List of field guns facts for kids

Field guns are a special type of big cannon used by armies. They are part of what's called field artillery. Field guns shoot heavy shells (like big bullets) very far and very fast. They have long barrels, which helps the shell travel in a mostly flat line. This makes them great for shooting at targets far away. Soldiers use them to support their friends from a distance or to shoot back at enemy cannons.

Towed Field Guns: Cannons on Wheels!

Imagine a really big cannon that needs to be pulled by a truck or a team of horses. That's a towed field gun! These cannons don't move by themselves. They have wheels, so they can be moved to different places on the battlefield.

Many different countries have used towed field guns throughout history. They come in various sizes, measured by their "caliber." The caliber is the width of the inside of the gun's barrel. For example, a 75 mm gun fires a shell that is 75 millimeters wide.

Some famous towed field guns were used during big wars like World War I and World War II. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Soviet Union all had their own versions. These guns were important for battles, helping to clear the way for soldiers or stop enemy attacks from far away.

Examples of Towed Field Guns

• 75 mm guns: Many countries made 75 mm field guns. The Canon de 75 modèle 1897 from France was very famous in World War I. Japan also had the Type 38 75 mm field gun.
• 76.2 mm guns: The Soviet Union used many 76.2 mm guns, like the 76 mm divisional gun M1942 (ZiS-3), which was a very common gun in World War II.
• 105 mm guns: Larger guns, like the 105 mm ones, could shoot even heavier shells further. The 10 cm sK 18 was a German 105 mm gun used in World War II. Modern armies still use 105 mm guns today, such as the L118 Light Gun from the UK.
• 155 mm guns: These are some of the largest towed field guns. The 155-mm Gun M1 was a powerful American gun from World War II. Modern versions like the M777 howitzer are still used by armies around the world.

Self-Propelled Field Guns: Cannons on the Move!

Unlike towed guns, self-propelled field guns can move all by themselves! They are usually built onto a tank-like vehicle. This means they can keep up with tanks and other fast-moving army units. They can also shoot and then quickly move to a new spot, which helps them avoid enemy fire.

These vehicles have strong armor to protect the crew inside. They are designed to provide quick fire support wherever it's needed on the battlefield.

Examples of Self-Propelled Field Guns

• 75 mm guns: During World War II, the M3 75 mm GMC was an American vehicle that carried a 75 mm gun. Germany also had armored cars like the Sd.Kfz. 234/3 with 75 mm guns.
• 76.2 mm guns: The Soviet Union developed several self-propelled guns, such as the SU-76, which was widely used in World War II.
• 155 mm guns: Many modern self-propelled guns use 155 mm cannons. The M12 Gun Motor Carriage was an American example from World War II. Today, countries like South Africa have the powerful G6 howitzer, and China uses the PLZ-45. These big guns can fire shells very far and are important for modern armies.
• Larger Calibers: Some very large self-propelled guns exist, like the American M107 Self-Propelled Gun with a 175 mm gun, or the M110 Gun Motor Carriage with a 203 mm gun, used after World War II.