearings are provided in the bottom of the rocker for the elevating mechanism and a rack is cut on the exterior of its yoke for the angle
of sight worm.

The traveling lock

cylinder.

is located under the rear end of the spring This device functions to lock the cradle at an angle of

approximately 32 in elevation when preparing for travel, thus the elevating, angle of site, and traversing mechanisms are relieved of all unnecessary vibrations when the vehicle is en route. At the
front end of the base plate
is

hinged a lock bar and brace, which

382
engage a lug provided on the rear end of the cradle. In order to bring this lug in proper position to receive the lock bar the cradle

GUN MOUNT SHOWING GUN AT MAXIMUM ELEVATION.

must be traversed to
axis of the

gun

its traveling position; that is, to bring the into a vertical plane with the center line of the

truck chassis.

383

The elevating mechanism consists of an elevating worm, an elevating arc or rack, and a train of miter gears mounted on the right side of the rocker. The shaft on which the elevating handwheel is mounted extends through the side frame of the top carriage.

The worm is operated through gears and a shaft by means of a handwheel, and rotates the cradle about the trunnions. Any movement imparted to the worm by the handwheel will cause the cradle to move with relation to the top carriage. One turn of the handwheel will cause the gun to be elevated or depressed approximately
1.7.

The
to 82

elevating arc permits a change of elevation from 31

mini-

mum

maximum.

TRUCK

IN

TRAVELING POSITION (LEFT SIDE VIEW).

The traversing mechanism located on the left side of the top carriage, mainly of a traversing handwheel and shaft, worm, worm wheel, clutch, bevel pinion, traversing pinion, and rack. The worm engages the worm wheel and can be either engaged with or disengaged from the shaft by means of a clutch operated by a foot lever. If the clutch be disengaged, the worm and worm wheel are released from the gear train, and the top carriage may be traversed about the pintle bolt by hand. The traversing pinion engages the traversing rack which is secured to the base plate. One turn of the handwheel
consists

gun to be traversed approximately 2. The angle of site mechanism consists of a handwheel, handwheel shaft, and angle of site worm. The angle of site worm is secured
will cause the
to the top carriage

and engages

in a rack cut in the face of the

yoke of

of the shaft which extends out to the right side of the top carriage is secured the handwheel and to the other end is fixed a miter gear.
the rocker.

To one end

5516021

25

384

The angle of site worm is a one-piece forging comprising a worm, a shaft, and a miter gear of the same size as that on the bracket at an angle of 90 to the handwheel shaft and with the miter gears at

One turn of the handwheel will cause the rocker and the cradle to be elevated or depressed approximately 25 mils. The rocker allows a correction of 124 mils depression and 200 mils
the ends in mesh.
elevation.

Firing and stability jacks. The principal parts of the firing jacks are the jack body, jack screw, foot, and spade. There are two firing jacks, the bodies being hinged at the rear corners of the base
plate as
float, is

shown on page 385. At the end of the jack screw the foot, or secured by a ball joint, which enables the jack to be seated on inclined surfaces. The foot is provided with a sharp-pointed spade,
which
is

driven into the ground.

A tie

rod

is

used between the two

jacks to keep the jack bodies from spreading out when the load is put on the screws. The firing jacks act as rigid supports for the base plate at the rear corners, and relieve the truck chassis of firing strains.

The

stability jacks are essentially the

same

in construction as the

firing jacks, but heavier. Their function is to prevent the overturning of the truck when the gun is fired at low angles of elevation, and also to take the firing strains. The stability jacks are hinged to the base plate, one on each side, and each is supported by a strut hinged in a lug secured to the truck chassis. The stability jack floats are provided with spades.

the carriage is in the traveling position the firing jacks and stability jacks are folded up and secured by chains. The spades are removed and placed in receptacles provided on the chassis. The
stability jack struts are unpinned from the forward lugs, removed, and carried in holders on the base plate. The tie rods are folded with

When

the jacks and chained in position.

and tie rods are provided with each mount, one and the other having an offset. They are crossed being straight under the rear axle of the truck, the rear ends being located so that
stability rails

Two

the firing jack floats set in the spaces between the angles of.each rail. The middle angles at the front ends of the stability rails are attached

which in turn are connected to the on the lugs, directly opposite the firing jack lugs, on the adapters
to the stability rail tie rods,

base plate. When the vehicle

is to be emplaced, both of the truck wedges are on the ground with the channel side up, and the front wheels placed of the truck are run up the channels between the flanges. The purpose of these wedges is to raise the front end of the truck so that the mount will be level when the rear end is jacked up. Two steel blocks are provided for blocking the front wheels when they are run up on

the truck wedges.

385

Rear axle

slings.

When

traveling, the slings

hang

loosely under

the truck, one on either side of the transmission. The front ends of the slings are looped around through holes in the base plate and

clamped in place permanently. Two steel rods are inserted in the rear loops of the slings and placed across the rear end of the chassis when the mount is emplaced, and two pieces of pipe are inserted in the front loops of the slings and placed across the ribs on the front end of the base plate. The purpose of these slings is to keep

FIRING

AND STABILITY

JACKS.

the rear springs compressed and the rear wheels off the ground

when the mount is jacked up. The electrical equipment consists

from a storage

of five lamps receiving current

Two

battery, suitable wiring, and switching arrangements. three-cell, 6 to 8 volt batteries are provided, one for reserve,

each of 120-ampere-hour capacity, and are carried in a metal container which is bolted to the chassis of the truck. One battery, when fully charged and in good condition, will furnish energy for about 24 hours' continuous service for all lamps.

386
is permanent and the connecting wires are armor wherever mechanical injury is likely. Should it be by necessary to remove the top carriage, the lead from the battery which runs through the pintle bolt may be disconnected above the top of the bolt by unwrapping the insulation and opening the con-

All wiring
steel

necting plug there provided. The lamps are specially designed to withstand the shock of firing and are rated at 2 candlepower. One lamp is provided for illumi-

nating each of the following parts:

Deflection correction pointer. Reticule.

Elevation pointer. Range disk pointer.

,

Elevation correction pointer.

