The BL 5.5 inch Field Gun was a British artillery gun introduced during the middle of the Second World War.

History

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In January 1939 a specification was issued for a gun to replace the 6 inch guns and howitzers in use. The first units were equipped with the new gun in May 1942, and the first actions were in the Western Desert Campaign. Initially the range was disappointing, but a new shell 20 pounds (9 kg) lighter solved the problem.

The 5.5 survived after the war until replaced by the FH-70 towed howitzer in service as L121.

In use, the 5.5, like the 4.5 before was generally teamed with the AEC Matador artillery tractor.

Variants

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Mark III

Model in use in WW2

• Gun
  • Calibre: 140 mm
  • Length: 30 calibres (4.2 m)
  • Weight: 1.87 t
  • Muzzle velocity: 517 m/s
• Crew: 9 men
• Shell Weight: 45.4 kg
• Range: 14 km

Mark IV

Appeared after WW2

See also

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World War II British guns

Armata 5,5 calowa