3.7-Inch (90mm) Anti-Aircraft Gun


During the Second World War, Germany was not unique in possessing a 88mm class Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA). Many other nations had anti-aircraft artillery in the same class. The Americans had the 90mm M1A1, the Russians, a 85mm, the Italians, a 90mm and the British, a 3.7-Inch. It was the extent that the Germans adapted and put their Flak 18, 36 and 37 into an anti-tank role that earned the German '88' its notoriety.

The British 3.7-inch AAA was considered to be an extremely advanced weapon for its time but was particularly complicated.

Studies were conducted as early as 1928 with a committee recommending a 3.7-inch gun and specifications were issued in 1933. The first Vickers design was put into production in 1938 and was used in the defence of Britain.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford: July 2006