Since aircraft of the period were not yet capable of carrying large diameter bombs the burden of delivering heavy firepower fell on the artillery.

Rail transport proved to be the most practical solution because the problems of heavy weight, lack of mobility and reduced setup time were addressed.

[4] The guns consisted of a large rectangular steel base, which was suspended on two six-axle articulated rail bogies manufactured by Schneider.

Once in firing position, a section of rail bed was reinforced with wood and iron beams to support the weight of the gun.

[4] From the picture in the infobox at least one of the guns assigned to ALGP.34 (artillerie lourde à grande puissance) saw action during the German spring offensive of 1918 at the Third Battle of the Aisne near Condé-sur-Aisne.