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M-1 Anti-Aircraft 90mm

 

Development of the M-1, 90mm, 3.5 inch cannon began in 1938, when the U.S. Army recognized its 76mm, 3 inch projectile was inadequate for the larger and higher flying aircraft being developed at that time. As the heaviest caliber of the American anti-aircraft artillery during WWII it was developed as a mobile anti-aircraft unit or for limited sea or land targets. While the cannon was remarkably well machined the mobile carriage was more complex as in loading. Towed on a single axle the unit, a folding platform was lowered forming its mount. In practice the reloading of this assembly was difficult and slow. Positive developments was the utilization of electrically controlled transverse and elevation controls. The 24lb shell, with a high explosive projectile, could be fired at (25) rounds per minute and had a muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second, with a maximum ceiling range of 40,000 feet. In 1944, the introduction of projectile with a proximity fuse increased its anti-aircraft effectiveness and was instrumental in destroying German V-1 "Buzz Bombs" over England.

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