W19 (nuclear artillery shell)

The W19 and W23 were the variant nuclear artillery shells of the United States. The W19 was the code name Katie. You could be fired from howitzers modified with a caliber of 280 mm.

Design and development

Both systems are an evolution of the W9 - warhead. The W19 was introduced in 1955 and 1963 set back from service.

In the W19 is as with the predecessor W9 to a nuclear warhead in the so-called gun - type construction.

Variant W23

From the W19 there was a variant that W23, which was developed for marine warfare. The main difference is in a different caliber (16 in ), which was used at this time to battle ships of the U.S. Navy. Production of the W23 was added in 1956. The warheads were in use until 1962. A total of 50 units of this version were built.

Specifications

  • W19 Diameter: 280 mm ( 11 in )
  • Length: 138 cm ( 55 in )
  • Mass: 386 kg (850 lb)
  • Explosive force: 15 to 20 kt TNT
  • Diameter: 406 mm ( 16 in )
  • Length: 138 cm ( 55 in )
  • Mass: 640-815 kg ( 1500-1900 lb)
  • Explosive force: 15 to 20 kt TNT
W9 (nuclear warhead) Pound (mass)
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