203mm/55 Modèle 1931 gun

203mm/55 Modèle 1931
Main guns of the Algérie
TypeNaval gun
Place of originFrance
Service history
Used byFrance
WarsSecond World War
Production history
Designed1931
Specifications
Mass22 tonnes[1]
Barrel length11.3 metres (37 ft)[1]
ShellSeparate charges and shell:
APC M1936: 134 kilograms (295 lb)[1]
Caliber203 millimetres (8.0 in)
BreechWelin Breech Block
Rate of fire4-5 RPM
Muzzle velocity840 metres per second (2,800 ft/s)
Maximum firing range31,000 metres (34,000 yd) at 45°[1]

The 203mm/55 Modèle 1931 gun was a medium naval gun of the French Navy. It used the same ammunition as the 203mm/50 Modèle 1924 gun, and were very similar except for the longer bore. It is believed that the guns were built from tubes of the older 240mm/50 Modèle 1902 guns.[1]

Although commonly described as being used as the main battery of the heavy cruiser Algérie, mounted in four twin turrets,[1] Algérie in fact used the same 203mm/50 Modèle 1924 as the rest of the French heavy cruisers.[2]

In fact as written in French Cruisers 1922 - 1956 these guns did not exist.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Campbell, John (1985). Naval Weapons of World War Two. Naval Institute Press. p. 292. ISBN 0-87021-459-4.
  2. ^ Jordan, John; Moulin, Jean (2013). French Cruisers 1922 - 1956. Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Seaforth Publishing. p. 114. ISBN 978-1-84832-133-5.
  3. ^ Jordan & Moulin, Chapter 5, Armament, Main Battery
  4. ^ McMurtrie Francis E., page 156

Bibliography

  • Jordan, John & Moulin, Jean (2013). French Cruisers 1922–1956. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-133-5.
  • Whitley, M.J. (1995). Cruisers of World War Two – An International Encyclopedia. London, UK: Arms and Armour Press. ISBN 1-85409-225-1.
  • McMurtrie, Francis E. (1940). Jane's Fighting Ships 1940. London, UK: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd.