Solothurn S-18/1100
A 20 mm anti-tank rifle used by multiple nations in World War II.
The Solothurn S-18/1100 was a 20 mm anti-tank rifle fielded by several nations during the Second World War. Its development stemmed from the arms restrictions placed on Germany after World War I. To get around these limits, German firms bought or set up foreign subsidiaries; one such company was the Swiss Waffenfabrik Solothurn, controlled by the German firm Rheinmetall. The weapon began as a selective-fire version of the earlier S-18/1000. Its powerful ammunition produced severe recoil, and the rifle’s size and weight made it hard to move. A two-wheeled split-trail carriage was therefore supplied. The gun could be fired from this carriage after being towed into place, or removed and used on a bipod for anti-tank work. In that role, it could punch through 15–18 mm of armor at 300 m (at a 30° angle). It also came with a collapsible high-angle mount on three outriggers, allowing it to serve as a light anti-aircraft gun. Besides Switzerland, the S-18/1100 saw service with Hungary (as the Tankbuchse), Italy (as the Fucile anticarro), Germany (as the 2 cm PzB785(s)), and the Netherlands (as the Geweer tp 18-1100). Captured examples taken by the Germans were redesignated 2 cm PzB785(h) and 2 cm PzB785(i).
Quick Facts
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Production Date
- 1942—early 1943
- Used By
- Switzerland / Hungary / Italy / Nazi Germany / The Netherlands
- Wars
- World War II
- Caliber
- 20 mm
- Length
- 2.1 m
- Part Length
- 1.3 m
- Cartridge
- Fixed QF 20×138mmB Rheinmetall
- Feed
- 5 or 10 round magazine
- Action
- Selective fire
- Rate
- 15-20 rpm
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The S-18/1100 started life as a selective fire variant of the earlier S-18/1000 anti-tank rifle. As a result of its powerful ammunition, the gun had tremendous recoil. Its length and weight made portability difficult, so a two-wheeled split-trail carriage was provided. Once towed into position the gun could be fired from the carriage or dismounted and fired from a bipod for the anti-tank role. In the anti-tank role, it was able to penetrate 15–18 mm at 300 m (30°). In addition to its anti-tank role it was offered with a collapsible high-angle mount with three outriggers so it could function as a light anti-aircraft gun.
Following the defeat of the Central Powers during World War I and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles, Germany was forbidden from developing arms. To circumvent these limitations many German arms firms opened foreign subsidiaries or bought controlling interests to continue designing and selling arms. One of these companies was the Swiss Waffenfabrik Solothurn company, which was owned by the German firm Rheinmetall.
Reader's Guide
The Solothurn S-18/1100 saw service with multiple nations during the Second World War, including Switzerland, Hungary (as the Tankbuchse), Italy (as the Fucile anticarro), Germany (as the 2 cm PzB785(s)), and The Netherlands (as the Geweer tp 18-1100). Guns captured by the Germans were given the designations 2 cm PzB785(h) and 2 cm PzB785(i). Its significance lies in its role as a heavy anti-tank rifle that could also serve as a light anti-aircraft weapon, reflecting the interwar and wartime need for versatile, high-caliber infantry support weapons. The weapon's design, derived from the earlier S-18/1000, incorporated a selective fire capability and a carriage system to manage its substantial recoil and weight. Its use by a range of combatants demonstrates the widespread distribution of German-influenced arms technology during the period, as well as the practical challenges of fielding a weapon of this size and power.
Did You Know?
- It could be fired from a two-wheeled split-trail carriage or dismounted and used from a bipod.
- A collapsible high-angle mount with three outriggers allowed it to function as a light anti-aircraft gun.
- Captured examples were designated 2 cm PzB785(h) and 2 cm PzB785(i) by German forces.
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