If in the first period of the eastern campaign, the German army, given the relative weakness of his own anti-tank artillery, the main emphasis did on the use of specials. Shells that allowed to increase an armor-piercing action when shooting from anti-tank guns and the use of guns having a small initial speed for the destruction of tanks, from mid-1992, the massive use of the RKKA KB-1 tanks and T-34 forced the Wehrmacht to begin searching for fundamentally new funds to destroy them. In the near battle, the German infantry with the tanks of the enemy remained actually one on one, since 50-mm anti-tank guns Cancer.38 and 37-mm cancer.35/36, German anti-tank guns, hand grenades, as well as incendiary bottles could not affect Minimum distances even medium tanks.

Camered "Faustparttron 1", "Faustpatron Small" (Klein), "Faustpatron 30" or, later, "Parcelfaust 30" (here Index 30 is an effective shooting range in meters). In the Red Army, the name "Faustpatron" entrenched as a cumulative designation of all German anti-tank pomegranates of one-time use.

German grenadeometers with Panzerfaust RPG 30m in ambush. June 1944

Faustpatron Small

In this regard, German designers continued to study in this direction. The main condition for the new, except for armor-proof of more than 150 millimeters, has become a combination of lightness and high power inherent in trouble-free systems. In addition, they sought to reduce the cost of producing non-deficient materials and stamped structures. This breakthrough in the art was the proposal of the engineer, Dr. Heinrich Languvaler from the department of the company HASAG (Leipzig), who worked on reactive and dynamo-jet weapons. In the spring of 1942, Langulyler was formulated a schematic diagram of a new anti-tank hand-held weapon, which did not return during the shot. This weapon was called FAUSTPATRONE 1 ("Faustpatron" - a fist cartridge). This name subsequently became common for all samples of dynamo-jet hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers (RPG) of Germany. In addition, a new weapon was called his unofficial nickname "Gretchen". FAUSTPATRONE 1 was one of the first in a number of so-called "miracle weapons", developed by the German arms designers during the Second World War.

For the first time in one construction, a sufficiently effective combat part of the cumulative nomolic grenade was combined with 3.7 cm Stiel-Gr. PATR.41 and rocket engine (powder charge) placed in the barrel channel. Application in this weapon of ammunition having a low initial speed and reducing the return to an acceptable level for the level arrow made it possible to create a sample that allowed steady fire, both from the machine and with the hand. This disposable grenade launcher, which is, in fact, the reactive anti-tank grenade, consisted of two parts (mainly manufactured by the cold stamping method): a subcaliber cumulative grenade with a tail stabilizer and a hollow open from two sides of the tube tube (length 360 mm) containing powder Throwing charge. Pomegranate was inserted into the barrel in front. The trunk was going to the trigger. Some of the powder gases during the shot in the open trunk was given back, while the reactive force was created awarded the reactive force, balancing the return. "Faustpatron" served one person. But since when a shot, a ray (force) of the flame from the burning charge of the pomegranometer had to keep a new weapon at a distance of an elongated hand. This situation significantly reduced the accuracy of aiming. This design has affected the accuracy of weapons. The first version of the RPG was unsuccessful due to the lack of garnet, low flight range and extremely low adhesion of firing. But, despite this, the union in one weapon of low-speed cumulative ammunition and the lack of return during the shot promised that this maneuverable and light infantry anti-tank weapon, allowing to fire with hands, cheap and simple in production, can produce a revolution in a military case, so As has large potential reserves for further improvement.

In the fall of 42 - in the winter of 43, Languleler continued to modernize his grenade launcher. Already in March 43, HASAG transferred HWAA (Wehmacht Arms Management) improved option "Faustpatron" - dynamoreactive 101-millimeter manual anti-tank Panzerfaust Klein 30M grenade launcher ("Armored fist"). The designer conducted a modification of his grenade launcher, extending the trunk to 800 millimeters, which made it possible to take it on hand. Pomegranate was inserted in front. The changes have affected mainly the supercharge grenade of cumulative action: reduced its caliber, the head fairing received a new form, which was a more successful, the pomegranate's tail was replaced with the stem (tube with a wooden tip) with an elastic plumage attached on it. The plumage consisted of four folding stabilizers. With the case of garnet stem connected by carvings. In the housing, the grenades were placed a discontinuous cumulative charge (a mixture of trotyl and hexogen in a proportion of 40/60%). Metal parts of the grenades were made by stamping. The 33mm trunk was a smooth-bore metal pipe. With the help of welding on the trunk, a shooting spring push-button mechanism and aiming rack were fixed. The shooting mechanism includes an impact tube, a trigger, retractable stem with a screw, a sleeve with a capsule-igniter and a return spring. The shock mechanism was installed in two main positions - on combat platoon and on the fuse. Vetage charge consisting of fine-grained smoke rifle powder located in a cardboard charge of a cylindrical shape, was mounted in the trunk using a screw. From the grenade, the throwing charge was separated by plastic wafes. Aimicious devices - rear and front visiers. Instead of the fly, the top edge of the grenade shell was used. The rear view was a curly slot in a targeted folding plate, hingedly connected with the Case of the USM. For the maintenance of fire in the dark, the flies and the scope were covered with luminescent paint. In a marking position, the folding plank, fixed to the ear of the garnet check and adjacent to the trunk, served as a stopper of grenades and a shock mechanism. In this position, the sighting bar is impossible to take the drummer, as the trigger closed, and, therefore, the shot was impossible. Grenadas were stained in yellow-brown or dark green.

