Panzerblitz (missile)
Panzerblitz is a German anti-tank unguided aerial rocket developed during the Second World War.
| Panzerblitz | |
|---|---|
 A Panzerblitz II on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | |
| Type | Rocket |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1945 |
| Used by | Luftwaffe |
| Wars | World War II |
| Specifications | |
| Diameter | 80 mm in Panzerblitz I
88 mm in Panzerblitz II 210 mm in Panzerblitz III |
| Muzzle velocity | 525 m/s (1,175 mph) |
| Effective firing range | 600-1,000 m |
| Maximum firing range | 1,500 m |
| Filling weight | Unknown |
The missile was based on the R4M Orkan air-to-air rocket used by the Messerschmitt Me 262. It was fitted with either an 80 mm (3.1 in)-diameter standard warhead, in Panzerblitz I, or a 210 mm (8.3 in)-diameter hollow charge warhead, in the Panzerblitz III.
It was intended to be operated by the Henschel Hs 132, which would carry up to eight rockets, complementing or even replacing the cannon armament in the tank-destroying role. The 80mm model was tested extensively in early 1945 from Focke-Wulf Fw 190s, but neither Panzerblitz I nor Panzerblitz III (earmarked exclusively for the Hs 132) were ready for use by the German surrender in May 1945.
A panzerblitz rocket pod was in development. It would have been for the Ar-234 C and each pod would have contained 20 Panzerblitz rockets. [1]
Specifications
General characteristics
- Type: Unguided rocket, anti-tank warhead
- Length:
- Diameter:
- Dry weight:
Components
- Compressor:
Performance
- Maximum power output:
- Power-to-weight ratio:
References
- Strahlflugzeug Arado Ar 234 ’Blitz’ by Manfred Griehl p.217
Sources
- Green, William. Warplanes of the Third Reich. London: Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd., 1970 (fourth impression 1979). ISBN 0-356-02382-6.
- Smith, J.Richard and Kay, Anthony. German Aircraft of the Second World War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1972 (third impression 1978). ISBN 0-370-00024-2.
- Wood, Tony and Gunston, Bill. Hitler's Luftwaffe: A pictorial history and technical encyclopedia of Hitler's air power in World War II. London: Salamander Books Ltd., 1977. ISBN 0-86101-005-1.