Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms Space By Flag By Year By Tag

Cannone da 65/17 modello 13

1913 SPANISH CIVIL WAR WORLD WAR 1 WORLD WAR 2

History

In 1913, the Italian Army introduced a 65mm towed artillery system intended for use by their specially trained mountain infantry units. The system was named "Cannone da 65/17 Modello 13" and entered service in time for Italian deployment in World War I. The Modello 13 earned the Long designation for its projectile size ("65mm") and barrel length (measured in "17" caliber).

The Modello 13 artillery was widely used throughout the war and remained in Italian inventory long enough to see action in WWII. Previously, the weapon also appeared in the Spanish Civil War, when Italy supported nationalist movements.

The Modello 13 gun was designed from the start to be as portable as an artillery piece. Therefore, this type was a relatively easy development, with a wheeled trolley, convenient for use in the Italian mountains, close to potential enemies of the time. The system consists of a breech-loaded barrel assembly mounted on a recoil mechanism, all mounted on a solid assembly supported by a single axle and two solid multi-spoke steel wheels. At the rear is a single trailing arm for towing pack animals or moving vehicles. The carriage allows an elevation range of -10 to +20 degrees and 8 degrees of lateral movement before the entire unit has to be moved.

The muzzle velocity is 1,130 feet per second, and the HE (High Explosive) 9.5 shell has an effective range of up to 4.2 miles. A trained crew can fire 6 to 8 rounds per minute.

The Modello 13 excelled in service in Italy during World War I, proving reliable and manageable in the harshest battlefield conditions. In the post-war and recovery period of the 1920s, the Italian Mountain Division received all new artillery, allowing the still-valid Modello 13 to be handed over to the regular Italian infantry divisions. They existed in basic form until 1935, with the optional addition of a collapsible gun shield to provide some basic protection for the rifle set. Additionally, these guns remained largely unchanged as we entered WWII, and they are now classified as infantry guns and deployed in close support roles where their direct fire capabilities can be put to good use. The Italian gunman has been highly regarded in the conflict for his "fight to the end" mentality rather than giving up weapons.

When pressed, the system is also an adequate anti-tank gun (especially against light tanks and vehicles), and examples mounted on Italian Army trucks provide a more stable firing platform for the role. However, the 65mm projectile in this case, while limited, still does an excellent job in the role required on the battlefield.

The Modello 13 guns survived until the end of World War II, they were outdated tools, their caliber was too specialized and their firepower was too weak to withstand the increasing armor protection of the time. In addition to Italian use, the Kingdom of Albania has also become a well-known operator of this type.