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BL 12-inch howitzer
Photo: Photographer: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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BL12-inchhowitzer

Towed Artillery & Mortars · United Kingdom · 1916
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BL12-inchhowitzer

BL 12-inch howitzer
BL 12-inch howitzer Photo: Photographer: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Range
40
Firepower
60
Rate of Fire
30
Accuracy
50
Portability
20
Setup Speed
25
Ammunition Versatility
40
Reliability
60
Crew Economy
30
Cost-Effectiveness
40
Origin United Kingdom
CategoryTowed Artillery & Mortars
EraWorld War I
In service1916–1917
Operators2 countries
Quantity14
Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
41
Towed Artillery & Mortars MASS Rating
14/36
World War I
223/302
All-Time
Towed Artillery & Mortars · 10 axes scored
Range
40
Firepower
60
Rate of Fire
30
Accuracy
50
Portability
20
Setup Speed
25
Ammunition Versatility
40
Reliability
60
Crew Economy
30
Cost-Effectiveness
40
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the towed artillery & mortars category.
01 / Overview
BL 12-inch howitzer
Production
1916–1917
Quantity
14
Unit Price (current)
$5.1M↗ 3119% inflation · 1914→2025
Original Price
$159.8K (1914)
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TOWED ARTILLERY & MORTARS · WORLD WAR I
14
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
50
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
$5.1M
Original: $159.8K (1914)
Inflation: +%3119
41
towed artillery & mortars category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the towed artillery & mortars category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
  • Service Entry Year1916
  • Combat Weight37,500 kg
  • Carriage TypeWheeled / Towed
  • In ServiceYes
◈Ordnance7MOD.7
▣Performance4MOD.4
  • Maximum Range (standard)13.12 km
  • Muzzle Velocity464 m/s
  • Elevation+20° to +65°
  • Traverse30° right & left
◇Ammunition3MOD.3
  • Projectile Weight340 kg
  • Ammunition TypesHE, anti-concrete
  • HE RoundYes
◆Mobility2MOD.2
  • Self-PropelledNo
  • Prime Movertraction engines or Holt 75 caterpillar tractors
▤Dimensions3MOD.3
  • Length7.11 m
  • Width3.76 m
  • Height2.69 m
⬢Production3MOD.3
  • Total Production14
  • Production Start1,916 year
  • Unit Cost310,000 USD
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
  1. 1914First deployment: World War I
  2. 1916Production started
  3. 1917Production ended
110
years in service
1
years in production
14
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ 2 countries retired it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
BL 12-inch howitzer 1916
// DERIVATIVES
05 / Operators
Operator Countries2country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
High Explosive (HE) round: an artillery or mortar projectile containing explosive filler designed to inflict damage through blast and fragmentation effects.
Recoil system using a combination of liquid and compressed gas to absorb and return energy from firing.
A breech-loading mechanism for artillery, featuring interrupted screw threads for rapid sealing and opening of the breech.
Artillery classification distinguishing self-propelled wheeled vehicles from weapons towed by external means.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Towed Artillery & Mortars entry →