| Swiss Solothurn, S-18/100 20mm Anti-Tank Cannon (Manufactured for export and adopted by Italy, Hungary, and Switzerland.) |
Finnish, L-39 Lahti 20mm Anti-Tank Cannon |
http://www.inert-ord.net/atrkts/50-55-20/Solothurn20mm.jpg |
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System of operation: Recoil, semi-automatic, rotating bolt Overall Length: 85 in Barrel: 57 in Weight: ? Feed Device: 5 or 10-round box magazine Muzzle velocity: 762 m/sec Penetration: 35mm at 300m |
System of operation: Recoil, semi-automatic Overall Length: 2 240 mm ( 88.2 in ) Barrel length: 1300 mm ( 51.2 in ) Weight: 49.5 kg ( 109 lbs. ) Feed Device: 10-round box magazine Muzzle velocity: 800 m/s ( 2624 f.p.s. ) @ 15rpm (30max) Penetration: 20mm at 300m - 60° (40mm using APCR ammo) |
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Above are two of the largest anti-tank rifles of their time. Japan also produced a 20mm cannon, the Type 97. Probably the largest weapon in this class, weighing in at a massive 59kg (130 lbs). As you can see by the photos these were pushing the limits of what could be considered a portable infantry weapon. Even though these guns had superior single shot performance compared to either the Boys or Browning, their sheer size and weight were a major handicap. Combined with the fact that tank armor was quickly reaching thickness impenetrable by even these behemoths, the days of an effective anti-tank rifle were over. However the Solothurn and Lahti continued to find service roles as long range light "sniper" artillery. Here is a couple of interesting sites worth a vist: Jaeger Platoon WinterWar 05.06.07
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