Cannone da 75/32 modello 37

History

Before World War II (1939-1945), the Italian authorities realized that their artillery was obsolete and proceeded to design and develop a new 75mm caliber field gun. Previously, military service was inherited from the decades since the end of the First World War (1914-1918). A new gun was desperately needed, and funds and determination were quickly obtained to produce the "Cannone da 75/32 modello 37".

The system was the first of its kind to be re-equipped by the Italian army since the end of the First World War, and was introduced before the battle began.

Ansaldo's concerns were dug up again to get new field guns off the ground. This involves the traditional layout of the system, including a long, thin barrel on mounting hardware, spanned by a pair of wheels. A split rail frame arrangement was used, with end scoops pushed into the ground to reduce recoil. Mounting hardware allows a 50 degree rotation from centerline, a useful feature to train the weapon against moving targets if needed. The available elevation range is -10 to +45 degrees.

A brake was installed at the muzzle end of the barrel, and a modern breech was used in the rear for quick reloading. A flimsy weapon shield provides limited protection against pistol and artillery spray, but little else.

Since the entire system is expected to be towed by a moving vehicle, the wheels are heavily bound by rubber tires.

The piece is 2.6 meters long and weighs 2,645 pounds when launched (2,755 pounds while traveling). The gun fired a 14-pound projectile that achieved a muzzle velocity of 2,050 feet per second at a range of 16,675 yards.

When depressed, the weapon's muzzle velocity and useful traversal allow it to be used as an anti-tank solution, such is its versatility on the battlefield.

Despite the modern and promising design of the Modello 37, when Italy entered the war in WWII, the gun simply wasn't available in sufficient numbers. The Italian military attempted to modernize, but was also hampered by the limitations of Italian industry.

With no viable supplies of this weapon available, Italian artillery batteries were left with what they had on hand.

After Italy surrendered to the Allies in September 1943, the Germans were always ready to appreciate the enemy's good weapons when they saw it, and they made sure to have all the Modello 37 guns available in their hands. These guns, now owned by Germany, were designated 7.5cm FK 248(i), and some of them were not in use until the end of the war in Europe in May 1945.

Cannone da 75/32 model 37 gauge

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on the ammo supply available.

Changes