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Pluton
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Armament
Pluton was originally intended to carry two single turrets, one each fore and aft, with 203 mm (8 in) guns, four 75 mm (2.95 in) anti-aircraft (AA) guns and four light 37 mm (1.46 in) AA guns. However four 138 mm (5.4 in) guns were substituted for the 203 mm guns before construction began and six more 37 mm guns were added in lieu of the 75 mm guns during construction although the baseplates for the 75 mm guns were retained for future use.[6] The four 138 mm 40-caliber guns were on M1924 mounts with gun shields. Two guns each were fore and aft in superfiring positions on the centerline. Their elevation limits were -10° to +35° and they had a 270° arc of fire. Their rate of fire was a nominal eight to nine rounds per minute, but proved to be considerably less in service. They had a maximum range of about 18,200 m (19,900 yd) with a 40 kg (88 lb) shell at a muzzle velocity of 700 m/s (2,300 ft/s). 150 rounds were provided for each gun. One powder and one shell magazine served each pair of guns, each of which had their own individual hoist.[7] Ten 37 mm/50 cal semi-automatic AA guns were carried by Pluton. Two were fitted on the foredeck, six amidships between the funnels and two on a platform at the stern. 10,000 rounds were carried with 144 rounds in ready-use boxes near each gun.[7] The guns could depress 15° and elevate to 80°. They fired 0.725 kg (1.60 lb) shells at a muzzle velocity of 810 m/s (2,657 ft/s). Their effective anti-aircraft range was less than 5,00...
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