Vasco Da Gama
Well-Known Member
This case has been in my collection for years, identified as being from the 85mm D48 anti-tank gun, length 708mm and rim 147mm, pictured alongside the standard 629mm length 85mm case used in the Model 1939 (KS12) anti-aircraft gun. Not sure about the date of the case, possible date on the primer 1987.
Having reviewed a number of references on the Model 1944 (KS18) anti-aircraft gun they tend to agree that this gun had improved performance in every respect. They also tend to agree this was achieved by improving the propellant power with the same projectiles. I was just wondering if this was achieved by using the 708mm case which clearly has an increased volume. I understand the change would have introduced this case before the D-48 gun entered service. Again I understand this case was a necked down 100mm case, but lots of nations considered this approach to gain performance from their existing guns, happy to be educated.
Having reviewed a number of references on the Model 1944 (KS18) anti-aircraft gun they tend to agree that this gun had improved performance in every respect. They also tend to agree this was achieved by improving the propellant power with the same projectiles. I was just wondering if this was achieved by using the 708mm case which clearly has an increased volume. I understand the change would have introduced this case before the D-48 gun entered service. Again I understand this case was a necked down 100mm case, but lots of nations considered this approach to gain performance from their existing guns, happy to be educated.
