M65 atomic cannon

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	Weapon: M65 atomic cannon Type: Tactical Nuclear Weapons Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1953 Caliber: W9 Warhead Action: Breech-Loading Cannon Overall Length (mm): 3600.0 Overall Length (in): 141.73 Weight (kg): 80000.00 Weight (pounds): 176369.81 Effective Range (m): 32 m Effective Range (yards): 35

The M65 Atomic Cannon, also known as "Atomic Annie," was a heavy artillery piece developed by the United States in the early 1950s to deliver tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield. Designed at the height of Cold War tensions, the cannon could fire a specially designed 280mm nuclear shell with a range of approximately 20 miles. The design of the M65 drew from German heavy artillery developed during World War II, resulting in a massive weapon that required two specialized tractors for transport. Despite its size, it was engineered to be deployable in field conditions, providing a mobile platform for nuclear firepower.

A total of 20 M65 Atomic Cannons were produced between 1951 and 1953, with several deployed to Europe and Asia during the early years of the Cold War. The cannon's most famous moment came during a 1953 test at the Nevada Test Site, where it successfully fired a live nuclear shell in the first and only demonstration of its kind. This test, known as "Upshot-Knothole Grable," showcased the weapon's capabilities and served as a powerful deterrent symbol during a period of escalating tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, the cannon's operational deployment was limited by its cumbersome size, logistical challenges, and the rapid advancement of missile technology, which made artillery-based nuclear delivery systems increasingly obsolete.

The M65 Atomic Cannon was retired from active service by the early 1960s, but its legacy endures as a representation of the unique military strategies of the nuclear era. Today, surviving examples of the M65 are displayed in museums and military installations, serving as reminders of the lengths to which nations went to integrate nuclear weapons into conventional warfare strategies. While it never saw combat, the M65 highlighted the evolving role of nuclear weapons in military doctrine and remains a notable chapter in the history of Cold War armaments.

The 280 MM Gun At The Nevada Proving Ground