2.36-Inch M18 RECOILLESS RIFLE

2.36-Inch M18 RECOILLESS RIFLE
Image: M18 Recoilless Rifle (U.S. National Archive)
YearApril 1945
Weapon Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced500
Crew2 (Gunner & Loader)
Calibre57mm (57x303)
Elevation[@elevation]
Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Cartridge Weight[@cartridge_weight]
Round Weight2.46 kg (HE)
2.56 kg (AP)
2.57 kg
Barrel Length[@barrel_length]
Overall Length1.524mm
Grenade Types[@grenade_types]
Mount[@mount]
Combat Weight4.6 kg
OperationRecoiless
Cooling System[@cooling]
SightsM26
FeedSingle Shot
Practical Rate of Fire2 r.p.m.
Maximum Rate of Fire8 r.p.m.
Blank Cartridge[@blank_cartridge]
Muzzle Velocity366 m/s
Fuel Capacity[@fuel_capacity]
Minimum Range[@minimum_range]
Effective Range450m
Maximum Range3.970m
Armour Penetration65mm
Bayonet[@bayonet]
Traction[@traction]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe M18 was breech loading single shot weapon which was light enough to me transported by troops in the field. It had a calibre of 57mm and could fire HEAT, HE and WP rounds. It could be fired from the shoulder similar to the bazooka or mounted on either a bi-pod or tri-pod. It was more accurate and had a longer range than the bazooka. The M18 came too late to make a mark in WW2 but managed to see action in the Korean War.