The 16"/50 Caliber Propelling Charge Tank is an iconic piece of naval artillery history, specially designed to accommodate the massive propellant charges used to fire 16-inch shells from U.S. Navy battleships. These tanks were engineered to safely store and transport the propellant bags required to launch projectiles from 16"/50 caliber naval guns, which were some of the most powerful and longest-range guns ever mounted on a warship. This impressive display piece is perfect for collectors, museums, and military history enthusiasts.
See more information below...
Historical Significance:
Used primarily during World War II, the 16"/50 caliber gun was installed on Iowa-class battleships, including the famous USS Iowa, USS New Jersey, and USS Missouri. These guns played a pivotal role in naval warfare, providing long-range bombardment capabilities that supported both land and sea operations. Each 16-inch shell required an extensive propellant charge, which was housed in propelling charge tanks like this one. These tanks were meticulously designed to ensure safe handling and storage of the highly combustible charges, which were packed in silk bags and stacked inside the gun's breech to produce the force needed to propel a 2,700-pound shell up to 23 miles.
Product Features:
Genuine Naval Artifact: This 16"/50 Caliber Propelling Charge Tank is an authentic piece of U.S. Navy history, capturing the era of large-caliber naval artillery.
Historically Accurate Restoration: Restored with attention to detail, this tank is perfect for display in museums, naval exhibits, or as a centerpiece in any military collection.
Iconic Battleship Association: The 16"/50 caliber guns and their propelling charges were instrumental in World War II and the Korean War, with Iowa-class battleships famously providing firepower for key military operations.
Collector's Item: A unique piece for collectors, this propelling charge tank represents the advanced naval ordnance engineering that allowed the U.S. Navy to maintain its dominance at sea.
Historical Usage:
During World War II, Iowa-class battleships with 16"/50 caliber guns delivered critical shore bombardments and naval fire support. The propellant charges stored in these tanks were vital for the performance of these guns, as the substantial power they generated allowed the battleships to strike distant and heavily fortified targets with precision. These propelling charge tanks reflect the dedication to safety and effectiveness that defined naval ordnance handling practices during the mid-20th century.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
We currently do not have pictures of this item restored.
Please visit our page about order lead times here: Order Lead Times
