8 cm Granatwerfer 42

• Name — kurzer 8 cm Granatwerfer 42 • Origin — Nazi Germany • Type — Mortar • Is Ranged — yes • Is Artillery — yes • Used By — Nazi Germany • Wars — World War II • Designer — Rheinmetall • Design Date — 1940–41 • Production Date — 1941–45 • Number — 1,591 • Weight — * (travel) • (combat) • Cartridge Weight — 3.5 kg • Caliber — 81.4 mm • Rate — 15−25 rpm • Max Range — 1.1 km • Elevation — 40° to 90° • Traverse — 14° to 34°

At the start of World War II, the 5 cm Granatwerfer 36 was the standard light mortar of the German Army. Its performance was considered lackluster, specially given the overly complicated design, which included a telescopic sight (eventually dropped) and levelling and elevation controls. After 1942, the GrW 36 was gradually withdrawn from frontline service with the Army and Waffen SS in favor of the GrW 42, which was originally intended for use by Fallschirmjäger and special forces.

The GrW 42 was a shorter and lighter version of the 8 cm Granatwerfer 34, which fired ammunition and was based on the Stokes mortar with a few modifications. While the short barrel inevitably decreased range, the heavier bomb provided extra firepower in comparison to the mortar. It could be broken down in three loads. The GrW 42 was normally drop fired, but a lanyard-operated mechanism could be fitted over the muzzle, allowing crews to take cover or fire the weapon from ambush positions. Minimum fire range was while the maximum range was, about half of the 8 cm GrW 34. According to military historian Ian V. Hogg, the GrW 42 was about the smallest size that a medium mortar could be reduced while still being able to fire a standard-sized bomb. According to Rottman, the mortar nominal caliber was 8 cm, it actually fired bombs and could fire US ammunition.