Cannone da 70/15

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	Weapon: Cannone da 70/15 Type: Infantry Support Gun Country of Origin: Italy Year Adopted: 1915 Caliber: 70x86mmR Action: Breech-Loading Cannon Overall Length (mm): 1950.0 Overall Length (in): 76.77 Weight (kg): 1500.00 Weight (pounds): 3306.93 Effective Range (km): 15 Effective Range (miles): 9.32

The Cannone da 70/15 was a light mountain gun designed by the Italian military in the late 19th century to provide effective artillery support in rugged terrain. It featured a 70mm caliber barrel and a breech-loading mechanism, allowing for faster and more efficient firing than traditional muzzle-loading designs. The gun's lightweight construction and disassemblable components made it highly portable, a crucial attribute for mountain warfare, where maneuverability was essential.

The gun entered production in the late 1890s and served as the standard light artillery piece for the Italian Army during the early 20th century. Though exact production figures are unclear, several hundred units were manufactured and deployed in both mountain and colonial theaters. Its adaptable design allowed it to fire a variety of ammunition, including high-explosive and shrapnel shells, enhancing its versatility on the battlefield.

The Cannone da 70/15 saw extensive service during World War I, particularly in the challenging Alpine campaigns where its portability and reliability were highly valued. It was also employed in Italy's colonial conflicts in Africa, further cementing its reputation as a dependable artillery piece. Although largely obsolete by World War II, its historical significance lies in its role as a pioneer of lightweight, mobile artillery, influencing subsequent designs in mountain and field guns.