Obice da 75/18 modello 34

The Obice da 75/18 modello 34 was an Italian artillery piece used during World War II.

History
Much of Italy is mountainous, so the Italian army has always had an interest in mountain artillery. In the 1930s much of Italy's mountain artillery was obsolescent and overdue for replacement.

In 1934, the Italian firm of Ansaldo produced a new mountain howitzer design, the Obice da 75/18 modello 34, which could be broken down into eight loads for transport. In the interest of standardization and logistics the 75/18 modello 34 was also used as the light howitzer component of normal field batteries. The Obice da 75/18 modello 34 was designed by an Italian artillery Lt. Colonel named Sergio Berlese.

The Italians sold the modello 35 abroad in order to obtain foreign currency. In 1940 a sizeable batch was sold to Portugal, and more went to South American countries in exchange for raw materials. The gun was also used as the main armament of the Semovente 75/18 self-propelled gun where, due to its "Effetto Pronto" (HEAT) ammunition, it also had a good anti-tank capability.

In 1941 some captured pieces were used against the Germans by the forces of the Commonwealth during the Battle of Crete and were probably present in the defence of Maleme airfield. Two of them are nowadays displayed next to the Battle of Crete monument in Heraklion.

Characteristics

 * Caliber: 75 mm (2.95 in)
 * Length: 1.557 m (61.3 in)
 * Travelling Weight: 1,852 kg (4,080 lb)
 * Weight in Action: 1,050 kg (2,315 lb)
 * Elevation: -10 to +45 degrees
 * Traverse: 50 degrees
 * Muzzle Velocity: 425 m/s (1,395 ft/s)
 * Range: 9,564 m (10,460 yards)
 * Shell Weight: 6.4 kg (14.1 lb)