HERITAGE GUNS AND TECHNOLOGY
These six Heritage Guns represent key developments in the history of Canadian Artillery. To learn more about these guns, find them in our permanent galleries and examples of their ordnance in the UBIQUE 150 exhibit.
In 1871, the 9 Pounder smoothbore, muzzle-loading, bronze cannon fired common, case, and shrapnel rounds approximately one kilometre.
In 1902, the 12 Pounder included a one-piece rifled steel barrel, a self-contained firing mechanism, breech-loading technology that increased the fire rate, and a spade under the trail that reduced recoil.
In WWI, the 18 Pounder included a hydraulic recoil mechanism to absorb the forces caused by firing, fixed shell and cartridge ammunition, modern optical sites for indirect fire, and gun shields to protect the Gunners.
In WWII, the 25 Pounder operated as a howitzer/field gun, incorporating a muzzle brake for improved effectiveness and a firing platform with 360 degrees traverse.
In 1970, the M109 used state-of-the-art technology for a high-intensity mechanized battlefield with enhanced range, accuracy, firing speed, and explosive power.
Today, the M777 incorporates a digitized fire-control system, precision-guided projectiles, GPS data and inertial navigation, with a range of forty kilometres.