TRUCK MOUNT IN BATTERY POSITION.

switch is provided in the main battery lead which controls the lamps, and the lamps should be disconnected by means of this switch when not in use.
all

A snap

an instrument which inused to direct the elevating and traversing of the parts mount so that the gun may be pointed properly in elevation and azimuth. The parts consist of a sight proper (telescope), the sight

The sight for

all

this antiaircraft vehicle is

cludes

mount, range disk, correction

scale,

and pointer.

For any

visible

target, the data necessary to properly lay the gun consist of fuze setter range, travel in elevation and deflection, and any desired

arbitrary correction.

The object is brought into the field of view by turning the azimuth and the angle of site knobs, imparting thereby to the sight a movement in azimuth and elevation, respectively. The object is followed by continuing the movement of these knobs. Detailed description of the model 1917 antiaircraft sight may be found in separate pamphlet covering fire-control instruments.

GUN AND HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGES.

The idea of mounting guns and howitzers on carriages equipped with motors for propelling the carriages originated during the war in the United States and France, and, curiously enough, was conIn the ceived independently at the same time in both countries. United States motor carriages were first made in an effort to produce a transport vehicle which would provide a faster means for

105-MM.

HOWITZER MOTOR CARRIAGE, MODEL OF

1920.

transporting guns from place to place. In France the motor carriage was developed from a tank equipped with a 75-millimeter gun. It is interesting to note that in France during the war a motor carriage

mounting a 220-millimeter howitzer while carrying out a series of maneuvering tests was actually engaged in warfare. In the United States during and since the war a number of experimental types of motor carriages have been built for various caliber
(387)

388
guns and howitzers from the 75-millimeter gun
howitzer.
to the 240-millimeter types of carriages for the 155-millimeter gun having widely different characteristics have been issued to the service for

Two

field tests.

relative advantages and disadvantages of tractor-drawn arand of motor carriages are many, and for the most part are apparent, since there is but a limited amount of data available upon which to base a comparison. The mechanical characteristics of the motor carriages permit of
tillery

The

certain advantages over existing types of artillery, namely, higher speed on good roads; ability to go anywhere off of roads; ability to

SELF-PROPELLED WHEELED MOUNT, FOR 3-INCH ANTIAIRCRAFT GUN MOUNT.

cross streams even
stability

when

when

firing;

submerged; all-around fire; better firing immediately upon reaching battery

fully into three general classes, as follows
"
:

position.

Motor carriages are divided 1. Wheel type.

2.

Track-laying or caterpillar type. 3. Combined wheel and track-laying type. The wheel type has limited application, since its use is restricted to good roads or around fortified places for antiaircraft use where good roads are available. A few of this type have been constructed
for experimental purposes.

"

389

The track-laying type, or caterpillar type, to use its trade name, has a track construction similar to the ordinary tractor. Most of the experimental types built in this country and in France have been of this type. With this type the track-supporting members may be sprung or rigidly mounted similar to the large tank construction. For divisional artillery this type must be capable of high speed on good roads. It is always operated as a track-laying vehicle. The combined wheel and track-laying type may be operated on wheels similar to any wheeled vehicle when roads permit, or may be operated on a track which passes over the wheels and is driven by
the
it

power wheel. Obviously this type has certain advantages, since can be operated either as a wheeled vehicle or as a track-laying

vehicle.

The following description applies to two types of motor carriages that have recently been issued to the service The engine is lubricated by the splash system. The gasoline system consists of a 30-gallon fuel tank, from which gasoline is
:

supplied to the carbureter on the engine by means of a vacuum tank. The engine is started by means of a hand starter on the left side of the vehicle. The flywheel of the engine is also the

main

clutch by which

power
vehicle

is
is

the transmission.

The

transmitted from the engine to mounted with double solid-tire

wheels 41 inches in diameter by 10 inches base. Each wheel is mounted on a single annular ball race, and each driving wheel is equipped with an internal gear for driving purposes. The transmission case and engine crankcase are integral. The transmission consists of a progressive change gear set with its It is driven by one of shafts parallel to the engine crankshaft.
gears meshing with a gear on the driven part of the engine Power is transmitted from the transmission to the front wheels by a roller chain which drives the front wheel pinion shaft. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a chain from the front
its

clutch.

wheel pinion shaft to a jack shaft through a set of bevel gears and shaft on the left side of the vehicle to a jack shaft behind the gun fastening, and thence to the rear wheel pinion shaft by another roller chain. Both front and rear pinion shafts are provided with
a differential.

The gear set of the transmission has three speeds forward and three speeds reverse, giving a range of speed from 2 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour on forward or reverse motion.
control group consists of a steering wheel which operates the front wheels, a change gear lever, a forward and reverse lever,

The

hand brake lever, a brake foot pedal, a clutch foot pedal, foot accelerator for throttle control.

and a

SELF-PROPELLED WHEELED MOUNT FOR 3-INCH ANTIAIRCRAFT GUN, MODEL OF 1917.

This motor carriage represents one of the first efforts made in the United States to mount cannon on a vehicle of the self-propelled type. They were designed during the war in an effort to produce a vehicle which would serve as a transport vehicle for cannon over good roads. While the vehicle was given the designation of an antiaircraft carriage, its limitations for this service were soon discovered, and because of these limitations, chief among which were its great weight in proportion to the power of the gun mounted upon it and its

dependence upon good roads, it was not considered acceptable for use under field conditions. This vehicle was designed especially to mount a " 3-inch antiaircraft gun, model of 1917," described in detail on page 363.

LEFT-SIDE VIEW OF

MOUNT

IN

TRAVELING POSITION.

The various
frame.

units comprising the vehicle are assembled on a main This frame is of a built-up construction and is arranged,

between the front and rear wheels, to take the 3-inch antiaircraft mount and to give 360 traverse. That part of the frame between the front and rear wheels is provided with four outriggers, which can be folded up out of the way in traveling. The front and rear of the vehicle are provided with stabilizers, which can T?e screwed down on floats placed on the ground when the vehicle is in firing
position.

Power for propelling the vehicle is furnished by a 4-cylinder 4-cycle T-head gasoline engine, which develops 60 horsepower at 1,200 revolutions per minute.

