BL 13.5-inch Mk VI naval gun

The BL 13.5-inch Mk VI gun was a British heavy naval gun, originally ordered by the Ottoman Navy to equip its Reşadiye-class dreadnoughts around 1911. The one ship completed was seized by the British Government when World War I began in August 1914 and became HMS Erin. Only 10 guns were built, to a design similar to that of their 45-calibre BL 13.5-inch Mk V naval gun. The smaller chamber in the Mk VI gun meant that less propellant could be used which reduced muzzle velocity by 55 ft/s (17 m/s) and range by 630 yards (580 m). Designed by Vickers, they manufactured the guns of X and Y turrets, while Elswick Ordnance Company manufactured the guns of A, B, and Q turrets.

BL 13.5 inch Mk VI gun
TypeNaval gun
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
In service1914–22
Used byUnited Kingdom
WarsWorld War I
Production history
DesignerVickers
Designed1909
ManufacturerVickers, Elswick Ordnance Company
No. built10
Specifications
Mass46 long tons (46.7 t)
Length625.9 in (15.90 m)
Barrel lengthBore 607.5 inches (15.4 m) (45 calibre)

Shell1,400 lb (635 kg)
Calibre13.5-inch (343 mm)
Elevation0° – +20°
Muzzle velocity2,445 ft/s (745 m/s)
Maximum firing range23,110 yards (21,130 m) at +20°

Weapons of comparable role, performance and era

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References

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Bibliography

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  • Campbell, N.J.M. (1981). "British Naval Guns 1880–1945, Number Two". In Roberts, John (ed.). Warship V. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-244-7.
  • Friedman, Norman (2011). Naval Weapons of World War One. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-100-7
  • Johnson and Buxton (2013). The Battleship Builders. Barnsley, UK: Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84832-093-2
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13.5-inch Mk VI on Navweaps