M65 Atomic Cannon ("Atomic Annie")

US Army Gun, Heavy, Motorized, 280mm, M65 Atomic Annie | 12 August 2012 | Tankograd Technical Manual Series N° 6001

[moonshot925]

20 cannons were manufactured from 1951 to 1953.

The cannon fired a W9 or W19 nuclear artillery shell with a maximum range of 24-29 miles.

5 Field Artillery Battalions were deployed to the 7th Army in West Germany between October 1953 and April 1954. The units were hosted by the 42nd Field Artillery Group.

Each battalion had 3 280mm guns, 30 officers, 7 warrant officers and 401 enlisted men.

All of the cannons were retired in December 1963.

[moonshot925]

[Citizen Tom Paine]

It is my understanding that the Marines also had these weapons. They went over the side about two weeks after a landing as I recall.

[Sudetenland]

I remember reading about those when I was a kid and they were still deployed. Pretty cool, but not terribly practical as a theater weapon. To big and stationary . . . even in the 50's.

Thanks for the memories.

[Delta 21]

Everyone should have one!!

[wally_bert]

It would fill up my back yard such as it is nicely and I would have the barrel end pointing at the militant marxist’s house next door.

The ground around here is rather soft so I would expect it to sink in a 1/4 of its base or more.

[andyk]

Amazing pictures. I have a few targets in mind...

[Lazamataz]

*THIS* is what I mean when I say "Second Amendment".

I mean, suppose there is a LOT of deer? Suppose they are all operating Russian T-90 tanks?

[tanuki]

Annie should always be remembered for helping to end a war and save lives-without firing a shot in anger.

http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=288

[KoRn]

Awesome!

That’s very interesting. I’d never knew we had nuclear artillery units. I bet those were pretty risky for the guys on the ground, depending on which way the wind is blowing and all.

It never ceases to amaze me in how the Iranians(among others) are still trying to catch up to where we were 60-70 years ago in the ‘nuclear age’ of warfare.

[RayChuang88]

It was an awesome cannon, but the fact it was extremely unwieldy to move around was the reason why as soon as the we got nuclear artillery that could be fired from 155 mm howitzers these were quickly retired. This probably why they eventually replaced this cannon (plus other short range ballistic missiles) with the much more capable MGM-52 Lance missile, which was air tranportable with the C-5 Galaxy.

[moonshot925]

It is my understanding that the Marines also had these weapons.

Not to my knowledge. There was the 663rd Field Artillery Battalion deployed to Okinawa from 1955 to 1957. But this was Army not Marines.

The Marines had other kinds of nuclear like W33 and W48 shells fired from M110 and M114 howitzers.

[Telepathic Intruder]

It’s perfect for someone who’s aim isn’t too good.

[KoRn]

In many pics of Atomic explosions, what are those white streaks you often see near the ‘Mushroom Cloud’ that appear to be going up and down from the ground to the sky? (anyone know?)

They almost appear to be from a secondary explosion of some sort from within the bomb itself.

[donozark]

Could have used one of these puppies on Co roc Mt. Tora Bora as well...

[ansel12]

I still have my copy of my nuclear clearance from being in the Artillery.

[Bobalu]

The Davy Crockett

davy-crockett-king-of-the-atomic-frontier

Video of the Crockett in action

[DugwayDuke]

In many pics of Atomic explosions, what are those white streaks you often see near the ‘Mushroom Cloud’ that appear to be going up and down from the ground to the sky? (anyone know?)

Ground launched rockets used to help measure the height and speed of rise of the mushroom cloud.

[HereInTheHeartland]

This would a great add on to have on my car for those tough commute days.
The guy driving slow in the left lane who just won't get over; could finally and decisively be dealt with.

[ontap]

I was stationed at Ft Sill in 1968 saw one of these babies up close!!!

[sjmjax]

Great gif!

Unfortunately, it's exactly what liberals think a .50 caliber rifle does.