The engine

is

located transversely at the front

(390)

391
end of the vehicle, the entire power plant, including the engine, transmission, and radiator, overhanging. Two radiators are mounted in tandem and are cooled by a chain-driven fan.
hand-brake lever for the two rear wheels is located at the rear part of the carriage and is used only during firing or in extreme cases while traveling. The instrument board has on it a speedometer and an ignition switch.

The general weights and

characteristics are as follows:

Total weight in working order Weight on front wheels Weight on rear wheels Maximum over-all length of vehicle

pounds do do
inches__

do width of vehicle do over-all width with outriggers in place do do Length of wheel base Diameter of wheels over tires do do Width of double tires do Distance from center to center of wheels or gauge Maximum road speed, miles per hour Bore and stroke of motor inches Type of motor 4 cylinder, ball-bearing crankshaft, horsepower Number of speeds forward
over-all height of vehicle

Maximum Maximum Maximum

over-all

31,720 17,680 14,040 276 102 101 174 157 41

10 85 15

5$ x 7 60 3
1

Number

of speeds reverse Capacity of fuel tank

vehicle drive

gallons

Type of

Angle of gun elevation Traverse of gun mount

Turning radius of vehicle

feet 363.

30 4-wheel to 85 360 40

For additional information see page

SELF-PROPELLED CATERPILLAR, MARK II, FOR 155-MILLIMETER GUN (FILLOUX), MODEL OF 1918.
This motor carriage
a self-propelled road vehicle of the track-

is

laying type, upon which is mounted the 155-millimeter gun (Filloux), model of 1918. The main frame is a steel, box-section, casting to which all of the various parts of the chassis and gun are attached, and which is supported on the roller frames of the track-laying mechanism by several

TRAVELING POSITION (PLAN VIEW).

sets of coil springs, an equalizing and alignment links.

mechanism, and several connecting

" "

furnished by a 6-cylinder, T-head, 4-cycle Sterling gasoline engine, which develops a maximum of 145 horsepower at 1,500 revolutions per minute. The engine is located under an engine hood on the front part of the frame with the radiator and coolis

Power

ing fan.

Ignition

is

by

dry-cell batteries
(392)

and

coil,

when

starting

393
the engine and by a high-tension, two-spark Berling magneto when operating. The gasoline supply system consists of a 45-gallon supply tank, a Stewart vacuum tank, and a Schebler carbureter, which
is

attached to the engine.

The engine

delivers

its

power
set

to the transmission

through a dry

plate, multiple disc, of a selective change

master clutch.
gear
these

The

front transmission consists

brake

sets.

Power from

and two steering clutch and planetary is conducted through a propeller shaft

to the intermediate

and final drive gears, thence to the driving at the rear of the vehicle, which engages the track links. sprocket, The track-laying mechanism consists of two truck frames on each
side of the

main frame, an endless series of track links on each side, and an equalizing mechanism. The truck frames support the frame through springs and are fitted with flanged truck wheels which roll on the rails of the track links. The front roller frames carry the front idler sprockets and support the frame through an equalizer arrangement. This is pivoted at the front end of the main frame, so that one track, in passing over an obstruction rises, relative to the main frame and cause the opposite side to be pushed down, relative to the main frame on to firm ground. In this way the frame is on an even keel and is relieved of most of the wearing strains. kept

The track
links, with
rails,

links consist of a series of castings, similar to chain

plate shoes bearing on the ground, and two T-section which are connected by case-hardened pins. The T-section
flat

rails of the links

provide a set of rails similar to a railroad track,

upon which the truck wheels roll. The thrust of the sprocket driving teeth is taken upon hardened steel bushings, pressed into one end of the track links over the track connecting pins. The tracks are kept at their proper tension by means of a tightening
screw on the idler sprocket axle at the forward end of the front roller frame. The motor carriage is operated by one man. The controls consist of master clutch and gear shifting hand levers, at the left of the operator; a brake hand lever and spark and throttle levers

on the control support in front of the operator, a steering clutch and planetary brake lever, one on each side of the operator, and two brake foot pedals for use in either stopping or steering the mount.
Steering is accomplished by means of a lever for each steering clutch and planetary brake set. They can be operated separately or together, as desired, and in this way the vehicle is steered. The

forward position of these levers causes power to be transmitted through the steering clutches; the rear position causes it to go through a planetary reducing set; while the control position disconnects both and is a neutral position. With one lever in the

394
forward position and the other in the rear the vehicle will turn in the direction of the lever in the rear position. With one lever in either the forward or rear position and the other in the central or
neutral position the vehicle can be turned sharply in the direction of the lever in the neutral position by applying the brake foot pedal on that side.

The speed
lever,

of the mount is controlled primarily by the gear-shift which provides for two speeds forward and one reverse.

An additional or secondary reduction can be obtained for each change-gear lever position by shifting both steering levers from their forward or direct position, to their rear position, thereby engaging the planetary reduction to both tracks simultaneously.

395
In this way the speed can be reduced for a momentary pull without disengaging the master clutch and shifting the change-speed gears. A 155-millimeter gun (Filloux), model of 1918, with its regular top carriage, is mounted on a special bottom carriage fastened to the main frame near its rear end. The gun has about 5 traverse, both

right and left, between the top and bottom carriages, but 360 traverse can be obtained by traversing the entire vehicle on the ground. traveling lock for the muzzle end of the gun is provided

at the front

end of the mount.

A more detailed description of the gun and mount will be found on

page 249.

396
Weights, dimensions, and specifications.

Weight complete, with full equipment Weight of gun, including breech mechanism Total length of gun (over breech face) Maximum range of gun Maximum over-all length, with gun

__pounds__ 62,000 do 8, 750 inches 232.9

yards__
inches
17,

Maximum Maximum

over-all height

width Center of gun bore above ground

over-all

do do
do__ do__

700 254 100

87 16

118. 5

Road clearance
Track Weight of each
:

track, right or left (46 links)

pounds__
inches. _

'2,

Center to center of tracks Width of each track link Ground pressure, hard ground

do_

576 97 18
9.

Ground pressure, 3-inch depression

Minimum
Type
of motor

turning radius
:

pounds per square inch__ do do

145 horsepower at 1,200
inches __do__
r.

12. 7

160

Sterling T-head gasoline Number of cylinders

r. p.

