Which Gun Has Achieved the Longest Vertical Range (Highest Altitude)?

The gun that currently holds the world record for achieving the highest altitude, or longest vertical range, for a gun-fired projectile is a 16-inch (41 cm) HARP gun.

This remarkable achievement was accomplished by a 16-inch (41 cm) HARP (High Altitude Research Project) gun. Operated by the U.S. Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory (now known as the U.S. Army Research Laboratory) at Yuma Proving Ground, this specialized artillery piece launched a projectile to an astonishing altitude of 180 kilometers (110 miles). It is important to note, as highlighted in the reference, that this record specifically pertains to vertical range, not horizontal distance.

Understanding Longest Range

When discussing "longest range," it's crucial to distinguish between different types of range:

• Vertical Range (Altitude): This refers to how high a projectile can go, reaching the highest point above the Earth's surface. This is the metric for which the HARP gun holds the world record.
• Horizontal Range: This refers to the maximum distance a projectile can travel across the ground from its firing point. The provided reference does not specify which gun holds the record for the longest horizontal range.

The HARP Gun's Record-Breaking Performance

The High Altitude Research Project (HARP) was a joint U.S.-Canadian venture that aimed to develop a gun-based system for launching scientific payloads into the upper atmosphere and near-space. The 16-inch HARP gun, a modified naval gun, was central to this project, demonstrating the feasibility of using conventional artillery for high-altitude research.

Here's a summary of the record-holding gun:

This record underscores the incredible power and engineering behind these specialized large-caliber guns, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with gun-launched projectiles. For more details on gun range capabilities, you can refer to sources like Quora's discussion on gun range.