The total appearance of the RPG "Panzerfaust" 30m

In the troops, grenade launches were transferred in the assembled form, however, for the production of a shot, it was necessary to first charge Panzerfaust, while charging was carried out immediately before combat application. For charging, it was necessary, without removing a safety check, turning against a clockwise grenade case, separate the head part from the pomegranate stem. The stem remained in the grenade launcher. A metal glass was laid into the hull pipe having a bottom inertial fuse fuse and a standard KL detonator. ZDTG.34 NP, 10. Pomegranate and stabilizer to connect with the inverse movement. Before the shot, a safety check was extracted in the front of the trunk. After that, they raised the sighting bar and weigh the shock mechanism. To stretch the stem inside the housing was fed forward, while the capsulus was supplied to the fastened hole. Then it was pulled back, turned 90 degrees counterclockwise, removing the mechanism from the fuse. When you press the shutter button, the ray of fire was transferred to the fire from the cape-igniter. Hosted charge, flamming, threw a grenade from the trunk.

In order to make a shot, the trunk wrapped in two hands and, tightly holding under the arm, was aiming and pressing the trigger. After the pomegranate was thrown out of the barrel, the rolled blades of the stabilizer were revealed. The jet of powder gases, pulled out of the open rear end of the trunk and the length of which reached 4 meters, created a danger to the shooting. In this regard, in order to avoid defeat by the reflected flame, the arrow and other people, as well as combustible materials and ammunition, there should not be obstacles at a distance of 10 meters. This was warned by the inscription "Attention! Strong beam of fire! " Placed on the trunk. Thus, the use of this weapon had certain limitations, including a ban on the use of closed premises. At the time of the shot, the shrink mechanism of the fuse, which was triggered during the meeting of the head of the grenades and any barrier. When shooting, the grenaderate of the impact of return practically did not feel. After the shot, the starting tube was thrown out, as it was not subject to resettlement. If, after the drummer was crushed and the trigger was removed from the fuse, the need for shooting, the grenade launcher could be removed from the combat platoon and put on the fuse. To do this, it is necessary to lower the target bar to the trunk and insert a check back into the neckline at the end of the aiming plank and the grenades.

From left to right: Panzerfaust RPG grenade. 60m; Sight and shock trigger RPG "Panzerfaust" 60m; Aimicious devices (mushka on a grenade and sight) RPG "Panzerfaust" 60m, painted by glowing paint for making shooting at night (drawings from the German instruction of 1944. Edition)

Panzerfaust Klein 30m grenade launches were transported 4 pieces in wooden boxes in a non-finished form, that is, without detonating devices and fuses, placed in cardboard cases separately.

With a mass of a grenade launcher equal to 3.25 kilograms, its armored airproof 30 meters was up to 150 millimeters. It was one of the best results for the time that allowed German infantry to destroy almost all types of enemy tanks. However, a small range of Grenates made a problematic shooting from Panzerfaust Klein 30m Since the grenade ladder could die under the caterpillars of armored vehicles. As a result, a new tactic of the fight against armored vehicles was appeared - flank fire was conducted on tanks: in settlements, due to structures, in the field - from light shelters or trenches.

Capping box of RPG "Panzerfaust" 60m in a separate packaging Stored bottom inertial fuses and capsules ignitions KL.ZDLG.34

In August 1943, Hasag, having mastered the mass production of manual anti-tank grenade launchers Klein 30m, released 8.7 thousand pcs. For the first time Panzerfaust was successfully applied in battle on the Eastern Front on the territory of Ukraine in November 1943. By October, the production of this cheap and at the same time a very effective weapon was already 200 thousand pieces. per month. The following figures speak about the successes of this anti-tank weapon: in the period from January to April 1944, German infantrymen on the eastern front was destroyed in a nearby battle of 520 tanks. At the same time, the share of Dynamo-jet RPG Panzerfaust accounted for 264 pcs., While from the manual anti-tank grenade launchers only 88 tanks.

