7.3 cm Propagandawerfer 41
The Propagandawerfer 41 was a rocket launcher for the associated non-lethal Propagandagranate 41 rocket. The launcher and rocket were a light man-portable system fired by specially-trained propaganda troops during World War II to distribute leaflets.
| 7.3 cm Propagandawerfer 41 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Rocket artillery |
| Place of origin | Nazi Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1941-1945 |
| Used by | Nazi Germany |
| Wars | World War II |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 12.26 kg (27 lb) |
| Barrel length | .75 m (2 ft 6 in) |
| Width | .5 m (1 ft 8 in)[1] |
| Shell | .4 m (1 ft 4 in) |
| Shell weight | 3.24 kg (7 lb 2 oz) |
| Caliber | 72.4 mm (2.85 in)[1] |
| Elevation | +45° fixed |
| Muzzle velocity | 250 m/s (820 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 3.4 km (2 mi)[2] |
| Filling | Leaflets |
| Filling weight | .23 kg (8 oz)[1] |
Description
Launcher
The Propagandawerfer 41 consisted of a light 12.26 kg (27 lb) steel tube framework. The base of the launcher was triangular in shape and had a crossbar through the center with a hinge that connected the base to a circular launch cage. At the tip of the base there was an adjustable arm for elevating the launch cage and in the center of the launch cage was a trough which the Propagandagranate 41 rocket was launched from.[2] The rocket rested at the top of the cage until the crew pulled a lanyard, the rocket then slid down until it hit a firing pin which launched the rocket.[1]
Rocket
The Propagandagranate 41 was constructed of a plastic nose cone which held 200 leaflets weighing .23 kg (8 oz) that were rolled around a coiled spring and a metallic base which held the solid rocket. When the rocket was fired propellant gasses were forced through a steel base plate that had angled venturis drilled in it to impart spin.[2] A delay fuse was also ignited and a bursting charge separated the nose cone from the base at an altitude of 100–150 m (330–490 ft), the spring then uncoiled to scatter the leaflets.[1]
Notes
- Chamberlain, Peter (1975). Mortars and rockets. Gander, Terry. New York: Arco Pub. Co. p. 34. ISBN 0668038179. OCLC 2067459.
- "Dissemination". www.psywarrior.com. Retrieved 2017-10-26.