The Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP Introduced in 1916 in the midst of World War I, the Fre

The Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP Introduced in 1916 in the midst of World War I, the French Model 1916 infantry cannon was a small artillery piece designed to be easily transported into battle to provide support for the infantry. A small 238 lb piece of whoop ass, the Model 1916 could be towed to the front lines by a single mule, horse, or donkey, then hauled into combat by a team of four infantryman.  It fired a high explosive 37mm shell, the smallest caliber permitted for explosive shells by the Hague Convention, at an optimum range of 1500 meters and a maximum range of 2400 meters.  With a well trained crew, it could fire at a rate of 25 shots per minute.  The cannon typically came with a tripod, and also could have an optional protective shield and flash suppressor.  For direct fire the gun was aimed with a telescopic sight, and with a quadrant sight for indirect fire.The French used the gun extensively during the war, applying it to destroy machine gun positions, barbed wire, and other fortifications during infantry assaults. When the United States entered the war in 1917, the US Army had a severe shortage of artillery pieces, infantry support guns, and machine guns.  Thus many French weapons were supplied, among them the Model 1916. Beyond infantry use, the gun was intended to be used as the main weapon for the US M1917 light tank. However the war ended before full scale production of the tank could begin.  The guns were also occasionally mounted on aircraft. The most famous example was the French fighter ace Rene Fonck who shot down 11 planes among his 72 kills using the cannon mounted within the engine compartment of his SPAD S VII fighter. The Model 1916 continued to be used up to World War II with both American and French forces, often supplied with ammo piercing ammunition and used as anti tank guns. -- source link

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