Bore
Stroke

Horsepower per gross ton

m. 6 5. 5 6.75 4. 75
1.

Road speed at engine speed of 1,200 Planetary low speed Direct low speed Planetary high speed Direct high speed Planetary reverse speed Direct reverse speed Capacity of fuel tank Capacity of oil tank
Capacity of cooling system Gasoline feed, vacuum tank.

p.

m. to 1,500

r.

p.

m.
1.

miles per hour

3 9
4

__do do do do do

2.

3.

2.3
5.

6 2.9
75

6.

1.5 3. 4
gallons

1.8 4. 25
5.

do do

45 5 20

by battery and coil. Bosch magneto. Carburetor, Schebler Model A. Radiator, Modine, cellular with removable
Ignition, starting
Ignition, operating,

sections.

155-MILLIMETER

MOTOR GUN CARRIAGE MODEL OF 1920.

(CHRISTIE),

this motor carriage is mounted the 155-millimeter gun (Filmodel of 1918, forming a combined self-propelled wheeled loux), and track laying vehicle, in which the power is transmitted directly to the ground through the drive wheels as in a motor truck, or through flexible, endless tracks which go over and around the wheels. The various units comprising the vehicle are assembled on the main frame, which is built up of two vertical side plates, tied together by three vertical transverse plates, two horizontal plates, and

Upon

a hollow axle.

The three vertical transverse plates are located in the driving or rear end of the frame and form two boxes one of which houses the
;

engine and transmission, and the other the radiator unit.

SIDE ELEVATION OF

MOUNT

IN

TRAVELING POSITION.

The horizontal plates are attached to the side plates, one above the other, near their lower edge and to the front of the vertical transverse plates. The top horizontal plate supports the base plate, upon
which the gun is mounted. The axle, which supports the steering wheel brackets for carrying the front steering wheels, is located near the bottom and at the front
edge of the vertical side plates. Power is furnished by a 6-cy Under, 4-cycle, T-head Christie gasoline engine, which develops 125 horsepower at 1,200 revolutions per minute. The engine is located transversely a little behind the center of the vehicle. Ignition is by dry cell batteries and coil, when starting the engine, and by a high-tension Bosch dual magneto when
'

(397)

398
operating.

The

gasoline system consists of a 30-gallon supply tank

and Stewart vacuum tank which supplies gas to a Zenith carburetor on the engine. Cooling is accomplished by two fans and a radiator located just ahead of the engine in the frame. The engine is lubricated by splash from the crank case. Each drive sprocket obtains its power from the engine through a separate transmission and clutch. The clutches are of the dry steel disk type, and are located one on each end of the engine crank shaft. Each transmission consists of a forward and reverse gear set, a four-speed change gear set, and an internal final drive gear reduction,
final internal gear located in the driving wheel. The final drive pinion shafts are each provided with an external band brake for stopping or steering the vehicle. The vehicle normally is driven with the gun breech first, but can

with the

be operated in either direction. The vehicle is provided with four solid rubber, double-tired wheels on each side, namely, rear driving
wheel, front steering wheel, and two center wheels. The two center wheels are mounted on an equalizer bar and can be raised clear of the ground when the mount is operated as a wheeled vehicle, or can be depressed to take part of the load when operating as a track-laying vehicle. When operating as a wheeled vehicle the front wheels are steered by the operator in the same manner as in a motor truck. When operating as a track-laying vehicle the steering wheel arms
are locked in a central position, the wheels acting as idler sprockets for the tracks.

The track links consist of an endless series of flat shoes equipped with lugs which engage the driving slots of the driving wheel connected together by hardened steel pins. The driving lugs also act as guides engaging with grooves in the center and front wheels. In this manner the track is kept in line with the wheels. When operating as a wheeled vehicle, the tracks are divided and removed and carried on top of and underneath the shelves above the wheels..

The change gears and

reverse gears are shifted by

hand

levers

directly in front of the driver seat, each lever controlling similar sets of gears in the right and left transmissions. operating

When

as a track-laying vehicle, steering accomplished by means of one on each side of the operator, which disconnect steering levers, the clutches and set the brakes, and can be operated either separately or together. By shifting only one steering lever, the machine turns
is

By shifting both levers together both sides are either in a neutral position with the brakes set or both tracks driving together. When operating as a wheeled vehicle the steering handwheel is unlocked and operated the same as in a motor truck. The engine controls consist of spark and throttle levers
in the direction of the shifted lever.

located on a sector beside the driver's seat.

399
155-millimeter (Filloux) gun, model of 1918 (see p. 249), with standard top carriage, is mounted on a special bottom carriage, fastened to the main frame near the hollow axle at the front of the

its

On this vehicle the gun has 6 left and 7 right traverse vehicle. between the top and bottom carriages, but 360 traverse can be obtained by traversing the entire vehicle on the ground. A traveling lock is provided for the gun at its muzzle end.
5516021
26

400
Weiffhis, dimensions,

and

specifications.

Weight Weight Weight Weight

complete with full equipment of gun. including breech mechanism on front wheels on rear wheels Total length of gun (over breech face) Maximum range

__pounds__ 40,000 do 8,750 do 20,000 do 20,000 232.9 inches 17, 700 yards
degrees

Maximum Maximum

elevation

35
\
[

traverse

__

do
inches

left

width Center line of trunnions above ground Road clearance Type of drive, combination wheeled and track laying.
over-all

Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum Maximum

gun over-all length without gun, with track over-all length without gun, without track
over-all height

over-all length with

do do do do do do

236 204 200 80. 5 116.75 66.945 12. 75

Track Weight of each track

:

__

pounds__
inches do

Center to center of tracks Width of track shoes (46 to each track) Length of track shoes (46 to each track) Ground pressure, hard surface (both tracks)

2,050 89.25

do

9.75
7.

Ground pressure (tracks on) Wheels

:

pounds per square inch__ do

[Inside

216 5.63

Drive wheels, double-tired__

Center wheels, double-tired Steering wheels, double-tired Type of engine
:

36x4.812(4if)
36 x ? 812(7M)

..inches.-j^^
inches

do

36 x 36 x

4.
5.

