World of Artillery: An Overview of the History, Technology, and Culture of Big Guns
Artillery is a term that refers to a class of heavy military weapons that fire projectiles at long distances, usually beyond the range and power of infantry firearms. Artillery can be divided into three main types: guns, howitzers, and mortars. Guns are long-barreled weapons that fire projectiles at high velocities and low angles. Howitzers are shorter-barreled weapons that fire projectiles at lower velocities and higher angles. Mortars are muzzle-loading weapons that fire projectiles at very high angles and short ranges. Artillery can also include rocket launchers, which fire self-propelled projectiles along a ballistic trajectory.
world of artillery
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the world of artillery, covering its history, development, role, and culture. The article will explore how artillery has evolved from ancient times to modern warfare, how different types of artillery systems work and perform, and how artillery is represented and simulated in games and entertainment. The article will also address some of the challenges and opportunities that artillery faces in the future, as well as some common or interesting questions related to the topic.
History and development of artillery
The earliest forms of artillery date back to ancient times, when civilizations such as China, India, Persia, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and others used catapults, ballistas, trebuchets, and other mechanical devices to hurl stones, arrows, spears, or incendiary materials at enemy fortifications or troops. These weapons were mostly used for siege warfare, as they were large, heavy, slow, and inaccurate.
The invention of gunpowder in China around the 9th century CE changed the nature of artillery, as it enabled the development of cannons, which were metal tubes that used explosive charges to propel metal balls or other projectiles. Cannons were first used in China for naval warfare, but soon spread to other regions such as Europe, Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and America. Cannons became more powerful, mobile, diverse, and accurate over time, as improvements were made in metallurgy, ballistics, engineering, tactics, and organization.
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Some of the major innovations and improvements in artillery technology and tactics include:
The introduction of rifling in cannon barrels in the 19th century, which increased accuracy and range by imparting spin to the projectiles.
The adoption of breech-loading mechanisms in cannons in the 19th century, which allowed faster loading and firing than muzzle-loading.
The invention of smokeless powder in the late 19th century, which reduced visibility problems caused by black powder smoke.
The development of recoil systems in cannons in the late 19th century, which reduced the backward movement of the weapon after firing.
The use of indirect fire techniques in artillery in the late 19th century, which enabled firing at targets that were not visible or out of direct line-of-sight.
The invention of high-explosive shells in the early 20th century, which increased lethality by creating shrapnel or blast effects.
The development of self-propelled artillery vehicles in the early 20th century, which increased mobility and protection by mounting cannons on tanks or trucks.
The introduction of radar systems in artillery in the mid-20 tillery has also influenced the development of other military branches and domains, such as air defense, naval warfare, space warfare, and cyber warfare.
Artillery in modern warfare
Artillery remains a vital and versatile component of modern warfare, as it provides fire support, suppression, interdiction, and destruction of enemy forces and assets. Artillery can also perform non-lethal missions, such as illumination, smoke, propaganda, or humanitarian aid. Artillery can operate in various environments and terrains, such as urban, desert, mountain, jungle, arctic, or amphibious.
Modern artillery systems can be classified into four main categories: towed artillery, self-propelled artillery, rocket artillery, and missile artillery. Towed artillery refers to cannons that are towed by vehicles or animals and require manual emplacement and displacement. Self-propelled artillery refers to cannons that are mounted on armored or wheeled vehicles and can move and fire autonomously. Rocket artillery refers to multiple rocket launchers that fire unguided or guided rockets from fixed or mobile platforms. Missile artillery refers to launchers that fire guided missiles with various ranges and payloads from fixed or mobile platforms.
