Yeah but what if 400mm shell is about the same cost as 370mm rocket, only fired out of a gun they have 1200km range instead of 400km, then there would be use cases.
PLA Strategy in a Taiwan Contingency
- Thread starter pugachev_diver
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No mention of firing range?
Though, I came across a Bilibili video clip of the paid podcast, with mentions of having the ability to target Guam from Okinotorishima, which would be ~1200 kilometers(?!) away.
Of course, I can't say whether this claim actually has substance or just the usual 发癫 by the Guancha Gang, so we can only wait.
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1200km is well into MRBM ranges. What is this, some kind of DF-21 cannon? I'd be quite impressed if they managed to send shells half as far.
That would need some novel tech like light gas gun or railgun, would be awesome if that is the case. IRBM firepower at the cost of 370mm rocket.
With conventional gun, even 400km is a stretch
Remind us again of what the gun allegedly is and what its uses are?
Unless it is an EM railgun and has a mobile platform upon which it could be deployed, I don't see how such a system would confer any significant advantages over ballistic missiles or rocket artillery that would warrant the risk of it being targeted by enemy aircraft or cruise missiles. And let us not begin on the power requirements, cost, and the limitations the aforementioned factors could place on the gun.
I went to listen to the paid CHH again, while they made it clear Shilao-class BB with the triple 400mm gun turret is by no means a serious proposal, they are indeed aware of the fact that the 400mm supergun has abserd range. Shilao's crazy scenario has the BB and her strike group exit the first island chain and make a turn south, then the BB turns the turret to port and shells Guam, then followed with turning turret to starboard and shell targets on Taiwan's east coast. Such is its range.
Yankee also mentioned in a one off line that the supergun is at the moment mounted on a land based multi axial platform. The whole BB thing is because now that the gun exist people think it needs a platform worthy of it. BB is just Shilao's idea on how to use it to it's full potential.
They also mentioned the supergun is nicknamed after someone sitting at the CMC.
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Assuming a 400mm artillery shell weighs 900kg, my guess is that the shell cost is less than $20K. Then add a GPS guidance kit for <$25K.
Of course, extended range projectiles would be more expensive.
Note that in a Taiwan scenario, China has to have control of the Taiwan Straits anyway. So it could be mounted on a ship.
Now I'm picturing some kind of modernized WWI railway gun. Sounds completely ridiculous tbh, but I guess we will just have to wait and see.
I thought 侠炮 Xia (Zhangyou Xia) Cannon is just a meme
Remember US army 12" program. It's absolutely doable, just no one since Bull/Saddam really tried.
US strategy tied to just few key locations of course makes it very attractive.