375

812(511)
120
6
5$ 7

Christie, T-head, gasoline

horsepower
inches.-

Number
Bore
Stroke

of cylinders

do__

Horsepower, per gross ton Road speeds at motor speed of 1,500 revolutions per minute Forward (breech end first)
First speed

6
:

miles per hour

Second speed Third speed Fourth speed Reverse (muzzle end

First speed

do ___do__ do__
first)

1.65 3. 5 6.82 11.5

1. 39 2.89 5.69 9.61 30 10 25

miles per hour__

Second speed Third speed Fourth speed Capacity of fuel tank Capacity of oil tank
.

do
__do__
__ do

gallons

Capacity of cooling system Gasoline feed, vacuum.

Ignition,

do_ do

Bosch magneto.

Carburetor, zenith. Radiator, cellular.

TRENCH WARFARE MATERIEL.

The trenches constitute the most advanced position of a combat army and the equipment and supplies placed at the disposal of those occupying them are generally classified under the broad heading of
k'

Trench warfare materiel." The trench forms protection against horizontal firing and permits of secret massing of troops for surprise attacks, and it is the constant aim of the Air Service, with its photographic equipment and telegraphic communications, to reduce this element of surprise. Concealment of the general outline from airplane observation is impossible, but details may be concealed, for an observer in an airplane can not see whether a trench is occupied unless: the airplane flies
dangerously low.

The trenches

are carried

up

to within 200 yards or less of the

enemy's front line and are the scene of constant watchfulness to prevent enemy advance and of constant attempts to reduce the enemy
personnel, lower his morale, capture prisoners for the purpose of obtaining information, and to advance the position of our own lines.

The

field artillery is located

from

1 to 5

miles or more behind the

front line, in order to protect it from sudden rushes by the enemy, while the infantry, machine gun, and trench mortar personnel occupy
the trenches interlaced through the intervening terrain to afford this protection and also to place the personnel of the army in a position to come into contact with the enemy without being obliged to pass

over a wide intervening stretch of terrain under enemy fire. The operation of all branches of the service are interrelated, and nothing is haphazard or independent of the comprehensive plan, save during the heat of action or in the event of units becoming
isolated,

and such movements are only temporary in their inde-

pendence, as their effects are consolidated with the complete plan

as soon as opportunity permits. The air service, field artillery, the signal service and the tanks are all coordinated through headquarters

with the service of the trenches, and communication is maintained through an elaborate system of telephone and telegraph wires, pyrotechnic flashlights, flare, or other visual signals. The trench system includes a front-line trench of broken-line for-

mation, each stretch of unbroken line being from 9 feet to 18 feet in length. An enemy entering this trench can sweep only the length of
(40T)

402

TRENCH WARFARE.

403
the straight line, and must fight around a barrier for the balance of the trench. This trench is connected by communication trenches
to a supervision trench located to the rear, and thence by other trenches, possibly several miles further back, into friendly territory.

The communication trenches

have

or

are curved, elbowed, or zigzagged and L connections, island pockets, tunnels, bombing pits,

strong points, keeps, shelters, dugouts, or other provisions, as the conditions may demand.

Traps are arranged for the confusion of an enemy entering the

trench, positions are arranged for dropping barbed wire, knives, or frames quickly into position to retard the advance of the enemy troops who have gained the trench. Machine gun and mortar em-

placements are built where needed and bomb-proof dugouts provided for rest quarters, storage and forward dressing stations for the treatment of wounded. The narrower a trench is the better the cover which it affords. Communicating trenches are made of sufficient width to permit of

ARRANGEMENT OF TRENCHES.
the carrying of stretchers, and thus allow for the evacuating of the wounded during daylight. The wider trench submits it to greater
effect

from enemy

artillery fire, but if trenches are not

wide enough

for stretchers, losses result through the detention of casualties in the trenches until darkness permits of their removal to dressing
stations.

The wider trench

also permits

a more rapid movement of

men and

supplies between the front line and rear areas, and thus reduces the time during which men and supplies are detained under

concentrated

fire, and hence reduces the casualties and destruction from this cause. Gas is a constant menace in the trenches, as it is heavier than air, and its effects vary with the nature of the gas employed. Flame or liquid fire is employed both with a view to inflicting injury to the enemy and lowering his morale. The presence of water is always taken into consideration, for the trench is open to water resulting from rainfall. Provisions are made for footing and drainage, advantage being taken of natural slope where possible.

404
Trench warfare has shown the necessity for hurling large charges of high explosives for comparatively short ranges. This m'cp.-.-itv has led to the development of the trench mortar, a type of weapon
of simple construction having a short smooth bore. They are muzzle loaders and use as their projectile a thin-walled shell, knmvi a trench -mortar bomb. In trench warfare the role of trench artillery is to harass the

enemy by engaging living targets where opportunity offers, to attack and destroy enemy defensive works and obstacles within range limits, and to prevent the construction of new works. The trench mortar is essentially a trench artillery weapon of limited range which will render very efficient service when properly
emplaced and skillfully handled and served. The trench mortars are divided into three
classes
:

light,

medium,

and heavy

calibers.

rial is inconsiderable,

is very mobile. Its effect against matebut is particularly effective against massed troops, or troops driven into the open, due to its rapidity of fire. These mortars are used to form a barrage behind the hostile line to

The

light trench

mortar

prevent reserves and ammunition being brought up. Owing to their high mobility, limited only by the difficulty of ammunition supply, they are especially fitted to accompany the infantry as it advances, and are used to attack machine-gun shelters and other points which have temporarily checked the forward movement of the infantry. The medium trench mortar, with its range of approximately 1,700 meters, is very effective against wire entanglements, machine-gun shelters, strong points, trenches, and other similar objectives not too strongly protected. The heavy trench mortar is designed for the attack of heavily proshelters, and seldom used against wire entanglements because strong points. of the large crater formed by the explosion. On both types of mortars now issued to the service, the principle of autoignition is employed. This principle was successfully used on the British Stokes mortar and since has been adopted by both the French and our armies. Briefly, the method of applying this principle is to provide a firing pin in the breech end of the barrel against which the shell, carrying the propelling charge with it.

tected

shelters

and dugouts, trenches, machine-gun

It is

strikes

when

it is

dropped down the bore, thus automatically

:

firing

the propellent.

The types now

issued to the service are

3-inch Stokes trench mortar.

