15.5 cm/60 3rd Year Type naval gun explained

15.5 cm/60 3rd Year Type
Origin:Japan
Type:Naval gun
Is Ranged:yes
Is Artillery:yes
Service:1935–1945
Used By:Imperial Japanese Navy
Wars:World War II
Design Date:1933
Manufacturer:Kure Naval Arsenal
Number:80
Weight:12.7MT
Length:9.615m (31.545feet)
Part Length:9.3m (30.5feet)
Cartridge:55.87kg (123.17lb)[1]
Caliber:155mm 60 caliber
Rate:5 rpm
Velocity:925m/s
Max Range:27400m (89,900feet)
at 45°
Elevation:-7° to +45°[2]

The was a dual-purpose naval gun used by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the s as secondary armament in four triple turrets, the s in five triple turrets (later converted to five twin 20 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval gun turrets) and on the light cruiser Ōyodo in two triple turrets. The s were also initially planned to carry the 15.5 cm/60 3rd Year Type in five triple turrets, but were redesigned with the 20 cm/50 3rd Year Type in four twin turrets. They were also deployed on 60° single mounts as coastal defense guns in the Tokyo Bay area.[3] Construction was of the monobloc type with autofretting and used a Welin breech block mechanism which could be operated either hydraulically or by hand. Their slow rate of fire, limited elevation and slow traverse made them unsuitable for the AA role, but they were an excellent anti-ship weapon.[4]

See also

References

Notes and References

  1. DiGiulian
  2. Campbell, Naval Weapons of WWII, p.187-188.
  3. Campbell, Naval Weapons of WWII, p.187-188.
  4. DiGiulian