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Davy Crockett Weapon System: Difference between revisions
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The '''Davy Crockett Weapon System''' was a tactical nuclear launch system developed in the 1950s, based around the small W54 nuclear warhead. The M338 warhead had a yield equivalent to 10-20 tons of TNT, and being rather fragile, required a fairly unique launcher to be developed to fire it. | The '''Davy Crockett Weapon System''' was a tactical nuclear launch system developed in the 1950s, based around the small W54 nuclear warhead. The M338 warhead had a yield equivalent to 10-20 tons of TNT, and being rather fragile, required a fairly unique launcher to be developed to fire it. | ||
The two launchers designed for the M338 were the smaller M28 and larger M29. Both worked according to the same principles, being smoothbore recoilless guns which used a two-part propulsion system, the first part being a propelling charge about the size of a LAW rocket launcher and the second a piston or spigot which transferred the force of the detonating charge to the projectile, the whole device functioning like a gigantic rifle grenade. | The two launchers designed for the M338 were the smaller M28, with a range of 1.25 miles, and larger M29, with a range of 2.5 miles. Both worked according to the same principles, being smoothbore recoilless guns which used a two-part propulsion system, the first part being a propelling charge about the size of a LAW rocket launcher and the second a piston or spigot which transferred the force of the detonating charge to the projectile, the whole device functioning like a gigantic rifle grenade. | ||
The system was noted for being inaccurate and not well liked by either politicians or commanders: while funding was provided for 6,247 guns of the two types, only 2,100 were ever produced, issued at a rate of four launchers to a battalion. Just 400 M338 projectiles were made, making the Davy Crockett a odd case of a gun significantly more common than its own ammunition. | |||
{{Gun Title}} | {{Gun Title}} | ||
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* '''Caliber:''' 4.7 in (120mm) + 20mm spotting rifle (M28), 6.1 in (155mm) + 37mm spotting rifle (M29), M338 diameter {{convert|in|11}} | * '''Caliber:''' 4.7 in (120mm) + 20mm spotting rifle (M28), 6.1 in (155mm) + 37mm spotting rifle (M29), M338 diameter {{convert|in|11}} | ||
* '''Weight:''' {{convert|lbs| | * '''Weight:''' {{convert|lbs|116}} (M28, empty), {{convert|lbs|371}} (M29, empty) + {{convert|lbs|76}} (M338 nuclear projectile) | ||
* '''Length:''' 5 ft 1in (M28), 8 ft 2in (M29), 31in (M338 projectile) | * '''Length:''' 5 ft 1in (M28), 8 ft 2in (M29), 31in (M338 projectile) | ||
* '''Feed System:''' | * '''Feed System:''' Muzzle-loading single shot | ||
* '''Fire Modes:''' Single shot, timer-based detonation | * '''Fire Modes:''' Single shot, timer-based detonation | ||
Revision as of 12:06, 11 January 2018
The Davy Crockett Weapon System was a tactical nuclear launch system developed in the 1950s, based around the small W54 nuclear warhead. The M338 warhead had a yield equivalent to 10-20 tons of TNT, and being rather fragile, required a fairly unique launcher to be developed to fire it.
The two launchers designed for the M338 were the smaller M28, with a range of 1.25 miles, and larger M29, with a range of 2.5 miles. Both worked according to the same principles, being smoothbore recoilless guns which used a two-part propulsion system, the first part being a propelling charge about the size of a LAW rocket launcher and the second a piston or spigot which transferred the force of the detonating charge to the projectile, the whole device functioning like a gigantic rifle grenade.
The system was noted for being inaccurate and not well liked by either politicians or commanders: while funding was provided for 6,247 guns of the two types, only 2,100 were ever produced, issued at a rate of four launchers to a battalion. Just 400 M338 projectiles were made, making the Davy Crockett a odd case of a gun significantly more common than its own ammunition.
The Davy Crockett Weapon System and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:
Specifications
(1961-1971)
- Type: Recoilless spigot gun
- Origin: United States
- Caliber: 4.7 in (120mm) + 20mm spotting rifle (M28), 6.1 in (155mm) + 37mm spotting rifle (M29), M338 diameter 11 in (27.9 cm)
- Weight: 116 lbs (52.6 kg) (M28, empty), 371 lbs (168.3 kg) (M29, empty) + 76 lbs (34.5 kg) (M338 nuclear projectile)
- Length: 5 ft 1in (M28), 8 ft 2in (M29), 31in (M338 projectile)
- Feed System: Muzzle-loading single shot
- Fire Modes: Single shot, timer-based detonation
Video Games
| Game Title | Appears as | Note | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | M28, fictional man-portable version | 2004 |