Mark

I.

The
pages.

6-inch trench mortar, Mark I. characteristics of each type will be discussed on the following

3-INCH STOKES

TRENCH MORTAR (MARK

is

I).

The

3-inch Stokes trench mortar

of British origin, and proved a

very useful weapon owing to its simplicity, light weight, and the principle of autoignition.

The mortar essentially consists of the following components: A smoothbore barrel, a bipod, and a base, the complete unit weighing
110 pounds.

The

barrel

is

seamless-drawn
(405)

steel tube,

lapped to

406
end called the breech or base end. a base cap, within which is secured a The barrel is supported near firing pin protruding into the barrel. the muzzle end by a steel bipod fitted with elevating and traversing screws. The recoil of the mortar is taken up by a base plate against which the base cap of the barrel rests.
size

and necked down

at one

To

the breech end

is fitted

FRONT VIEW OF TRENCH MORTAR.

steel, consisting of two legs attached means of a compass joint; these legs are by held apart by a cross stay which is arranged to spring just past the dead center in such a manner as to hold the two legs rigidly
is

The bipod

made

of tubular

to a center trunnion

is fitted with a pair of bevel gears a handle, by means of which the elevating screw can operated by be rapidly raised or lowered. The upper end of the elevating screw is fitted with a yoke to support the traversing-screw shaft, which,

apart.

The trunnion standard

407
shaft together with a traversing handle and a dog clutch, forms a bolt held in position by a locking pin. traversing screw carried by the traversing-screw shaft and driven by the dog clutch forms the means of traversing the mortar by engaging a nut fixed

to the barrel.

The

barrel can be quickly disconnected

from the

mounting by
ing
bolt.

lifting the locking pin and withdrawing the traversThe barrel may then be lifted out of position.

plate has three depressions. The shape of the base cap permits the lower end of the barrel to rest in any of these depressions, and by shifting the barrel from one to another a change of 6

The base

REAR VIEW OF TRENCH MORTAR.

in direction of line of fire can be
position.

made on

either side of the center

In

firing position, the base plate is

embedded

in the

ground

at

angle. The lower end of the barrel is placed in the indentation in the base plate which gives the direction nearest to that desired, the upper end of the barrel being supported by the

about a 45

Minor adjustment for direction is secured by means of the traversing screw. The barrel is then given the elevation corresponding to the desired range by operating the elevating
legs of the bipod.

screw.

range, indicates

The range quadrant (or clinometer), being set for the desired when the barrel has the proper elevation.

408

The shell or bomb used with this mortar is a steel cylinder loaded with high explosive, fitted at its head with a detonating tu/i-. The weight of the shell is approximately 11 pounds. The primary propelling charge consists of a 12-gauge shotgun shell, which fits in a cartridge container at the rear end of the shell. To secure additional range, 1 to 3 rings of ballistite can be placed around the cartridge container. The range secured with the cartridge alone varies from 150 yards at 75 to 300 yards at 40. With cartridge and three rings, the range reaches a maximum of 750 yards at 40 elevation. The firing operation is as follows The shell with propelling charge
:

in position (the cartridge inserted in the cartridge container and the rings around the container) is dropped into the muzzle of the mortar, cartridge end first, and slides down the barrel. The primer of the

on impact with the firing pin. Ignition of the obtained from the flash of the cartridge through ports in the cartridge container. The shell, carrying the cartridge case with it, is projected from the barrel and the mortar is ready for
cartridge
is fired

ballistite rings is

another shell. The extreme rate of firing under average conditions is about 25 rounds per minute, but 10 rounds per minute is considered the average effective rate. The crater formed by the shell has a depth of about 2 feet and a diameter of about 4 feet.
Weights of mortar.
Barrel, ring, clamp, traversing screw, and base cap

Bipod (mounting complete) Base plate_.

pounds do
do__

43

37 30

6-INCH

TRENCH MORTAR (MARK

I).

This mortar

is

ton trench mortar.

an American adaptation of the British 6-inch NewThe principle of autoignition is again employed

on this type.

While the principle of firing is the same as in the 3-inch Stokes mortar, the mounting is somewhat different, in that no
bipod is employed. This weapon is a most effective agent against machine-gun nests, barbed-wire entanglements, fortifications, etc., but is seldom used against personnel. This mortar consists of the following essential components
:

Barrel with clinometer.

The platform, The sub-base.

base, guys,

and

fittings.

The barrel is of one piece, muzzle loading, having a smooth bore. The breech is closed and rests in a hemispherical socket-shaped steel base, supported upon a stationary platform, to which the barrel is stayed by three adjustable guys. The elevation, which varies from a maximum of 75 to a minimum of 40, and lateral deviation, are made by altering the length of the guys, which are adjustable by means
of handwheels. the clinometer attached to the barrel.

These adjustments are determined by the setting of The range can be varied by changing either the elevation of the gun or the weight of the propelling charg. The setting up of this mortar is a more elaborate proceeding than that of the 3-inch Stokes mortar. Various methods of installation for this mortar are shown on page 410. It will be noticed that in some cases the sub-base may be dispensed with. This depends entirely upon the nature of the terrain and the conditions under which the mortar is fired. The barrel is furnished internally at the breech end with an axial firing pin and externally with a guide stud and a misfire plug. Should the ignition cartridge fail to function when the shell is

dropped down the barrel, the misfire plug permits of the introduction of a small powder charge with fuze for the ignition of the propelling charge. Graduations are engraved on the barrel on the right and left of a zero line and are used for traverse setting of the clinometer.
(409)

410

411

The base is a steel casting having a machined hemispherical socket on the upper side to receive the rounded end of the barrel and provided with a guide groove which engages the guide stud on the barrel

when in position. The base is bolted

to the

hardwood platform.

Elevating and

traversing guys are anchored to the upper side of the platform, while the free ends of the guys are hooked into devices on the barrel when
the latter
is

mounted on the

base.

