Experience the legacy of naval artillery with the 8"/55cal Mark 24 High-Capacity Projectile, paired with the Mark 18 Fuze. This collectible is available in restored or unrestored condition and is selectable via a dropdown menu, making it a perfect addition for military history enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Product Details:
- DODAC/DODIC/DDAC: D634
- NSN: 1320-00-423-6576
- Part Numbers (Navsea & Navair):
- Condition Options: Restored or Unrestored
Historical Significance of RF Mark 16 Guns:
The 8"/55cal Mark 24 Projectile was used with RF Mark 16 guns, a groundbreaking innovation in naval weaponry. These guns, deployed on the Des Moines-class heavy cruisers, were the first U.S. Navy 8" (20.3 cm) guns to utilize separate ammunition instead of traditional bag ammunition.
Coupled with an automatic shell handling and loading system these weapons achieved a firing rate three times greater than earlier 8" guns. This, combined with the use of "super-heavy" armor-piercing projectiles, solidified the Des Moines class as the most formidable heavy cruisers ever constructed.
Renowned for their reliability, the RF Mark 16 guns remained in service through the Vietnam War, showcasing consistent performance more than 25 years after their introduction. However, the advanced capabilities of these guns came at a cost—the turret mountings weighed 50% more than those in the preceding Baltimore-class cruisers, reflecting the substantial investment in firepower and technology.
Why Choose This Item?
This Mark 24 High-Capacity Projectile represents a key advancement in naval warfare and serves as a tangible connection to the powerful Des Moines-class cruisers. Whether restored for display or left unrestored for historical preservation, this piece is a must-have for military ordnance collectors.
Approx length 32", Approx width 8", Approx height 8", Approx weight 234lbs.
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.
References
CAPULDI page 1-39
OP-1664-Vol 1 1947 Page 56
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