Panzerschreck (Raketenpanzerbuchse / RPzB)

History

Rocket tank liner (abbreviated "RPzB" or colloquially "Panzerschreck", meaning "tank terror" because of its destructive results; may also be called "Ofenrohr", meaning "furnace chimney" because it shape) was a portable anti-tank system used by the Germans in the second half of World War II. The weapon was developed based on direct research collected from captured specimens of American M1 rocket launchers during the North African campaign.

The RPzB system continues to have remarkable success in destroying enemy armor and is a feared anti-tank weapon for the Wehrmacht.

The rocket launcher appeared in the initial form of the RPzB 43, which fired a rocket 8.8 cm larger than the American Bazooka rocket. The system is an extremely rudimentary open design that requires firefighters to wear protective measures to prevent the resulting "backburst." The RPzB 43 was followed by a more refined version in the RPzB 54, which finally added a blast shield to protect the cardinal points.

The RPzB 54/I has an increased range, a refined projectile and a reduced overall length, making it the final form of the dreaded "Panzerschreck".

Panzerschrecks have been used throughout the war since their appearance in 1943. Like its contemporaries, this weapon system is often used as a loader and launcher, and can be brought into battle with armored and vehicle elements for point defense against analogs. Enemy deployed systems.

The ferocity and effectiveness of the Panzerschreck system forced Allied tank crews to develop basic methods of countering the high-level impact of projectiles - namely adding sandbags, extra tracks, extra wheels, welded armor plates, bolted armor plates or thick wood to the keys of their vehicles panel for added protection.

Specification

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Changes