Special hooks provide a method

LEFT SIDE VIEW OF 6-INCH TRENCH MORTAR.

of fastening the guys during transportation. Four wire-rope handles are provided as a means for carrying the platform. The clinometer consists of a quadrant graduated with an elevation
scale

and straddled by a

level-vial carrier

which

oscillates

about a

center on the quadrant. The level- vial carrier is provided with a pair of cross level vials. The clinometer is attached to the mortar barrel

bands and a clamping screw. lay the piece an indicating line on the quadrant is set to the desired traverse on the traverse scale on the barrel, and the indicator on the level- vial carrier is set coincident with the desired elevation on

by

steel

To

412
the elevation scale on the quadrant. so that both vials show an exact level.

The guys The barrel

are then adjusted of the mortar then

points in the desired direction. The gas ejector consists of a metal head, to fit the bore, fastened to one end of a long tube at the other end of which is a handle.

When

the gas ejector is pushed down the barrel the burned <r;iM-> are forced up through the handle and out of the gun. When the gas ejector is drawn out, cold air is sucked through the handle and

METHOD OF LOADING TRENCH MORTAR.

The head is threaded to receive a wire brush or a head whenever it is desirable to clean or sponge out the bore. sponge The projectile is a cast-iron fragmentation shell with vanes, weighing approximately 53 pounds loaded, and containing a bursting charge of approximately 11 pounds of high explosive. The projectiles are fitted with delay and nondelay fuzes. The propelling charge consists of sporting ballistite contained in silk bags of 1 and 2 ounces capacity. With these two sizes of bags a number of combinations can be obtained and the range varied accordingly. The maximum charge is 9 ounces and the minimum 3
into the gun.

413
ounces.

The bags are held in place between the vanes of the shell a propelling charge bag holder. The charge is ignited by an by

made from a standard rifle cartridge which is with the firing pin when the shell reaches the bottom fired by impact
ignition cartridge

of the barrel.

REAR VIEW OF MORTAR.

Weights,
Over-all length of barrel Weight of barrel
ballistics,
<-1<:

inches

57

Weight of base Weight of platform Weight of sub-base

shell box Range, minimum Range, maximum

\Veightofshell, loaded (approximately)

Weight of

pounds do do do do do
meters

162

do

1,

75 160 530 53 10 200 700

PROSPECTUS.

fare.

All wars have stimulated the development of implements of warDuring the recent World War new implements of war have

been conceived and developed, while others have been given the supreme test and found capable of further development. Of the problems arising from the war none is more important or more interesting than the development of artillery materiel. In analyzing it, a brief consideration of its state before the war and the effect of the World War upon it, both in this country and abroad, is necessary. The field gun with which our Army was equipped prior to 1917 was developed about 1902 to meet the demands for a stable gun carriage one in which the aiming of the piece was not disturbed by the shock of firing. From then on, no marked developments in design took place until the invention of the split-trail carriage, by which large increase in both traverse and elevation of the piece was made possible. In 1912 the design of such a carriage was initiated, which, after exhaustive tests, was put into production late in 1916. The design of howitzers and medium-caliber guns was limited by road conditions in this country. In these pieces power was sacrificed to obtain the necessary mobility. It had generally been considered impracticable to use heavy siege guns and howitzers in the field on this continent; therefore, none had been provided for our mobile
troops.

Practically all French and British designs for practically all calibers of guns and howitzers were adopted for war manufacture. The

French 75-millimeter field gun was put into production because the American split-trail carriage had not been thoroughly tried out in service, and the British 75 was ordered because production facilities were available. The United States entered the war with neither an adequate engineering force to develop

new

designs nor a trained production force

to organize manufacture. It had merely a handful of materiel and practically no facilities to produce more. Our allies not only furnished

us materiel, but gave us their designs and production engineers to assist us in organizing production. Most of our engineering talent was required to solve the problems of production. Although working under war pressure, time was too short to secure results. Had the war continued, some real development work might have been

accomplished with the large, earnest organization built up during

the war.
(414)

415
Considerable development of new types of materiel was carried out both here and abroad, but as far as pertains to mobile artillery the war mainly was fought with pre-war types of field pieces. The out-

standing accomplishment was the introduction by the French of the " G. P. F." and their antiaircraft artillery.

The

artillery

British gradually improved the range characteristics of their and had under way an excellent design of a new field gun.

The Germans easily ranked first in the development of artillery during the war. They developed and manufactured greatly improved pieces of all calibers. They recognized the value of range, not only in the design of more powerful guns of a given caliber, but also in mounting these guns on carriages so that their maximum range could be secured. By the use of these pieces the Germans caused much concern to the allied artillery commanders. Prior to the war, progress in the mechanical arts caused by the
development of the gas engine had had no appreciable effect upon the design of artillery materiel. The field piece had been conceived in terms of the horse, the mountain howitzer in terms of the pack
mule, therefore very little progress had been deemed possible as the horse was a fixed quantity. The perfection of the gas engine, how-

removed the horse as a limiting factor. The development of the automobile industry permitted high speeds of vehicle propulsion, and created a demand for alloy steels of high physical propever,

All these factors became important to artillerymen, for it evident that mechanical traction permits the increased weights required for long-range artillery; increased speed permits rapid strategic concentration of artillery; high-grade steels permit greater
erties.
is

in guns. Since the armistice the sentiment of our artillerymen is unanimously in favor of pieces of greater range, greater elevation, and greater mobility. This sentiment found expression in the reports of the various service boards and especially in that of the Wester-

power

velt board.

The report
its

of Staff, and

of this board was approved by the Chief recommendations have become the fundamental

specifications for mobile artillery materiel.

Ever

since, the efforts

of the ordnance engineer have been devoted mostly to the development of design under the Westervelt board program. Under that
calibers of pieces as used during the war will be developed, but they will have greater range, greater flexibility of mount, and greater mobility. Longer range will be attained partly through ammunition de-

program the same

velopment, and partly by increase in the length and muzzle velocity and elevation of the gun. As mobility requires lightness, the weight of the gun will be reduced as much as possible. To secure this, three
5516O
21

27

416
First, by using material of higher physical qualities; second, by wire- wrapping the tube; and
:

lines of

development are being followed

" " by the auto-frettage process. At present, no new problems are involved in the construction of the wire-wrapped gun. By the use of wire, lower-grade metal can be utilized in the forgings. Guns made by this process are slightly heavier than those made of chrome alloy steel. In the auto-frettage method of construction, the gun is built up of a few pieces of steel of medium physical qualities. The walls of
third,

the

gun are

internally stressed beyond their elastic limit by internal

hydraulic pressure. The condition set up is similar to that produced by the shrinking process. The process is also a cheaper one than either the built-up or the wire- wrapped method of construction. Much research work still remains to be done in determining the

proper form of rifling, the effect of variation of elements of the bore upon the life of the gun, the production and heat-treating of metals used in gun construction, and in checking the fundamental
formulae of gun design. The trend of design for field artillery now proposed and under way shows several digressions from the present practice Motor transportation promises to almost completely revolutionize
:

motor-drawn carriage is not so limited in weight as the horse-drawn type, thus permitting heavier and more powerful weapons. At the same time the carriage must be designed to withartillery design.

stand the more severe usage of motor traction.

