U.S. 8”/55 Mark 9 Gun (original) (raw)
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The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia | |
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National Archive #19-N-76911. Cropped by author.
| Bore | 8"203.2mm |
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| Ammunition | Bagged APC or HC shells |
| Weight of round | 260 lbs118 kg |
| Velocity | 2800 feet per second853 meters per second |
| Maximum elevation | 41 degrees |
| Range | 31,860 yards29,130 yards |
| Firing cycle | 18 seconds |
This gun was used on most U.S. heavy cruisersbuilt before the war, as well as the Lexingtons.
By the time of the Okinawacampaign, the fire control systems of many heavy cruisers were modified to use a reduced propellant charge that yielded a nominal muzzle velocity of 2150 feet per second (655 m/s). This permitted more frequent use of plunging fire during shore bombardment while greatly reducing barrel wear.
References
The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2007, 2011 by Kent G. Budge. Index
