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Big guns |
| Heavy weapons aren't called heavy just because they generate heavy firepower but they also are literally heavy. The Jr. Ikes took a fun field trip to Ft. Riley, Kansas, Home of the Big Red One during World War II. While we were there we visited the 1st Infantry War Museum, viewed various military vehicles (mostly tanks) on the post and climbed Artillery Hill at Freedom Park. The pictures below are of us as "Kings of the Hill." |
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Here we are on the "Atomic Cannon." It was designed to provide heavy fire support to the field army and also to project nuclear rounds with great accuracy on the battlefield. It is also the world's largest "roadable" cannon. Although it was in service from 1952-1963 and was not used during World War II, it was one of the highlights of our field trip. |
| The cannon weighs 42, 500 pounds and is 42 feet in length. The barrel can hurl 11 inch diameter projectiles more than 20 miles with pin point accuracy. To transport, it was placed suspended between two, 375 h.p. engine cabs and carried along the highway at 35 mph. Once in the field it could be set up and readied for firing in 15 minutes. Until development of guided missiles the Army looked upon the "Atomic Cannon" as one of the finest weapons the world had ever seen. |
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This is us on Artillery Hill standing around the M1 155MM Howitzer. It is 12 feet long and weighs 11,966 pounds. It had a range of 14,400 yards and could fire in a complete 360 degree radius. This one was manufactured in 1944. |
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This picture was taken somewhere in Europe by Pfc. Janzen. We have
done a little research and asked some of the servicemen we interviewed, but
still have not been able to identify this "big gun." If you
think you might be able to help us, please e-mail
us.
Thank you Don Doom from the "Wild Bill Raiders." He has identified this photo as an 88mm flak 36/37. Thanks again! |
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