The table below shows some examples of modern artillery systems and their characteristics:
Type
Name
Country
Caliber
Range
Rate of fire
Towed artillery
M777 howitzer
USA/UK/Canada/Australia
155 mm
24-40 km
5 rounds/min
Self-propelled artillery
PzH 2000 howitzer
Germany/Italy/Netherlands/Greece/Qatar/Lithuania
155 mm
30-56 km
10 rounds/min
Rocket artillery
BM-30 Smerch launcher
Russia/India/Algeria/Venezuela/Armenia/Belarus/Kazakhstan/Ukraine/Azerbaijan/Syria/Iraq/Vietnam/Peru
300 mm
20-90 km
12 rockets/min
Missile artillery
M270 MLRS launcher
USA/UK/Germany/France/Italy/Turkey/Norway/Greece/Denmark/Netherlands/Finland/Egypt/Israel/Japan/South Korea/Taiwan/Bahrain/Jordan/Singapore/UAE/Saudi Arabia/Kuwait/Qatar/Romania/Poland/Czech Republic/Hungary/Croatia/Latvia/Lithuania/Estonia/Slovakia/Bulgaria/Morocco/Tunisia/Brazil/Chile/New Zealand/Australia/Indonesia/Malaysia/Thailand/Philippines/South Africa/Botswana/Zambia/Zimbabwe/Kenya/Uganda/Tanzania/Nigeria/Ghana/Ivory Coast/Senegal/Mali/Niger/Burkina Faso/Benin/Togo/Guinea/Liberia/Sierra Leone/Gambia/Guinea-Bissau/Cape Verde/Mauritania/Morocco/Western Sahara/Algeria/Libya/Egypt/Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Tanzania/Malawi/Zambia/Zimbabwe/Mozambique/Madagascar/Comoros/Mauritius/Seychelles/Angola/Namibia/Botswana/South Africa/Lesotho/Swaziland/Eswatini/Namibia/Zambia/Zimbabwe/Mozambique/Malawi/Tanzania/Uganda/Kenya/Somalia/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Sudan/Egypt/Libya/Tunisia/Algeria/Morocco/Western Sahara/Mauritania/Mali/Niger/Burkina Faso/Benin/Togo/Ghana/Ivory Coast/Liberia/Sierra Leone/Guinea/Guinea-Bissau/Gambia/Senegal/Cape Verde/Sao Tome and Principe/Cameroon/Gabon/Congo/Brazzaville/Congo/Kinshasa/Angola/Namibia/Zambia/Zimbabwe/Mozambique/Malawi/Tanzania/Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda /Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad/Sudan/South Sudan/Ethiopia/Eritrea/Djibouti/Somalia/Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda/Burundi/Central African Republic/Chad
227 mm
15-300 km
12 missiles/min
Modern artillery systems have different capabilities and limitations, depending on their type, design, configuration, and ammunition. Some of the factors that affect the performance of artillery systems include:
Caliber: The diameter of the barrel or the projectile. Larger calibers generally have longer ranges and higher destructive power, but also require more weight, space, and cost.
Range: The maximum distance that the projectile can travel. Longer ranges allow for greater coverage and flexibility, but also require more accuracy and coordination.
Rate of fire: The number of rounds or missiles that can be fired in a given time. Higher rates of fire allow for more firepower and saturation, but also consume more ammunition and maintenance.
Accuracy: The degree of deviation from the intended target. Higher accuracy allows for more precision and efficiency, but also depends on various factors such as weather, terrain, human error, or enemy countermeasures.
Mobility: The ability to move and deploy the weapon system. Higher mobility allows for faster response and relocation, but also requires more protection and support.
Versatility: The ability to perform different missions or roles with the same weapon system. Higher versatility allows for more adaptability and interoperability, but also requires more training and integration.
Some of the challenges and opportunities that artillery faces in the future include:
The development of new technologies and systems, such as hypersonic projectiles, electromagnetic railguns, laser weapons, or artificial intelligence, that could enhance or replace conventional artillery.
The emergence of new threats and adversaries, such as asymmetric warfare, cyber warfare, or anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategies, that could challenge or neutralize artillery advantages.
The adaptation to new doctrines and scenarios, such as joint operations, urban warfare, or humanitarian interventions, that could require or limit artillery involvement.
The compliance with new laws and norms, such as arms control treaties, human rights conventions, or environmental regulations, that could restrict or regulate artillery use.
Artillery games and simulations
Artillery is not only a subject of military science and history, but also a source of entertainment and education. There are many games and simulations that feature artillery as a main or secondary element, allowing players to experience the thrill and challenge of operating big guns in various settings and situations.
Artillery games and simulations can be divided into two main types: turn-based and real-time. Turn-based games are games where players take turns to fire their artillery at each other or at targets, using angles, velocities, wind, gravity, and other factors to calculate their shots. Real-time games are games where players control their artillery in real time, using aiming devices, fire control systems, radars, or other aids to fire their shots.
Artillery games and simulations can help players learn about artillery concepts and skills, such as trajectory, ballistics, range, accuracy, fire control, target acquisition, and coordination. They can also expose players to different types of artillery systems and their characteristics, such as caliber, rate of fire, mobility, and versatility. Moreover, they can stimulate players' interest and curiosity in artillery history and culture, as they can explore various scenarios and events that involve artillery.
Some examples and reviews of artillery games and simulations are:
Worms: A series of turn-based games where players control teams of worms that use various weapons, including bazookas, grenades, mortars, and airstrikes, to eliminate each other. The games are known for their humor, physics, customization, and multiplayer modes. The games have received positive reviews for their fun, addictive, and challenging gameplay.
World of Tanks: A massively multiplayer online game where players control tanks from different eras and nations that fight in team-based battles. The game features a variety of tanks, including self-propelled guns that act as artillery support. The game is praised for its realism, graphics, diversity, and strategy.
Scorched Earth: A classic turn-based game where players control tanks that fire projectiles at each other on a randomly generated terrain. The game allows players to adjust various parameters, such as wind, gravity, weapons, shields, and fuel. The game is regarded as one of the pioneers and influences of the artillery genre.
Artillery Duel: An early turn-based game where two players control cannons that fire at each other on a hill. The game requires players to estimate the angle and power of their shots based on the wind and distance. The game is considered one of the first artillery games and one of the first multiplayer games.
Gunbound: A multiplayer online game where players control vehicles called mobiles that fire projectiles at each other on various maps. The game features different types of mobiles, such as dragon, turtle, ice, or lightning, that have different abilities and weapons. The game is popular for its cute graphics, social aspects, and competitive gameplay.
