EXHIBIT #26 (temporary display)

3.7 CM ANTI-TANK GUN GERMAN

(3.7 cm Pak 35/36 L/45)

Of all anti-tank guns used during WW2, the 37-mm Rheinmetall-Borsig gun was the most widely encountered. It was first developed in 1933 and by 1936 it was in action in the Spanish Civil War. By 1941, over 15,000 had been produced in Germany alone and it was license-built elsewhere. In its day it was one of the best anti-tank guns available and it greatly influenced the design of other guns-the American 37-mm M3 was a close copy (Exhibit #1). But by the end of 1940 it was realized that its days were nearly over and it was replaced in the German Army by heavier calibers, particularly the infamous 88-mm anti-aircraft/anti-tank gun. Its effectiveness was enhanced after 1940 by the use of the tungsten-covered AP40 ammunition and the large Stielgranate spigot grenade, and in minor roles it served with the German Army for the duration. Variations were the 3.7 cm Pak K. casement gun and the light 3.7 Pak F for paratrooper use.

DATA

Caliber: 37-mm (1.46 in)

Length: 65.5 in.

Shell weight: 12.5 oz.

Muzzle velocity: 2499 ft per second

Traverse: 60 degrees

Elevation: 25+ degrees

Depression: -8 degrees

Armor penetration: 38 mm at 400 yds