The 10 cm Field Gun K. 18 was at one time standard equipment for German Field Artillery. The barrel consists of a jacket, an exchangeable tube, and a screwed-on breech. The breech mechanism is a single-motion, crank-operated, horizontal sliding block type, fitted with a repeating trip-lock. All the usual safety devices are provided, and, in addition, the breech is secured when the buffer piston rod is disconnected from the gun.
The top carriage is arranged to traverse about a vertical pivot up to 30° right and left. The cradle is mounted on the top carriage by trunnions set far to the rear. Balance is maintained by a pair of equilibrators, one on each side of the weapon. The hydraulic buffer is housed in the cradle, whereas the hydropneumatic recuperator is situated above the gun.
The carriage, of split-trail construction, is so designed that the wheels and the two trail spades are able to adjust themselves to irregularities of the surface of the ground. The spring suspension may readily be put in action for traveling, and out of action for firing, by means of two handwheels. The piece may be transported by either motor vehicle or horses. For mechanical traction, rubber tires are fitted to the carriage.
A pointer or indicator system is used for sighting purposes. Ammunition used is a high-explosive shell with a TNT bursting charge.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | 105 mm (4.137 ins.) | |
| Weight of gun | 4,011.28 lb. | |
| Length | 17.9 ft. | |
| Muzzle velocity (maximum) | 2,660 f/s | |
| Range | 20,776 yds. | |
| Elevation | 45° | |
| Depression | 0° | |
| Traverse | 60° |
German: p. 107