Conclusion
Artillery is a fascinating and important topic that spans across military science, history, technology, and culture. Artillery has evolved from simple mechanical devices to complex weapon systems that can deliver devastating firepower at long ranges. Artillery has played a significant role in many wars and battles throughout history, as well as influenced the development of other military branches and domains. Artillery also faces various challenges and opportunities in the future, as new technologies and threats emerge. Artillery is also a source of entertainment and education, as there are many games and simulations that feature artillery as a main or secondary element.
If you are interested in learning more about the world of artillery, you can check out some of the following resources:
The Artillery Museum: A website that showcases the history and development of artillery from ancient times to modern times.
The Field Artillery Journal: A magazine that covers various topics related to artillery theory, practice, technology, and culture.
The Artilleryman: A blog that provides news, reviews, opinions, and analysis on artillery matters.
The Artillery Game: A website that offers a free online turn-based artillery game where you can play against other players or the computer.
The Artillery Podcast: A podcast that discusses various aspects of artillery history, technology, and culture.
FAQs
Here are some common or interesting questions related to the topic of artillery:
What is the difference between artillery and ordnance?
Artillery is a term that refers to a class of heavy military weapons that fire projectiles at long distances, usually beyond the range and power of infantry firearms. Ordnance is a term that refers to military supplies, equipment, and weapons in general, including artillery. Ordnance can also refer to the projectiles or explosives used by artillery or other weapons.
What is the largest caliber of artillery ever used?
The largest caliber of artillery ever used was the Schwerer Gustav (Heavy Gustav), a German railway gun that had a caliber of 800 mm (31.5 inches). The gun was designed to destroy heavily fortified targets, such as the Maginot Line or the Siege of Sevastopol. The gun fired shells that weighed up to 7 tons and had a range of up to 47 km (29 miles). The gun was only used in combat twice, and was destroyed by the Germans to prevent capture by the Allies.
What is the longest range of artillery ever achieved?
The longest range of artillery ever achieved was by the Paris Gun, a German long-range gun that was used to bombard Paris during World War I. The gun had a caliber of 210 mm (8.3 inches) and fired shells that weighed up to 120 kg (264 lbs) and had a range of up to 130 km (81 miles). The gun achieved this range by firing the shells at very high altitudes, reaching the stratosphere and creating sonic booms. The gun was not very accurate or effective, and was mainly used for psychological warfare.
What is the fastest projectile ever fired by artillery?
The fastest projectile ever fired by artillery was by the US Navy's Electromagnetic Railgun, a prototype weapon that uses electromagnetic force to launch projectiles at hypersonic speeds. The weapon has a caliber of 32 mm (1.26 inches) and fires projectiles that weigh up to 10 kg (22 lbs) and have a speed of up to Mach 7 (8,600 km/h or 5,300 mph). The weapon has a range of up to 200 km (124 miles) and can penetrate or destroy various targets, such as bunkers, ships, or missiles.
What is the most realistic artillery game or simulation?
The most realistic artillery game or simulation is a matter of opinion and preference, as different games and simulations may have different features, modes, graphics, physics, and difficulty levels. Some of the factors that may affect the realism of an artillery game or simulation include:
The accuracy and detail of the artillery systems and their characteristics, such as caliber, range, rate of fire, accuracy, mobility, and versatility.
The realism and diversity of the scenarios and environments, such as historical or fictional wars and battles, urban or rural terrains, weather or terrain effects, and enemy or friendly forces.
The complexity and challenge of the gameplay and controls, such as aiming devices, fire control systems, radars, or other aids, angles, velocities, wind, gravity, and other factors, human error or enemy countermeasures.
The feedback and immersion of the game or simulation, such as sound effects, visual effects, voice overs, or music, statistics, scores, or achievements, multiplayer or online modes, or VR or AR devices.
Some examples of artillery games or simulations that are considered realistic by some players or reviewers are:
Steel Beasts: A tank and artillery simulator that features realistic physics, ballistics, damage, and tactics. The game allows players to control various tanks and self-propelled guns from different nations and eras, as well as command and coordinate with other units.
Arma 3: A military sandbox game that features realistic graphics, physics, sound, and gameplay. The game allows players to use various weapons and vehicles, including artillery systems such as mortars, howitzers, rocket launchers, and missiles.
Artillery Brigade: A mobile game that simulates the operation of an artillery battery in World War II. The game allows players to choose from different types of cannons and shells, adjust the angle and power of their shots, and observe the impact and damage of their fire.
Scorched 3D: A 3D remake of the classic Scorched Earth game that features realistic graphics, physics, and sound. The game allows players to customize their tanks and weapons, fire various types of projectiles at each other or at targets, and interact with the environment.
World of Guns: A gun simulator that features realistic models, animations, and sounds of various firearms, including artillery systems such as cannons, howitzers, mortars, and rocket launchers. The game allows players to disassemble, assemble, operate, and fire the weapons in detail.
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