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7.5cm leichtes Infanteriegeschutz 18

1932 WORLD WAR 2

7.5cm Light Infantry Armor 18 Layers

While the infantry support gun is no longer a staple in infantry units today, it has been a staple on the battlefield since the inception of the cask. Infantry support guns proved to be a major role in World War II combat, and in 1932 the expanding German army adopted the 7.5 cm Light Infantry Geschutz 18 (7.5 cm le.

IG 18) ("Light Infantry Gun") infantry weapon system support. Design work of this type began in 1927 and production is managed by the long-established Rheinmetall Group. Production spanned from 1932 to 1945, the last year of the war, and production allowed about 12,000 units to be delivered.

The IG 18 weighs about 880 pounds and is not a light gun. Five crew members are required for general operation, and towing requires a moving vehicle. It can be moved by the crew when making short distances in combat - of course, terrain plays a major role. The weapon as a complete system includes a short barrel and weapon mount, a small angled shield for basic ballistic protection, and a pair of solid wheels with sturdy spokes. The mounting bracket is split, the legs open and add recoil assist when firing.

The barrel is three feet long and has a caliber of 75 mm.

The IG 18 fired a 13-pound 75mm case-type projectile loaded by the crew through a shotgun-style breech device. The mounts allow an elevation range of -10 to +73 degrees, with 12 degrees of traverse on either side.

Experienced, well-trained crews can achieve a rate of fire of 8 to 12 rounds per minute. The muzzle velocity is rated at 690 feet per second, while the maximum range is close to 4,000 yards.

A notable variant of the IG 18 series is the 7.5 cm le. GebIG 18 "Bergkanone", which is the same gun but designed in six parts for ease of transport. This allows the gun to pass through rough mountain passes and be fired from rough ground.

They also proved valuable to light armed forces such as German paratroopers.

The IG 18 series was active in numerous campaigns throughout World War II, taking advantage of its short/medium range, relatively light design and great firepower and infantry maneuverability. These guns can also be mined and used in defensive roles.