ML-20

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ML-20 in Hameenlinna artillery Museum, Finland.
152,4 mm gun-howitzer model 1937 (ML-20)
General Data
Country	USSR
Production years	1937-1947
Produced, pcs.	6,884
Caliber, barrel length, weight
Caliber, mm	152,4
Barrel length, clb	35
Combat weight, kg	7270
March weight, kg	7930
Firing angles
Elevation (max.), °	65
Declination (min.), °	-2
Traverse, °	58
Firing capabilities
Range, km	17,23
Rate of fire, rounds per minute	3-4

The ML-20, was a Soviet gun-howitzer, officially designated 152,4 mm gun-howitzer model 1937. The gun was successfully used in the World War II, remained in service for a long time after the end of the war. The ML-20 was also sold to other countries. In some countries in Asia and Africa the gun is still in service.

History

The ML-20 was developed in 1934 at the ordnance plant in Motovilikha by a team led by F. F. Petrov. At he same time the plant worked on another model - ML-15. Both guns went through trials in 1936. Although ML-15 had somewhat better characteristics, the ML-20 used a barrel of the 152.4 mm gun model 1910/34 which was already produced at the Motovilikha plant. Because of the economic factor, the ML-20 was chosen for production. The carriage for a new gun, however, was based on the carriage developed for the ML-15. Because this carriage was much lighter than the original carriage of the 152. 4 gun model 1910/34, the barrel was fitted with a big multi-slotted muzzle brake. The carriage, designated 52-L-504A, was also used for the A-19 122 mm gun.

The gun was in production in 1937-47. A total of 6,884 pieces were manufactured. Additional 3,242 ML-20S guns with shorter barrel were produced for the ISU-152 self-propelled guns.

Combat history

The ML-20 was initially intended for corps artillery, but was mostly employed by artillery regiments of armies. It was also used by artillery brigades and regiments of the High Command Reserve units.

Though heavy, it proved itself a potent weapon on the battlefield and was also employed by the Germans who captured a number of pieces and used them against their former owners.

Ammunition data

• Ammunition:
• *HE/Fragmentation: OF-540, OF-530
• *Fragmentation: O-530A
• *AP: BR-540
• *Anti-concrete: G-530
• Weight of the projectile:
• *HE/Fragmentation: 43.56 kg
• *AP: 48.8 kg
• Muzzle velocity:
• *HE: 655 m/s
• *AP: 600 m/s
• Armor penetration at 1000 m (0 degrees): 123 mm

References and External links