THE GERMAN 28-CENTIMETRE HOWITZER.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 136, 15 February 1915, Page 3

THE GERMAN 28-CENTIMETRE HOWITZER.

In the course of an article descriptive of the German weapon throwing the “Jack oJhnson” shells, which is based upon information supplied by the Krupp Company, the “Navy and Army” remarks: “The shell contains a bursting charge of 38 pounds of explosive. As eight different firing charges may be used, according to requirements, the initial velocity of the projectile may be varied from 580 to 1,115 feet per second. Consequently, it is possible to obtain, at any range exceeding 7,216 feet —abount one and aquarter miles —a falling angle for the projectile in excess of 22 degrees. Although the howitzer can be fired at a maximum elevation of 65 degrees, the maximum range is .obtained at an elevation of 42?; degrees.- At this elevation the shell can be hurled, with the maximum firing charge, a distance of 33,1.28 feet —approximately six and aquarter miles. At the maximum elevation of 65 degrees the maximum range with thejnaximum firing charge is 24,272 feet —about four and a-half miles. Under these conditions the shell takes 59.17 seconds in its flight. In other words, barely a minute elapses between the Issue of the projectile from the muzzle of the howitzer and Us striking the target.”