Krupp 80cm Schwerer Gustav (80cm K(E))

History

The "railroad gun," prominent in the early 20th century, symbolized the era's "bigger is better" mindset. It emerged as a formidable defensive and psychological weapon during World War I and II, with the Germans developing notable examples like the "Schwere Gustav." This gun boasted an enormous 80 cm caliber, firing massive shells over vast distances.

The primary purpose of these guns was to complement defensive structures like France's "Maginot Line." However, they proved more psychologically terrifying than tactically precise. While "Schwere Gustav" weighed a staggering 1,490 tons and fired massive shells at great speeds, its accuracy was limited. Though the Germans invested significantly in this category during both wars, these guns weren't operational during the rapid takeovers of neighboring territories, and their role in the fall of France was minimal.

The development of these guns, initiated in the late 1930s, faced considerable challenges, resulting in operational readiness by early 1942 with the "Dora" gun. It saw action against Soviet forces in the Siege of Sevastopol, delivering notable results against bunkers and heavy artillery. However, by the end of World War II, these guns were destroyed by the Germans to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.

Specification

Basic

Year of Service: 1942

Origins: Nazi Germany

Status: Rtirement

Crew: 250

Production: 2

Manufacturer: Krupp - Nazi Germany

Roles

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

Notable Features

Indirect Fire Capability

The capabilities of this system allow it to attack targets/target areas without reaching line of sight.

Psychological effect

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

Dimensions and Weights

Weights: 2,976,241 pounds (1,350,000 kg)

Tonnage: 1,488.1 ton

Power and Performance

Engine: Essentially none; powered by a steam locomotive.

Area: 29.8 km (48.0 km)

Weapons: 1 x 80 cm (800 mm / 31") main barrel

Ammotion: Depends on ammo carrier; HE projectile appears.

VARIATIONS

Heavy Gustav ("Dora") - original Krupp gun; saw action during the Siege of Sevastopol; destroyed by the Germans.

Heavy Gustav 2 - second shot; served in Stalingrad; German destroyer.

Langer Gustav - redesigned model with 52 cm (520 mm) longer main gun caliber and longer range (190 km) projectile; abandoned after damage from aerial bombs (Essen).