Why This ‘Impractical’ British Anti-Aircraft Gun Still Controlled The Sky скачать в хорошем качестве

Why This ‘Impractical’ British Anti-Aircraft Gun Still Controlled The Sky

The QF 3.7-inch AA gun was the primary British heavy anti-aircraft (HAA) gun of World War II, roughly equivalent to the German 8.8 cm FlaK. Designed by Vickers and produced from 1937, it was used by the UK and Commonwealth forces to defend against high-altitude bombers. It was effective up to 32,000–45,000 feet, featuring automatic, Radar-directed, or optical tracking. Key Features & Usage: Performance: Fired a 28 lb (13 kg) shell with a muzzle velocity around 3,000 ft/s, enabling a 35,000 ft ceiling initially, later improved. Role: While primarily HAA, it was also used for ground support, such as in North Africa against tanks. Development: Roughly 10,000 were built. Early versions used, but struggled with, mobile carriages, while many were used in semi-static, concrete-mounted, or "Pile" (railway sleeper) positions. Operations: Required a crew of 7-8 and was effective when paired with radar, bringing down V-1 flying bombs in 1944 with an 82% success rate. Variants: Included Mark I–III (4.7m barrel) and later Mk VI (65 caliber) variants, with production running through 1945. The gun remained in British service until 1957 when it was replaced by guided missiles. #WW2 #WorldWar2 #BritishWeapons #WW2Weapons #militaryhistory #AntiAircraftGun #BritishArmy #WW2Artillery #WarDocumentary #historydocumentary