45mm Model 1937 (53-K)

History

During a modernization program in the 1930s, the Soviet Army purchased a batch of German Rheinmetall 37mm anti-tank guns as the Model 1930. After studying the system more closely, Soviet engineers set about improving the modified form to suit local adaptation requirements, which involved installing new sights and increasing the original caliber to 45 mm. Wire spoked wheels were introduced and the gun was adopted as the "Type 1932".

More work began in the second half of the century with the introduction of the more modern "Type 1937" with the product designation "53-K". Some will see action in the Spanish Civil War.

These guns retain most of the original German work, including the two-wheeled frame unit and mounting hardware. The recoil mechanism is an integral part of the action of the barrel, and the loading is carried out through the breech. A small rifle shield protects the crew to some extent. The tow arm allows the gun to be dug into place to counteract the recoil effect, while also serving as the arm needed to move the vehicle's tow system. Combat weight is approximately 936 pounds, and the barrel is 46 caliber (L/46).

The barrel mounting hardware maintains an elevation range of -5 to +25 degrees laterally at +60 degrees from center.

Generally, two types of 45x310mmR ammunition are used - Armor Piercing (AP) and High Explosive (HE). The AP round is the primary armor-piercing round, weighing 3.1 pounds. HE rounds for enemy infantry, structures and "soft" targets are a 4.7 lb replacement. The muzzle velocity of the two ammunition varies - 2,533 feet per second for AP rounds and 1,133 feet per second for HE rounds.

HE rounds have an effective range of up to 62,650 feet, while AP rounds can penetrate up to 1.4 inches of armor at a 60-degree angle. As a field gun, the Model 1937 needs to be aimed at the target.

The first entry of Soviet troops into Poland between late November 1939 and mid-March 1940 sparked the "Winter War" against neighboring Finland. The bloody operation resulted in a horrific, humiliating defeat for the Soviet Union (323,000 casualties vs. 70,000). Finns) In several campaigns, the invaders took key territory from the Finns, despite the damage already done. During the battle, a large number of Model 1937 guns fell into the hands of the Finns, who used them against their attackers without remorse.

The Type 1937 worked well in the conflict, although the Soviets had a false sense of its success, as the Finns did not deploy any armored vehicles, except for some light models.

By the time of the German invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa) in June 1941, the Model 1937 was the standard 37mm anti-tank gun in Army service and was in large supply. The loss of the industrial center undoubtedly put heavy pressure on the defenders, and out of desperation, the 45mm anti-tank gun was produced as soon as possible. The caliber soon proved to be much better than the original Panzer I and Panzer II light armour in terms of armour protection against the new generation of German armoured vehicles - the Panzer III and Panzer IV medium series. This led to extra work to produce a better end product, the Model 1942 AT gun with its extended barrel, stamped drum and longer hind legs. Longer barrels aid penetration values ??by increasing muzzle velocity.

Although the overall effectiveness of this gun has been reduced, the 45mm caliber has remained in this new iteration due to the sheer ease of mass production - any anti-tank measure is clearly better than nothing. Eventually, the Soviet Army stockpiled larger AT guns of 57mm and eventually 76.2mm, although the 45mm version remained in service by the tens of thousands for the remainder of the war.

Model 1937 weapons were produced from 1937 to 1943, 37,354 of which were made in Soviet factories. From 1934, the barrel also constituted the armament of the Soviet Navy "21-K" anti-aircraft gun system.

Its low rate of fire means the weapon remains only marginally useful in roles where rapid fire is a key quality.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

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Armor

Depends on the ammunition carrier. AP rounds weigh 3.1 pounds and HE rounds weigh 4.7 pounds.

Changes