Canon de 274 modele 87/93 Glissement

Canon de 274 modele 87/93 Glissement History

During World War I, artillery emerged as a dominant force in the trench warfare of Europe. The need to dislodge well-defended enemy positions prompted the increased use of artillery, as air support and large caliber weapons were limited. This led to the development of land-based railway artillery, exemplified by the French "Canon de 274 modele 87/93 Glissement." Weighing 155 tons and boasting an 85-foot overall length with a 40-foot barrel, these guns, produced by the Schneider Group, became pivotal in strategic planning.

The railguns, operated by proficient crews, had a slow rate of fire, allowing one shot every four minutes, but they had an impressive range of 16.4 miles. The French army received new guns in 1917, but losses in battle led to modifications, including a change in caliber. Post-World War I, additional Schneider guns were stockpiled, and during World War II, these railguns, now designated "27.4 cm K(E) 591(f)," "27.4 cm K(E) 592(f)," and "28.5cm K(E) 605(f)," were employed in coastal defense.

However, the strategic impact of railway artillery was limited due to logistical constraints, a slow rate of fire, and accuracy issues. As World War II progressed, the focus shifted to more mobile and mass-produced conventional tanks, marking the decline of railway guns. The military began exploring alternative technologies, such as the V-2 ballistic missile, ultimately signaling the end of the railway gun era in favor of more versatile and efficient battlefield solutions.

Specification

BASICS

Years of Service: 1917

Origins: France

Status: Retirement

Crew: 40

Production: 16

Manufacturer: Schneider - France

Operator: France;Germany (Captive, WWII)

Roles: Special designs developed to fulfill one or more equally special battlefield roles.

Notable Features

Increased recoil: The main gun has an integrated recoil mechanism that allows the system to remain in training after firing at the target.

Psychological effect: Capable of firing lethal indirect fire from a distance to saturate the area; can include nuclear, biological, and chemical agents.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 85.3 feet (26 m)

Weight: 310,003 lbs (140,615 kg)

Tonnage: 155.0 tons

Power and Performance

Engine: No. The system is powered by a conventional steam train locomotive.

Area: 16.4 km (26.4 km)

Weapon

1 x 274mm (10.8"/27.4cm) main barrel (some barrels were re-bored to 285mm and 288mm after heavy use, and new projectiles were used).

AMMOTION

Depends on the ammo carrier. Supported projectile types include armor-piercing, semi-armor-piercing, and incendiary.

VARIANTS

Canon de 274 Model 1917 - Revised name after the First World War.

27. 4cm K(E) 591(f) - German army designation for the conquered French system; caliber 274 mm. 27.

4cm K(E) 592(f) - German army designation for the conquered French system; caliber 274 mm. 28.

5cm K(E) 605(f) - German army designation for the conquered French system; caliber 285 mm.