Canon d Infanterie de 37 modele 1916

Go Back to Infantry Support Gun

	Weapon: Canon d Infanterie de 37 modele 1916 Type: Infantry Support Gun Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1916 Overall Length (mm): 2000.0 Overall Length (in): 78.74 Weight (kg): 800.00 Weight (pounds): 1763.7

The Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modele 1916 (tir rapide, Puteaux) was a French-designed light infantry support gun developed during World War I. With a caliber of 37mm, it was compact and lightweight, making it suitable for direct infantry support against enemy machine gun nests and fortified positions. It utilized a simple breech-loading mechanism and could be easily transported by a single soldier or a small team, enhancing its mobility on the battlefield.

Production of the modele 1916 began in 1916, and it quickly became a common sight in French and allied infantry units. Thousands were manufactured during the war, with production ramping up to meet the high demand for portable firepower. Its primary ammunition consisted of high-explosive and armor-piercing shells, allowing it to address a variety of tactical situations, from engaging enemy fortifications to countering light armor.

The Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modele 1916 gained notoriety for its effectiveness in the trenches of World War I, where it provided a critical edge in breaking through enemy defenses. After the war, it remained in service with various armies, including the U.S. military, which adopted it as the M1916 37mm gun. Despite being rendered obsolete by larger and more versatile weapons in World War II, it remains historically significant as one of the first modern infantry support guns, setting the stage for future developments in this category.