Languqualer's grenade launchers had a rare feature - the potential opportunities for their further improvement were very wide. The need for an army in a more powerful weapon caused the creation of an upgraded 149-millimeter PANZERFAUST 30M RPG. Pomegranate, the mass of which was 2.4 kg, allowed to break through the armor with a thickness of up to 200 millimeters, with the same shooting range - 30 meters. At the beginning of the 44 years, Faustparttron was subject to indigenous modernization. This greatly increased the combat qualities of the grenade launcher, simplified the manufacture, increased the range of the sighting fire up to 60 meters. The changes made to the modification of the 149 mm pomegnet Panzerfaust 60m were as follows:
- the diameter of the trunk tube has increased to 50 millimeters;
- An increase in the thickness of the walls (throwing pipe) of the trunk has increased resistance to mechanical damage during transportation and conducting hostilities. In addition, it made it possible to use more powerful powder as well as increase the weight of the throwing charge. This increased the initial pomegranate speed from 45 to 60 meters per second;
- The grenade of the new design was connected to the stem using a spring latch, and not a threaded connection. It simplified the charging of the weapons and made it possible to establish a fly on the rim of grenades, allowing more targeted fire from the grenade launcher;
- push-button shock mechanism of early "faustpatron", which was not quite successful, replaced with a simple lever. It established a new capsule-igniter of Zavoly type, which was reliably acted in adverse conditions;
- changed the design of the sight. Now it was designed for three fixed firing range - 30, 60 and 80 meters (the first models of grenade launchers had only one fixed range of sight);
- when maintaining armor-proof (200 millimeters at an angle of 30 degrees.) The grenade of the increased mass (2.8 kg) could affect the armored targets to the range of up to 80 meters. In addition, the anti-tank grenade launcher could now be used to destroy defensive structures;
- The mass of the modernized grenade launcher was 3.3 kg, and the grenade launcher assembled (with a grenade) increased from 5.35 kg to 6.25 kg.

Methods of aiming from Panzerfaust

As the experience of combat use, Panzerfaust changed and the views of the Wehrmacht command on this weapon changed. In 1943 and in early 1944, the fighting on the territory of the USSR with its extensive territories was conducted, the effectiveness of this weapon was insufficient, since the small firing range (up to 60 meters) did not allow the use of RPGs in the field. In this regard, Panzerfaust was in service with only fighters of tanks, which arranged ambushes in a strengthenon, near the bridges, roads, in populated areas, etc. And only in the spring-summer of 1944, when the Soviet army entered the territory of the densely built-built Eastern Europe, "Faustpatron" in the mass manner began to enter the German infantry. To such a sharp change in the situation also contributed to the deployment of large-scale RPG production. By the autumn 44 years, the German military industry was able to establish the ever-growing production of Panzerfaust. In April 1944, Panzerfaust 30M manufactured 100 thousand pcs. And Panzerfaust 60m - 200 thousand pcs. In May - October of the same year, their monthly release was already 400 thousand pcs., In November - 1.084 million pcs., And in December this figure already amounted to 1.3 million pcs. At the same time, the consumption of Panzerfaust 30m and Panzerfaust 60m in November 1944, during the battles in Poland, Prussia and Hungary, amounted to only 209 thousand pcs. In January - April 45, the German enterprises produced more than 2.8 million grenade launchers "Faustpatron". The release of "FAUSTPATRONE" In addition to all enterprises of the HASAG concern in Schliben and Leipzig, other firms were engaged in. The release of BB for RPG data was engaged in: Rheinische Gummi- & Celluloid- Fabrik, Buhrle & Co and Oerlikon, and the production of Volkswagen launchers - one of the largest automotive plants in Germany. Moreover, the need for German troops in this weapon was so great that the Panzerfaust guides, which was a disposable weapon, were not thrown after use. In combat units, their fee was organized to send grenades to re-recruitment in the factory.

In 1944-1945, Faustpatron was the main PTS of infantry divisions, popraidian divisions, as well as folksturma battalions. For example, in the fall of 1944, a kilometer of the front accounted for up to 90 anti-tank Panzerfaust grenade launchers. German infantry companies for each soldier had several grenade launchers, which made it possible to significantly strengthen the anti-tank defense and significantly increased the losses of Soviet troops in armored vehicles. A visual example is the fighting on the territory of Poland, Hungary and Germany in the fall of 44 - in the winter of the 45th. On January 26, 1945, the Supreme Commander of the German Armed Forces A. Hitler gave an order to create a "Tank-Fighter Division", which should include the companies of scooters (cyclists), armed Panzerfaust.

