Panzerfaust

The Panzerfaust was a single-shot, anti-tank grenade launcher used by the German infantry during World War II. Developed and produced by Hugo Schneider AG, it was in service with the Wehrmacht between 1943 and 1945. The Panzerfaust was light, simple and easy to operate and carry around as it would be issued to Volkssturm veterans and civilians at the end of the war. Along with the Panzerschreck, it was massively used to destroy Russian tanks in the Battle of Berlin. It was manufactured in great numbers in three versions; the 30, 60 and the 100-m, which was the range within which it could put out of action an armored vehicle.

The Panzerfaust suited the German defensive tactics of the last two years of the war (1943-1945), and Allied tank crew came to fear the weapon. Since it was available in huge number, at least one Panzerfaust was carried by almost every German military vehicle. If it was aimed properly and used at the right range, every German infantry soldier could have at least one Allied armored vehicle destroyed to his credit. However, infantry squads accompanying Allied tanks prevented the Germans from wreaking havoc on Allied armored units.

Technical Characteristics

The Panzerfaust was composed of a disposable barrel open at both ends and equipped with a powder charge, a firing mechanism, and a rear leaf sight. This anti-tank weapon fired shaped charge grenades, which was stabilized by an empennage. The bulk of the propellant was contained in the launching tube. The Panzerfaust was light and could be operated by a single soldier. The weapon tube had to be held under the arm or over the shoulder. At an angle of impact of 90°, the grenade could pierce armor 160–200 mm thick. Therefore, Allied tanks were vulnerable to the Panzerfaust. However, it could be used only once. With its trajectory at its greatest height of 3.5 m, a maximum range of 280 m could be attained.

Above, a photo of the Panzerfaust 60-m, with the anti-tank grenade and the launching tube. Because of the stronger propellant charge (140 grams of black powder), the thickness of the barrel wall was increased to 3 mm. The sight and trigger were also improved.

Above, a German infantry soldier firing the Panzerfaust armpit style.