These tools were designed as an anti-armor, line for destruction French Maginot and similar fortifications. They were made in the 30s, when you create them to use mathematical calculations of the previous decade. Production took two years, and the first gun was ready to 1939 year. "Karl," a series of German mortars represented the largest ever made by ACS. One of conveyor options, "Geret" 040, mounted with a 600 mm barrel: second - "Geret" 041, 540 mm barrel. In the army, they were called "Thor".
Both "Charles" were huge, frightening guns. Weight and dimensions of tools to restrict their mobility, and crawler chassis only used for movement over short distances. known, that the speed of this powerful weapon, equipped with a diesel engine 580 HP. was only 4.3 km / h. When moving short distances, barrel and frame were placed in separate trailers, hauled by powerful tractors. Long-distance guns transported suspended between special w / e platform.
Disassembly and assembly tools was a time consuming process and produces mobile gantry cranes. The sole purpose of these instruments was the destruction of fortresses, and all their activities were measured and unhurried: and arrive at a predetermined position, and firing (rate of not more than one shot at 10 minutes). For service "Karl" required the calculation of the position of 109 human, of them 30 engaged in the frame and the chassis.
The first combat experience howitzers "Carl" series connected with the siege of Sevastopol (they were not involved in breaking the Maginot Line, which fell along with the rest in France 1940 year). Later, they were involved in the suppression of the Warsaw Uprising. They systematically destroyed the center of Warsaw and suppress resistance.
TO 1944 the majority of the 600-mm barrel was replaced by 540-mm, but Warsaw fights were the last of these tools. hostilities 1945 They were characterized by greater flexibility and transience, howitzers and "Karl" had nowhere to show their destructive power. Most of them had been undermined by the calculations in the final stages of the war. Members of the intelligence departments of the Allied armies were able to examine only a few special of shell belts PzKpfw IV. One copy of "Karl" was left intact and is like a museum exhibit in Russia.
The performance characteristics of the mortar "Karl" "Geret" 040
| combat weight, t | 126 |
| Calculation, people | 16 |
| body Length, mm | 11 370 |
| housing width, mm | 3160 |
| Height, mm | 4780 |
| weaponry | mortar 600 mm (040), 540-mm (041) |
| barrel length, calibres | 8,44 (040), 11,5 (041) |
| gun ammunition | 4 shot |
| Angles BH, city. | 0…+70° |
| Angles GN, city. | 4° |
| firing range, km | 4500 m (concrete-piercing projectile), 6700 m (explosive projectile) |
| engine's type | V-shaped 12-cylinder diesel |
| Engine power, l. from. | 750 |
Photos mortar "Karl"
Mortar "Karl" in the museum of armored vehicles in Kubinka