Photo and pomegranate scheme

The difficulties of fighting the tanks of the enemy, the operation of the Soviet and Anglo-American military experiences of the fighting experience in the arms of which were Panzerfaust, were again forced by the Hasag engineers to improve grenade launchers. At the same time, the designers did the main emphasis on an increase in armor-proof, which constituted 200 mm (quite sufficient for its time), but to increase the range of use. In November 1944, Wehrmacht received a new RPG model - a 149-millimeter Panzerfaust 100m. In this anti-tank grenade, the developers were able to increase the range of firing up to 100 meters.

The original feature of Panzerfaust 100m is the presence of a container sequentially placed in the trunk of throwing powder charges with an air layer between them. Such charges of charges ensured an increase in the pressure of the powder gases, which occurred when inflammation of the first charge, affecting, by creating a closed volume by the second charge, to increase the range of pomegranates. When shooting grenades, the powder gases of the second charge, moving back, balancing the system. Thus, designers managed to achieve greater stability when shooting, which affected the improvement of the accuracy during the battle. Simultaneously with the increase in the range of fire increased, the truth is slightly, its armor-proof (up to 240 mm), which made it possible to become Panzerfaust 100m at the final stage of the war of the war of a truly serious opponent for all heavy allies tanks.

Drawing of the educational variant of the RPG "Panzerfaust" 60m

The high efficiency of Panzerfaust in recent months of war has significantly increased the losses of allies in armored vehicles, which led to the adoption of response measures of opposition - the most vulnerable places of combat vehicles were shielded, a new tactic of the joint actions of infantry and tank units was applied. These changes made it possible to significantly reduce the damage applied by the Hitler grenaderates of armored troops. After the war, the Marshal of the Soviet Union I.S. Konev, commander of the first Ukrainian front, wrote about this: "... In an effort to reduce the number of tanks beaten by Fautpatron, we introduced a simple, however, a very effective means - the so-called shielding was created around the tanks: the leaf iron or sheets of tin were pushed over the reservation. Finding into the tank, Faustpatron pierced at first this is a minor obstacle, but there was emptiness behind him, and the grenade stumbled upon armor to lose the reactive force. She most often ricocheted, and did not damage ... Why did this remedy begin to apply so late? It is probably due to the fact that with such a wide use of Faustpatronov during street fighting, we practically did not face, and in open areas were not considered with it. "

But his opponent spoke about this in his memoirs - Lieutenant Colonel of Wehrmacht E. Middeldorf: "A large number of tanks hit with the help of anti-tank infantry means, speaks for itself ... Most of the baked tanks on the account" Parcefaust ". But the "Parcelfaust" having a rough filler and a large scattering, gave a good result only when used at the removal of no more than 80 meters ... This fact is talking about the courage of the German soldiers, which they showed in a nearby battle with tanks. However, one should not overestimate the meaning of the melee. A sharp decline in the results of the fight against tanks with the help of FAUSTPATRONE, which was observed from January 1945, is primarily due to the introduction of Russian new tactics of protection against tank fighters. It was the protection of armored vehicles during the fight with individual arrows, which moved at a distance of 100 - 200 meters from the tank. If the nature of the area did not give to the shelter of the favorable conditions of the fighter tanks, the nearby battle became impossible ... This tactic was a response to improving the effectiveness of anti-tank defense, which was achieved thanks to the use of new RPG "PARCARFAUST" and "OPENOROR".

Officer-Frontovik teaches the RPG RPG "Panzerfaust" 100m militia from Volkssturma. Germany, November 29, 1944

The last reference of the regime on the idea of \u200b\u200bthe leadership of the Third Reich should have been a folk militia, which is more known as "Volkssturm". More than 4 million people had to stand under a gun. They needed a huge amount of weapons, which should have been easy to handle and cheap in production. At the same time, weapons must have great efficiency as, for example, Panzerfaust. Under these conditions, a practically unresolved problem was bold before the Wehrmacht command. On the one hand, it is necessary to encourage and arm a lot of people who have not passed the construction preparation, on the other hand it was necessary to train them with elementary knowledge in military business. Naturally, the question arose how to teach the use of disposable grenade launchers if their lack in combat units on the front is observed. Therefore, it was necessary to urgently create an educational version of Faustpatron. On November 20, 1944, a joint order of the head of the HWAA Arms Service and the General Inspector of Tank Forces on Independent Manufacturer (according to the accompanying drawings) was gone to all military units of the German army and the Inspector of Tank Forces on Independent Manufacturer. The Panzerfaust training version was a 60m garnet trunk, equipped with a special device for shooting the grenade layout and the beam of fire. The device was a cartridge under idle 7.92-millimeter rifle cartridge M.ZZ, which was vertically inserted into the pomegnet barrel. The powder gases during the shot pushed the wooden layout of the pomegranates from the trunk tube and act on the drummer of the second idle cartridge, which was inserted into the wooden imitator "Ray of Fire", which served for the pomegranate of the anti-organity. This device has made its, although not so significant, as conceived, contributed to the folkssturma of the aiming, shooting and selection of position.

