38.1 cm /45 Model 1926 naval gun

The 38.1 cm/45 Model 1926 naval gun, also known as the Vickers-Armstrong 38.1 centimetres (15.0 in) Mark B, was originally intended to form the armament of the Brazilian battleship Riachuelo. Eighteen of the guns were subsequently purchased by Spain for use as coastal artillery.[1]

38.1 cm/45 Model 1926
Surviving Vickers 38.1cm/45 1926 at Monte San Pedro - Coruña
TypeCoastal artillery
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
In service1929-2008
Used bySpain
Production history
Designed1912
ManufacturerVickers-Armstrong
Specifications
Mass223 tons (227 tonnes)
ShellAPC, HE
Shell weightAPC - 1,951 lbs (885 kg), HE - 1,951 lbs (885 kg)
Caliber15 Inch (381mm)
Elevation-5 / +40 degrees
Traverse300 degrees
Rate of fire2 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocityAPC - 2,500 fps (762 m/s)
Effective firing range39,390 yards (35,100 m)

The guns could fire an armour-piercing shell weighing 860 kilograms (1,900 lb) at a velocity of 762 metres per second (2,500 ft/s) or a high-explosive shell weighing 802 kilograms (1,768 lb) to a range of 35,100 metres (115,200 ft). They were mounted in individual armoured gun houses.[2][3]

In the 1990s, seven mounts remained operational, and were provided with modern Swedish fire control equipment.[3]

Locations

Cartagena: 4 Guns. Batteries Castillitos and Cenizas, each with 2 guns (Guns still in situ).

Ferrol and A Coruña: Originally 8 guns. Batteries at Cape Prior (Guns scrapped 1997), Monte San Pedro (Guns still in situ), Campelo Alta (Guns transferred 1941) and Lobateiras (Guns removed), each with 2 Guns.

Menorca: Originally 6 guns. Batteries at Favarix (Guns transferred 1944), Mahon and Llucalary (guns still in situ), each with 2 guns.

Subsequently, the guns at Campelo Alta were moved to a new location at Paloma Alta, work being completed in October 1941. One of these guns was destroyed when it suffered a premature detonation during Proof Firing. Later the two guns from the Favarix Battery were transferred, becoming operational in January 1944. These three guns remained in service until 2008, when the last one finally retired into reserve.

[4]

Surviving examples

West of Cartagena two guns of the Castillitos Battery :

  • 37°32.400′N 1°7.250′W
  • 37°32.425′N 1°7.208′W

East of Cartagena two guns of the de Las Cenizas Battery :

At Monte De San Pedro, W of A Coruña, two guns :

East of Cala Llucalari, Menorca, two guns :

At Bateria de Costa, Paloma Alta, W of Algeciras, two guns:

Notes
  1. DiGiulian, Tony. "38.1 cm/45 (15") Model 1926". Retrieved 18 July 2012.
  2. Foss 1987, p. 657.
  3. Freidman 1997, pp. 269–270.
  4. "LOS 38,1 ESPAÑOLES". Archived from the original on 28 January 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.

References
  • Foss, Christopher F. (1987). Jane's Armour and Artillery 1987–88. London: Jane's Yearbooks. ISBN 0-7106-0849-7.
  • Friedman, Norman (1997). The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems 1997–1998. Annapolis, Maryland, USA: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-268-4.

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