28 cm Haubitze L/14 i.R.

Go Back to Howitzer

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: 28 cm Haubitze L/14 i.R. Type: Howitzer Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1914 Caliber: 283mm Action: Breech-Loading Cannon Overall Length (mm): 4000.0 Overall Length (in): 157.48 Weight (kg): 30000.00 Weight (pounds): 66138.68 Effective Range (km): 10 Effective Range (miles): 6.21

The 28 cm Haubitze L/14 i.R. was a heavy siege howitzer developed by Germany in the early 20th century for use against fortified targets. Featuring a 280 mm caliber barrel with a relatively short length of 14 calibers, it was designed to fire massive high-explosive shells capable of breaking through reinforced structures. The "i.R." designation (in Raderlafette) indicates that the gun was mounted on a wheeled carriage, enhancing its mobility compared to earlier siege artillery. The howitzer utilized a hydro-pneumatic recoil system, which improved stability and allowed for repeated fire without the need for extensive repositioning.

Production of the 28 cm Haubitze L/14 i.R. was limited, as it was a specialized weapon meant for fortress bombardment rather than field operations. It was primarily deployed by the German Army during World War I, where it played a significant role in the early phases of the war, particularly in the reduction of Belgian and French fortresses. Its powerful shells were effective in breaching even the most resilient concrete and masonry defenses. However, as the war progressed and trench warfare dominated, the gun's limited mobility and slow rate of fire reduced its battlefield effectiveness.

Despite its relatively small production numbers, the 28 cm Haubitze L/14 i.R. gained notoriety for its role in some of the most intense sieges of World War I. Its ability to deliver devastating firepower against hardened targets made it a feared weapon among defenders. However, after the war, most examples were scrapped or rendered obsolete due to restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. Today, few if any surviving examples remain, but its legacy lives on as part of the evolution of heavy siege artillery in the early 20th century.