8.8 cm Raketenwerfer 43

Antitank rocket launcher Both grenades used identical warhead and fuzing. • Illustration — Raketenwerfer 43 mounted on skis Approximately 3,000 units were completed from 1943 to 1945. It was made in much smaller numbers than either the Panzerschreck, which was based on the American bazooka rocket launcher, or the Panzerfaust, which was a disposable anti tank recoilless rifle. This is partly because it was realized that a simple hollow tube with an ignition device was all that was needed to launch the 88 mm rocket, rather than an elaborate miniature artillery piece with carriage and breech. Due to the carriage and better sights, the accuracy was better, and the range more than double that of the Panzerschreck. However, Raketenwerfer 43 was more expensive, heavier and had longer production time than Panzerschreck or Panzerfaust.

• Name — 8.8 cm Raketenwerfer 43 • Type — Anti-tank rocket launcher • Service — 1943–45 • Wars — World War II • Number — ~3000 • Length — 2.9 m • Width — 1 m • Height —.89 m • Action — breech loaded, fired from closed breech • Origin — Nazi Germany • Is Ranged — yes • Used By — Nazi Germany • Weight — 143 kg • Crew — 2 • Cartridge — RPzB. Gr. 4312 • Caliber — 88 mm • Velocity — 140 m/s • Range — 230 m (moving target) 500 m (stationary target) • Max Range — 750 m