Year | 1923 |
Weapon Type | Light Field Gun |
Origin & Designer | Britain/Various |
Numbers Produced | 472 (All Models) |
Crew | 6 (Gun Sergeant, Gunner, Loader, Range Setter & 2 x Ammunition Bearers) |
Calibre | 83.8mm (84.x295R) |
Elevation | -5° to +37° (Mk. IVP) -5° to +50° Mk. VP) |
Traverse | 360° (Mk. IVP) 25° Left & Right (Mk. VP) |
Breech | Asbury/Wellin Screw |
Recoil | Hydropneumatic |
Gun Sight | No. 22 |
Gun Mount | [@gun_mounts] |
Carriage | Box Trail (Mk. IVP) Split Trail (Mk. VP) |
Trailers | [@trailers] |
Gun Shield | [@gun_shield] |
Armoured Plate | [@armoured_plate] |
Barrel Length | 2.463mm (L/28) |
Overall Length | 5.029m |
Width | [@width] |
Height | [@height] |
Weight | Weight in Traction: 1.968 kg Weight in Action: 1.413 kg |
Round Weight | HE: 8.4 kg (Mk. IC) |
Muzzle Velocity | 495 m/s |
Feed | [@feed] |
Magazine Capacity | [@magazine_capacity] |
Practical Rate of Fire | [@practical_rate_of_fire] |
Rate of Fire | 20 r.p.m. |
Maximum Rate of Fire | [@maximum_rate_of_fire] |
Maximum Ceiling | [@maximum_ceiling] |
Maximum Ground Range | [@maximum_ground_range] |
Maximum Range | 10.100m |
Armour Penetration | [@armour_penetration] |
Traction | Motorised (Morris 4x4 Tractor) |
Variants | [@variants] |
Notes | The 18 pounder had become the mainstay of all British and Commonwealth light field regiments from the outbreak of World War One until the early phases of World War Two. Many were up-graded in the 1930s with a new carriage which was fitted with pneumatic tires to allow for motorisation. The numbers started to decline once the 25 pounder became available, but many were still in service all over the world with British and Empire troops. Of the 216 18 pounders taken to France with the BEF all were lost, some saw action in Africa and the Far-East. Many were converted to 18/25 pounders and used as an interim gun until the 25 pounder became available. By the end of 1940 only around 250 guns were left in service. |