The following U.S. military report on the German 105-mm antiaircraft gun was originally published in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 10, Oct. 22, 1942. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

GERMAN 105-MM ANTIAIRCRAFT GUN Although it is probable that the Germans will retain the 88-mm gun as armament of their heavy AA artillery, due to its successful employment in the past and particularly because of its value as a mobile dual-purpose weapon, it is known that the 105-mm AA gun ranks high in German priorities for war production. At present it is believed that the 105-mm gun is employed purely as a fixed weapon. A limited number of mobile mounts appeared at Hitler's birthday parade in 1939, but the mount proved to be unsatisfactory. Recent reports indicate, however, that a new tractor-drawn mount is being developed, and it is probable that the Germans intend to use this weapon in both an antiaircraft and antitank role. Particulars of the 105-mm gun are as follows: Muzzle velocity         2,890 f/s Length of bore 60 cals Maximum horizontal range 19,075 yds Effective vertical range 36,700 ft Rate of fire (practical) 8 to 10 rpm Weight in action 11.56 tons Elevation -3° to +85° Traverse 360° Weight of projectile 32 lbs Types of ammunition HE with time fuze HE with percussion fuze AP shell

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