M20 RECOILLESS RIFLE

M20 RECOILLESS RIFLE
Image: M20 Recoilless Rifle (U.S. National Archive)
YearMarch 1945
Weapon Type[@type]
Origin & Designer[@designer]
Numbers Produced1.238
Crew2 (Gunner & Loader)
Calibre75mm (75x408mm)
Elevation[@elevation]
Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Cartridge Weight[@cartridge_weight]
Round Weight9.8 kg (HE)
9.92 kg (AP)
10.26 kg (Smoke)
Barrel Length[@barrel_length]
Overall Length2.080mm
Grenade Types[@grenade_types]
MountTri-Pod
Combat Weight52 kg
OperationRecoiless
Cooling System[@cooling]
SightsScope
FeedSingle Shot
Practical Rate of Fire2 r.p.m.
Maximum Rate of Fire8 r.p.m.
Blank Cartridge[@blank_cartridge]
Muzzle Velocity305 m/s
Fuel Capacity[@fuel_capacity]
Minimum Range[@minimum_range]
Effective Range1.100m
Maximum Range6.401m
Armour Penetration100mm
Bayonet[@bayonet]
Traction[@traction]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe M20 was an enlarged version of the M18, the 75mm round gave the weapon more punch, but unlike the M18 it could not be fired from the shoulder. It could be mounted on a tri-pod or on a light vehicle or jeep. It fired HEAT, HE and WP rounds. It saw limited action in World War Two but made its mark during the Korean War.