In 1937 work got underway to replace the old 60 pounder guns and 6 inch howitzers with a new modern medium artillery piece. Initial the BL 4.5-inch gun was produced, but though it had good range its shells lacked explosive power so a larger calibre gun was therefore desired.



The result of this exercise became the B.L. 5.5-inch Gun Mk 3.
The first units were equipped with the new gun in May 1942, and the first actions were in the Western Desert Campaign. Range was initially limited with 100 pound shell until a new lighter 80 pound shell was introduced to increase the range and eventually replaced the heavier round.





In use the 5.5 inch Gun the was towed by the AEC Matador artillery tractor, a robust 4x4 truck.

British artillery was designated 'field' 'medium' or 'heavy'. The term 'field' included guns up to and including the 4.5 inch howitzer, while medium covered those over 4.5 inches up to and including the 6 inch howitzer. Guns of 6 inch calibre or above were 'heavy'.
Calibre: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Weight: 5850 kg (5 3/4 tons approx.)
Shell weight: 36.3 kg (80 lbs) high explosive.
Rate of fire: 3 rpm

Hersteller: Battlefront
Best.-Nr.: FLBBX13

47.30 €

55.00 € ²

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