Avoiding the Paris Gun Trap: The Future of America's Strategic Artillery
Abstract
In an attempt to end the stalemate on the Western Front during World War I, German scientists and engineers created a supergun capable of firing a 233-pound projectile over 75 miles to bombard the citizens of Paris, France. These weapons, The Paris Guns, possessed the potential to achieve an exponential military advantage for the German Military. However, the Germans' folly became clear as they developed a weapon without first considering its ability to achieve the effects they desired. Today, the US Army seeks to develop superguns capable of exponentially increased range, the Strategic Long-Range Cannons. The US Army has defined a role for these weapons in deterring in competition, and penetrating and dis-integrating anti-access and area denial networks in armed conflict. This study examined the history and effects of The Paris Guns at the strategic level. It then measured the accumulation of these effects across the operational variables. This study concluded that The Paris Guns achieved some strategic effects; however, these effects did not benefit the Germans. Additionally, this study concluded that the US Army's pursuit of Strategic Long-Range Cannons is viable, provided that that pursuit avoids the strategic errors of The Paris Guns during World War I.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1125062
Entities
People
- Ian P. Grundhauser
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College