The BL 13.5-inch Mk VI gun was a British heavy naval gun, originally ordered by the Ottoman Navy to equip its Reşadiye-class dreadnoughts around 1911. The one ship completed was seized by the British Government when World War I began in August 1914 and became HMS Erin. Only 10 guns were built, to a design similar to that of their 45-calibre BL 13.5-inch Mk V naval gun. The smaller chamber in the Mk VI gun meant that less propellant could be used which reduced muzzle velocity by 55 ft/s (17 m/s) and range by 630 yards (580 m). Designed by Vickers, they manufactured the guns of X and Y turrets, while Elswick Ordnance Company manufactured the guns of A, B, and Q turrets.
| BL 13.5 inch Mk VI gun | |
|---|---|
| Type | Naval gun |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1914–22 |
| Used by | United Kingdom |
| Wars | World War I |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Vickers |
| Designed | 1909 |
| Manufacturer | Vickers, Elswick Ordnance Company |
| No. built | 10 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 46 long tons (46.7 t) |
| Length | 625.9 in (15.90 m) |
| Barrel length | Bore 607.5 inches (15.4 m) (45 calibre) |
| Shell | 1,400 lb (635 kg) |
| Calibre | 13.5-inch (343 mm) |
| Elevation | 0° – +20° |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,445 ft/s (745 m/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 23,110 yards (21,130 m) at +20° |
Weapons of comparable role, performance and era
edit- 340mm/45 Modèle 1912 gun French equivalent
References
editBibliography
edit- Campbell, N.J.M. (1981). "British Naval Guns 1880–1945, Number Two". In Roberts, John (ed.). Warship V. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-244-7.
- Friedman, Norman (2011). Naval Weapons of World War One. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-100-7
- Johnson and Buxton (2013). The Battleship Builders. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-093-2