Little David

Infobox Weapon
name= Little David


caption= Little David at the Aberdeen Proving Ground
origin= United States
type= Heavy Mortar
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is_artillery= Artillery
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service= Testing only
used_by= USA
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weight= 40 tons (without carriage)
length= Barrel (22 ft)
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barrels= 1
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max_range= 6 miles
feed= Muzzle loading
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Little David was the nickname of an American 36 inch (914 mm) caliber mortar used for test firing bombs during World War II. Towards the end of the war it was modified to serve as a siege mortar, as it was expected that the US forces would encounter extremely strong fortifications during the invasion of Japan. Because Japan surrendered, the invasion was unnecessary and Little David was never used in combat. Little David is still one of the artillery pieces with the largest caliber in history, beating even the German 800 mm supergun Schwerer Gustav (although it is equalled by the 19th century French Monster and British Mallet's mortars). The mortar was to be transported by two artillery tractors, making it more mobile than a railway gun. Its potential effectiveness was questionable because of its limited range and accuracy.

External links

* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/little-david.htm globalsecurity.org - 36-inch Little David]