15 cm Nebelwerfer 43
History, technical sheet and photo
15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 history
Upon entering the war, Germany developed a multiple tripod mounted, easily transportable rocket launcher called the Nebelwerfer, meaning “fog launcher”. The Germans were inspired by the principle of operation of the Russian launcher Katioucha to develop the Nebelwerfer and it can be used directly by the infantry.
The first models of Nebelwerfer were deployed on the front in March 1940. They can fire explosive rockets (150 mm Wurfgranate) and smoke (150 mm Wurfgranate 41 WRH Nebel) at nearly 7,000 meters.
Used on the Russian front, they are also used by the Germans throughout the battle of Normandy. The Allies manage to recognize the characteristic sound of firing and the deafening whistling of rockets in the air, which plays a psychological role that is not negligible. By collecting the Nebelwerfer, the Germans manage to saturate the ground of a hundred rockets in just a few seconds.
Several models are created, such as the 41 and the 42, which have five or six tubes according to the caliber used.
15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 specification
Creator/User: Germany
Denomination: 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41
Caliber: 150 mm
Maximum range: 7,060 m
Maximum rate of fire: 6 rockets in 10 seconds or 3 salvos of 6 rockets in 5 minutes
Weight: 540 kg
Tubes length: 1,30 m
Muzzle speed: 342 m/s
Traverse: 360°
Elevation: from – 5° to + 45°
Explosive rocket payload: 2.4 kg of Tolite
Explosive rocket weight: 32 kg
Explosive rocket length: 930 mm
Smoke rocket payload: 3,85 kg of smoke
Smoke rocket weight: 35 kg
