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Obice da 75/18 modello 34

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Obice da 75/14 modello 34
Obice de 75/18 modello 34 next to the Battle of Crete Monument in Heraklion (Crete)
TypeHowitzer
Place of originItaly
Service history
In service1934–1945
Used byItaly
Portugal
WarsWorld War II
Portuguese Colonial War
Production history
DesignerSergio Belese
ManufacturerAnsaldo
No. builtApprox 600 [1]
Specifications
MassMod.34:

1,065 kg (2,348 lb) Travel
780 kg (1,720 lb) Combat


Mod.35:
1,832 kg (4,039 lb) Travel
1,050 kg (2,310 lb) Combat
Barrel length1.557 m (5 ft 1.3 in) L/20.75

Shell75 x 232.5mmR
Shell weight6.4 kg (14 lb 2 oz)
Caliber75 mm (2.95 in)
CarriageBox trail (Modello 34)
Split trail (Modello 35)
Elevation-10° to +45°
Traverse50°
Muzzle velocity425 m/s (1,395 ft/s)
Maximum firing range9,564 m (10,459 yd)
Obice de 75/18 modello 35 on display at the Musée des Blindés in Saumur

The Obice da 75/18 modello 34 was an Italian artillery piece used during World War II.

History

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The Italian army has always had an interest in mountain artillery due to the mountainous terrain of its borders. By the 1930s much of this artillery was obsolescent and overdue for replacement.

In 1934, the Italian firm of Ansaldo produced a new mountain howitzer design, the Obice da 75/18 modello 34, designed by Lt. Colonel Sergio Berlese who served in the Italian artillery. The modello 34 could be broken down into eight loads for transport. In the interest of standardization and logistics a version of the 75/18, the modello 35, was also used as the light howitzer component of normal field batteries. The modello 35 did not break down into smaller loads and had a split, rather than box, trail.[2]

The Italians sold the modello 35 abroad in order to obtain foreign currency. In 1940 a sizable batch was sold to Portugal, and more went to South American countries in exchange for raw materials. The gun was also used as the main armament of the Semovente 75/18 self-propelled gun where, due to its "Effetto Pronto" (HEAT) ammunition, it also had a good anti-tank capability.

In 1941 some captured pieces were used against the Germans by the forces of the Commonwealth during the Battle of Crete and were probably present in the defence of Maleme airfield. Two of them are currently displayed next to the Battle of Crete monument in Heraklion.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ ^ 44 from the Arsenal of the Royal Army of Piacenza, 100 from the Arsenal of the Royal Army of Naples, 270 from the OTO, 200 pieces from Ansaldo of Pozzuoli, see F. Cappellano, op. cit. cited in page 68.
  2. ^ Google Books: The Encyclopedia of Weapons