Gun

Many are accustomed to call any barreled weapon of large caliber gun. But that's not true - depending on the ratio of fire, barrel length and flight path emit mortar shells, cannon and howitzer.
Mortar fires hinged on the trajectory of massive projectiles with a large quantity of explosives. Use it to continue until the end of the Second World War. But even then its use is not appropriate to recognize because of the low rate. And now they do not use, because it functions more can be done successfully with the help of bombers and missiles.
The difference between the cannon and howitzer based on length of the stem to size. If it is more than 25 - the gun is a gun, if less - that propelled howitzer. Gun to the same initial velocity is great. The flight projectile is happening on a flat trajectory than the howitzer or mortar.
It is believed that the first gun did inventors of gunpowder still in the first half of 12 century. Trunk of a bamboo. From the Chinese technology was transferred to the Arabs, who actively use these weapons since the early 14 century. In Europe, the artillery came through the Spaniards. These guns are made of bronze and shot kernels zaryazhaemymi through the barrel. Apply innovative rounds - two core chain-related, inflammatory and kartechnye, metal rods with Enhancement at the ends. Their aim was the destruction of the living forces of the enemy.

Later steel to produce cast iron and steel, forged steel cannon. After the invention of a unitary cartridge, this technology began to apply for a gun. At first they were small pieces, then all the new guns were used unitary cartridge.
Depending on the structure for the purposes of gun ship, aircraft, antitank, antiaircraft guns, and others can rout the living force of enemy explosive ordnance. In order to defeat armored targets and the destruction of durable fortifications used armor.