Röchling shell
Encyclopedia
Röchling shells were bunker-busting artillery shells, developed by German engineer August Cönders
during World War II
, based on the theory of increasing sectional density to improve penetration.
The shells were able to penetrate more than 4 metres (13.1 ft) of reinforced concrete, but had low muzzle velocity, and as such were very inaccurate: 36 m (118.1 ft) on 1000 m (3,280.8 ft) range. As a result, they saw very limited use during World War II
; only about 200 shells were ever fired.
Röchling shells were developed for the 21 cm Mörser 18
, 34 cm railway gun 674(f) and for the 35.5 cm Haubitze M1
only.
They were regarded as a secret German weapon, and there is speculation that the limited use was in order to reduce the chance of dud shells being captured and exploited by the Allied forces
. A more likely reason, however, is the poor accuracy of the shells.
August Cönders
August Cönders was a German engineer working for Röchling Stahlwerk AG during World War II.He designed the Röchling Shell and the V-3 cannon.- References :...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, based on the theory of increasing sectional density to improve penetration.
The shells were able to penetrate more than 4 metres (13.1 ft) of reinforced concrete, but had low muzzle velocity, and as such were very inaccurate: 36 m (118.1 ft) on 1000 m (3,280.8 ft) range. As a result, they saw very limited use during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
; only about 200 shells were ever fired.
Röchling shells were developed for the 21 cm Mörser 18
21 cm Mörser 18
The 21 cm Mörser 18 was a German heavy howitzer used in the Second World War by independent artillery battalions and batteries. A number were also used by coast defense artillery units.-Design & History:...
, 34 cm railway gun 674(f) and for the 35.5 cm Haubitze M1
35.5 cm Haubitze M1
The 35.5 cm Haubitze M1 was a German siege howitzer. It was developed by Rheinmetall before World War II to meet the German Army's request for a super-heavy howitzer. Eight were produced between 1939 and 1944...
only.
They were regarded as a secret German weapon, and there is speculation that the limited use was in order to reduce the chance of dud shells being captured and exploited by the Allied forces
Allies of World War II
The Allies of World War II were the countries that opposed the Axis powers during the Second World War . Former Axis states contributing to the Allied victory are not considered Allied states...
. A more likely reason, however, is the poor accuracy of the shells.