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
TypeRocket artillery
Place of originNazi Germany
Service history
In service1941-1945
Used byNazi Germany
WarsWorld War II
Specifications
Mass12.26 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 weight3.24 kg (7 lb 2 oz)
Caliber72.4 mm (2.85 in)[1]
Elevation+45° fixed
Muzzle velocity250 m/s (820 ft/s)
Effective firing range3.4 km (2 mi)[2]
FillingLeaflets
Filling weight.23 kg (8 oz)[1]

Description

7.3 cm Propagandagrante 41

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

  1. Chamberlain, Peter (1975). Mortars and rockets. Gander, Terry. New York: Arco Pub. Co. p. 34. ISBN 0668038179. OCLC 2067459.
  2. "Dissemination". www.psywarrior.com. Retrieved 2017-10-26.
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