For pack howitzers, and field and siege pieces of 75-millimeter and greater caliber, the hydropneumatic recuperator is being employed. The St. Chamond-type recuperator is used for 75 and 105-millimeter
calibers

and the Filloux-type for 4.7-inch to 8-inch

calibers.

New

developments have not been made in these types since the armistice. They have been merely adapted to meet the new conditions imposed. During the war great difficulty was experienced in the production of recuperators. Because of the use of oil and air under high initial pressure extremely fine workmanship was required in the finishing of the bore of cylinders and in the manufacturing of pistons. Development along these lines is being carried on in which the air is confined in a metal bellows, thereby eliminating the complex pistons now
necessary. Such a system also offers much simpler production problems in the degree of finish required in the bores of the recuperators. Two independent lines of carriage development are being pursued

the wheel type and the caterpillar type.

teristics are

Common,

desirable charac-

high elevation, wide traverse, a minimum depth of pit for clearance of recoil parts at high elevation, and stability at all elevations. The condition of high elevation and minimum depth of pit has necessitated placing the center of trunnions of the tipping

417
parts in the rear of their center of gravity, and equalizing the forces required to elevate and depress by an equilibrating system. Although the equilibrating system adds weight and complexity to the gun carriage, the

advantages thus derived more than

offset the

former.

Bringing the center of rotation of the gun to the rear and the use of variable recoil permits lowering the axis of the gun, which is advantageous in permitting lightness of construction and shortening
of the
trail.

Wide

traverse has resulted

from the use of the

split trail at the ex-

pense of weight and simplicity of construction. The split trail 75millimeter carriage weighs about 700 pounds more than the box trail carriage. This is due partly to the greater elevation 80, compared

with 45. Provisions for elevating the pieces beyond that required for maximum range is causing complication of design and increased weights. The bottom carriage must be built out farther from the
axle to permit clearance at the higher elevations, and this
in weight.
is

expensive

The Westervelt board report contemplates a gun and

mounted on the same
carriage.
ply, but complicates the design of the carriage. secure the same reactions in the carriage from both

a howitzer This simplifies production and supIt is difficult to

gun and howitzer.

For example, the 4.7-inch gun materiel is heavier than it need be because the 155-millimeter howitzer demands a heavier carriage. The ideal of the artilleryman is the reduction of the number of calibers to a minimum and the standardization of mounts. The desirability of such a program is apparent to the department charged with production and maintenance. However, the mission of the piece, not the desirability of standardization, must fix its characteristics.

Marked development is being attempted in sighting systems. The field-gun sight follows in principle that developed for the 75-millimeter model of 1916 materiel, but is much more compact, and the sight for heavier guns will be a modified quadrant sight like that used on
the 155-millimeter howitzer but with a panoramic sight. For accompanying fire-control instruments various improvements are now in
progress. In the war models of motor-carriage mounts little attention could be given to reduction in weight and to refinement in design. The
possibilities of development of these types of gun mounts should not therefore be judged by the materiel built under war contracts, nor even by that now being constructed. Especially such essential characteristics as accessibility of parts for maintenance and elimination of mechanical weakness in details of construction must be worked

out by experience. In considering any model the possibilities of perfecting the design into a desirable machine must be given the greatest weight.

418
Motor-carriage development is now proceeding along two lines: first, the track-laying type found in tractors; and second, a combination wheel and track-laying type in which the mount may be operated on wheels on good roads or on tracks where road conditions are
bad.

Both types are self-propelled and have similar gun character-

istics; weights are about the same; speeds are similar off roads; while the second type promises greater speeds over good roads. Because of the promise of both types, light and heavy gun-pilot materiels of both are being built. 75-millimeter gun and 105-milli-

meter howitzer carriages have been designed and built by the Holt Caterpillar Company and by the Front Drive Motor Company. Good comparative tests of the two principles of construction should
be obtained from these pilots. The ideal traverse as expressed by the Westervelt board report is 360. This is being secured only in antiaircraft mounts in which the gun is pivoted on a pedestal. Mounting guns on a pivot like

mount requires increased height of trunnions and heavy mounts. In the infantry accompanying howitzer an attempt is being made to develop a piece which can be used either as a direct-fire gun against tanks or as a howitzer, taking the place of the 3 -inch trench mortar. Guns of both 1.8-inch and 2.24-inch caliber are under test.
that in the antiaircraft
will be capable of being broken up into man loads. calibers of antiaircraft guns are being developed 3-inch and 4.7-inch. The sighting system permits the application of azimuth

They

Two

and elevation corrections and superelevation without disturbing the pointing of the sight. Compressed air will be used for loading. In
the heavier gun, a muzzle brake will be developed in order to lessen the load on the recuperator. With other guns, almost 85 per cent of

half that efficiency

control system.

the recoil energy has been absorbed in a muzzle brake, but only about is expected in this case. For antiaircraft work,
is

another big problem

to develop a satisfactory sighting

and

fire-

latest development in sighting systems for antiaircraft artilinvolves the removal of all sighting instruments from the carlery riage and the furnishing of graduated scales only for elevation and

The

traverse, thus eliminating the greatest cause of complexity in the gun mounts. The piece will be laid entirely by indirect fire methods from

data furnished from a central station. In general, it will be seen from the above that future artillery will more nearly approach the ideal, to the degree that the principles of high power and swift transportation are incorporated in the design. In war the former is probably the first demanded, in time of peace it is sometimes overshadowed by the latter. although

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