Model 1885 U.S. 3.2in

Breech-Loading Field Cannon

United States | 1885

"The 3.2 US Model 1885 Field Cannon superseded the 3-inch Ordnance rifles in U.S. Army service and improved performance through its breech-loaded action."

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Model 1885 U.S. 3.2in Breech-Loading Field Cannon.

None. This is a towed artillery piece.
Installed Power

Structure
The physical qualities of the Model 1885 U.S. 3.2in Breech-Loading Field Cannon.

6
(MANNED)
Crew

Armament & Ammunition
Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Model 1885 U.S. 3.2in Breech-Loading Field Cannon.

1 x 3.2" (81mm) main gun barrel.

AMMUNITION:
Dependent upon ammunition carrier.

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Model 1885 U.S. 3.2in family line.

3.2 US Model 1885 - Base Series Designation

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/21/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The 3.2" Field Cannon Model 1885 appeared after the bloody experiences of the American Civil War (1861-1865) and succeeded the popular 3" Ordnance Rifle line. It improved upon its predecessor in being a breech-loaded weapon with a rifled barrel unlike the breech-loaded, rifled 3" Ordnance Rifle. Design of the weapon was traditional for the period and included twin, heavily-spoked road wheels along a single axle containing the mounting and trailing tow arm. The barrel was affixed to the mounting system and tapered along its length, producing three visible divisions leading to the muzzle. A screw-type device allowed for limited elevation values to be achieved while traversal was handled by simply moving the gun about its wheeled carriage. Basic road transport was via horse (or similar beast-of-burden) while an iron-framed, two-wheeled limber provided the ammunition supply and four-wheeled road functionality (when towed over distance).

The Model 1855's breech incorporated a screw-type arrangement hinged to open to the left and expose the breech of the gun. When closed, it protected the crew and sealed the chamber for the detonating action within. The breech-loading system of operation allowed for greater rates-of-fire to be achieved and improved the tactical value of the field gun in general. These guns were also fitted with a simple form of recoil dampening - whereas basic guns throttled rearwards after firing (and moved back into position by the crew), the Model 1885 recoiled rearwards and then was thrust forwards automatically, landing near the original site of firing. This lessened the time and manpower required to realign the gun for a successive shot. The action earned the cannon the nickname of "grasshopper" and the weapon went on to serve in the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine American War (1899-1902).

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Model 1885 U.S. 3.2in. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.

Total Production: 3,500 Units
Contractor(s): State Arsenals - USA

[ United States ]

1 / 4

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

2 / 4

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

3 / 4

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

4 / 4

Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

❮ ❯

Going Further...
The Model 1885 U.S. 3.2in Breech-Loading Field Cannon appears in the following collections:

HOME

ARMOR INDEX

ARMOR BY COUNTRY

VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks of the World U.S. Department of Defense Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols Breakdown U.S. 5-Star Generals List WWII Weapons by Country World War Next

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)