Paris Gun, German artillery weapon in Laon, France
The Paris Gun is a German artillery weapon in Laon, France, developed during the First World War. The weapon system reached a total length of approximately 34 meters and needed a specialized railway system for transport and deployment.
The manufacturer Krupp began development of this long-range weapon in 1917 to shell Paris from a distance of 121 kilometers. The cannon was used during the final months of the First World War in 1918.
The arrival of shells in Paris initially confused residents, who attributed the explosions to Zeppelin airship attacks rather than artillery fire.
Operation required a crew of approximately 80 specialists who worked together to handle the complex system. Barrel wear from the enormous forces made frequent maintenance necessary.
The projectiles reached heights of approximately 42 kilometers in the stratosphere and set records in doing so. This achievement remained unmatched until the deployment of V-2 rockets in 1942.
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