ML-20 152MM SOVIET GUN-HOWITZER

The MŁ-20 gun howitzer is a Soviet 152 mm towed gun from the Second World War and the post-war period. The initial velocity of the demolition shell from this gun was up to 655 m / s, with a maximum range of approximately 17,300 meters. Serial production was carried out in the years 1937-1946 and led to the creation of about 6,900 pieces of this weapon. Design work on a new heavy howitzer for the Red Army began in the mid-1930s, and in 1936 its first prototypes were ready. The work was carried out by a team led by Fyodor Petrov. The new weapon replaced the less successful 152 mm gun wz.1910/34 in the line. The MŁ-20 gun howitzer quickly proved its high combat value. It was primarily characterized by a good rate of fire, a good range of maximum fire, but it was also a highly versatile weapon capable of firing supporting infantry, as well as destroying enemy vehicles. During World War II, they fought in almost all major battles on the Eastern Front in 1941-1945. The MŁ-20 howitzer also became the main weapon of the SU-152 and ISU-152 vehicles. It also remained in the line after 1945 and was exported to many countries around the world, including: Algeria, Bulgaria and the PRC. It was also used by the Polish People's Army.