kids encyclopedia robot

Type 89 150 mm cannon facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Type 89 150 mm cannon
Model 89 15cm heavy gun Japan.jpg
Type Type 89 150 mm cannon
Place of origin Japan
Service history
In service 1929-1945
Used by Japan
Wars Sino-Japanese War, World War II
Production history
Produced 1929
No. built 150
Specifications
Mass 22,830 lb (10,360 kg)
Length 26 ft 4 in (8.03 m)
Barrel length 18 ft 10 in (6 m)

Shell HE, APHE, Shrapnel, Illumination
Caliber 5.87 in (149 mm)
Breech Interrupted screw
Recoil hydro-pneumatic
Carriage box trail
Elevation -5° to +43°
Traverse 40°
Rate of fire 2 rpm
Maximum firing range 21,800 yd (19,900 m)

The Type 89 150 mm cannon (also known as the "15-cm gun") was a very powerful artillery piece used by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). It was officially called 九二式十糎加農砲 (Hachi-ju-ku-shiki Jyū-senchi Kannohō) in Japanese. This large gun was one of the main weapons for Japan's heavy artillery units. It was designed to fire shells over very long distances.

A Powerful Gun in Wartime

The Type 89 cannon was first made in 1929. It quickly became an important weapon for the Japanese army. This cannon was used in two major conflicts. It saw action during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which began in 1937. It was also used throughout World War II, from 1939 to 1945.

Japanese forces used the Type 89 for long-range attacks. It could hit targets far away, making it useful for supporting infantry troops. Its powerful shells could break through enemy defenses. About 150 of these cannons were built. They were a key part of Japan's heavy firepower on the battlefield.

Key Features of the Type 89

The Type 89 was a very heavy gun. It weighed about 22,830 pounds (10,356 kg). This made it difficult to move around quickly. It needed a special carriage to be transported.

  • Caliber: The gun fired shells that were 150 mm (about 5.87 inches) wide. This is why it was called a "150 mm cannon."
  • Range: It could fire shells up to 21,800 yards (about 19,934 meters). This was a very long distance for artillery at the time.
  • Rate of Fire: The cannon could fire about two rounds per minute. This means it could shoot two shells every 60 seconds.
  • Shell Types: It could fire different kinds of shells. These included high-explosive (HE) shells to blow things up. It also used armor-piercing (APHE) shells to attack armored vehicles. Other types included shrapnel shells and illumination shells to light up the battlefield at night.

The Type 89 cannon was a significant part of the Imperial Japanese Army's artillery. It helped shape how battles were fought during its time in service.

Learn More

kids search engine
Type 89 150 mm cannon Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.