Airborne gun

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Airborne guns are airborne artillery pieces, designed for use by paratroopers. They are generally specific or specialised types of infantry support guns, being in the traditional sense capable of being broken down into smaller loads for transport by aircraft and soldiers, thus also suitable as mountain guns. The historical concept of the "airborne guns" is to some degree outdated, their role being filled by mortars, wire-guided missiles, and/or light anti-tank weapons. As it has been many decades since two industrialized great powers engaged directly in warfare, the concept of the "airborne gun" allowing paratroopers to maintain an airhead against an armored force is in that sense non-functional, but currently, all three of the U.S. Army's howitzers (for example), are air-mobile.

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Although the concept of a purpose-built 'airborne gun' is no longer in use, modern artillery, especially if made of titanium or other lightweight materials, can be transported by air. Here is a Sea Stallion lifting an M777. US Navy 090719-N-0120A-634 An MH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter, assigned to the Air Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) lifts an M77.jpg
Although the concept of a purpose-built 'airborne gun' is no longer in use, modern artillery, especially if made of titanium or other lightweight materials, can be transported by air. Here is a Sea Stallion lifting an M777.

Airborne guns by country

China

Germany (historical)

Italy

Soviet Union / Russia

Turkey

United Kingdom

United States

See also

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References

  1. Fire resistance tests. Fire dampers for air distribution systems, BSI British Standards, doi:10.3403/bsiso10294
  2. "Havadan Taşınabilir Obüs (BORAN) Projesi ve Özel Detaylar". 27 February 2018.
  3. "TSK'da 'BORAN' Dönemi".