88mm

88mm is a metric measurement that refers to a diameter of eighty‑eight millimetres, commonly used to specify the calibre of artillery, aircraft cannons and some small arms ammunition. The term is most famously associated with World War II German weapons, particularly the 8.8 cm Flugabwehrkanone (Flak 88) and the 8.8 cm Kampfkanone (88 VK), which served as both anti‑aircraft and heavy anti‑tank guns. The Flak 88 earned the nickname “Paul" from its German crews and was renowned for its flat‑trajectory, high‑velocity shells that could destroy armored vehicles as well as aircraft.

Beyond German weapons, the 88 mm calibre has been employed in various other military systems. The Soviet Union adopted the 88 mm QF 45 mm infantry gun for anti‑tank and field support roles. During the late 20th century, several navies mounted 88 mm guns on destroyers and frigates for surface action. In modern times, 88 mm has largely been supplanted by larger 90 mm and 105 mm calibres in tank armament, but it remains in use on some armored personnel carriers and specialized anti‑aircraft platforms.

The choice of 88 mm in early war technology was largely driven by the availability of 88 mm round in the German munitions factories and the desire for a versatile gun that could perform both anti‑aircraft and anti‑tank duties without requiring multiple separate weapons. Its legacy is evident in numerous surviving historical exhibits and in the continued use of 88 mm designations in collector and hobbyist communities.