Solothurn S-18/1100

The Solothurn S-18/1100 was a Swiss 20 mm anti-tank rifle used during the Second World War by a number of combatants.

Solothurn S-18/1100 20 mm Anti-Tank Rifle
A 20 mm Solothurn S-18/1100 AA-Mount at the Museum Altes Zeughaus Solothurn, Switzerland.
TypeLarge caliber rifle
Anti-tank rifle
Anti-aircraft gun
Place of originSwitzerland
Service history
Used bySwitzerland
Hungary
Italy
Nazi Germany
The Netherlands
WarsWorld War II
Production history
VariantsSolothurn S-18/100
Solothurn S-18/1000
Specifications
Mass54.7 kg (121 lb)
Length2.1 m (6 ft 11 in)
Barrel length1.3 m (4 ft 3 in)[1]
CartridgeFixed QF 20×138mmB
Caliber20 mm (0.79 in)
ActionSelective fire
Rate of fire15-20 rpm
Muzzle velocity750 m/s (2,500 ft/s)
Feed system5 or 10 round magazine[1]

History

As a result of the defeat of the central-powers during World War I and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles, Germany was forbidden from developing arms. In order to circumvent these limitations many German arms firms opened foreign subsidiaries or bought controlling interests to continue designing and selling arms. One of these companies was the Swiss Solothurn company which was owned by the German firm Rheinmetall.

Design

The S-18/1100 started life as a selective fire variant of the earlier S-18/1000 anti-tank rifle. As a result of its powerful ammunition, the gun had tremendous recoil. Also, its length and weight made portability difficult, so a two-wheeled split-trail carriage was provided. Once towed into position the gun could be fired from the carriage or dismounted and fired from a bipod for the anti-tank role. In the anti-tank role, it was able to penetrate 15–18 mm (0.59–0.71 in) at 300 m (330 yd) (30°).[1] In addition to its anti-tank role it was offered with a collapsible high-angle mount with three outriggers so it could function as a light anti-aircraft gun.

Service

In addition to being used by the Swiss, it also saw service with Hungary as the Tankbuchse, Italy as the Fucile anticarro, Germany as the 2 cm PzB785(s) and The Netherlands as the Geweer tp 18-1100. Guns captured by the Germans were given the designations 2 cm PzB785(h) and 2 cm PzB785(i).[1]

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References
  1. Chamberlain, Peter (1974). Anti-tank weapons. Gander, Terry. New York: Arco Pub. Co. p. 37. ISBN 0668036079. OCLC 1299755.


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