Installation scheme of improvised anti-tank mines from Panzerfaust RPG

An unambiguous assessment of the use of Panzerfaust folksturma units in the battles of the last period of war was given by I.S. Konev: "Futpartnons were especially abundant with folksturma battalions, in the ranks of which teenagers and elderly prevailed. Faustpatron - was one of the funds as they could create a sense of confidence in the fact that, just yesterday, becoming soldiers, they will be able to do something today. It should be noted that these phausers in most cases fought to the end and showed much more resistance than those who saw, but German soldiers were bothering with many years of fatigue and defeats. "

The worsening of the position at the front, and the new tactics of motorized rifle and armored troops of the enemy, which now took into account the widespread use of the Wehrmacht Panzerfaust, again demanded from the Germans to take measures to neutralize the allies to minimize the loss in tanks and armored vehicles. Therefore, in November 1944, the HWAA reactive weapon development department instructed Hasag to re-modernize the Panzerfaust design to expand the combat capacity of the anti-tank grenade launcher. When designing this weapon, new tactical and technical requirements were taken into account, which included:
- increasing the shooting range while maintaining the charge and trunk of Panzerfaust 100m;
- saving explosives with increasing grenade armor-proof;
- use of surrogated explosives;
- use in the manufacture of arc and point electric welding;
- The possibility of applying grenades, both for the destruction of armored goals and the alive force of the enemy.

Training shooting from Faustpatron Volkssturmist. 1945

In these tactical and technical requirements, in addition to the permanent requirements for improving the combat qualities of weapons, as well as the cheapening of its manufacture, sounded and a completely new requirement - for the first time formulated the concept of creating a combined cumulative-fragment grenade (in many countries it was approached after 10 - 15 years). First of all, Hasag engineers began to work with a grenade. To increase the range of shooting, an additional jet engine was introduced into the grenade design. Despite the fact that this decision made it possible to significantly increase the range of throwing, a sharp decline in the bunch of fire reduced all the results achieved. It did not give a positive result and the use of nitrocellulous powder as a throwing charge. Measures to reduce the cost of Faustpatron, made by constructors, forced them to refer to light metals for the manufacture of trunks-pipes, but these works did not give positive results. After several unsuccessful experiences, without abandoning the introduction into its design of various improvements, which at the same time did not affect the weapons themselves, German engineers approached to solve the problem from an unconventional side, giving a new breathing to the confined "Faustpartron". Designers proposed to make a completely new model - RPG repeated use. This solved many challenges associated with the acute lack of materials necessary for the production of materials in terms of the loss of part of the raw material base and disintegration of production relations in the third Reich, and to some extent relieved the issue of increasing the production of this weapon, so necessary in defensive battles. First of all, the grenade itself was almost completely reworked. In the new grenade, the head combat part, the stabilizer and the bottom fuse were collected in a single whole (the grenades of the former Panzerfaust consisted of two parts - a combat part and a shank having a plumage). This made it possible to change the principle of charging the grenade launcher. The tube of the stabilizer had a retainer, which, when charging, was included in the cutout of the grenade launcher. This provided a strong fixation of the combat charge in the manual anti-tank grenade launcher and allowed to safely discharge the weapon if the need for fire has disappeared. The trunk launcher in this form allowed multiple recharging. The thickening of the trunk walls allowed to withstand a grenade launcher to 10 shots. The solution to the task of increasing the shooting range also turned out to be very simple - improved pomegranate aerodynamics.

In the new manual anti-tank grenade launcher, called Panzerfaust 150m, but more known as Splitterfaust (fragment fist), used cylinder shape grenade, and stabilizers and longitudinal grooves on the ballistic cap provided its steady flight. Aerodynamics improved and thanks to a decrease in the diameter of the garnet housing from 149 millimeters (in Panzerfaust 100m) to 106 millimeters (in Panzerfaust 150m). Due to this, the maximum firing distance from Panzerfaust 150m amounted to 300 meters, and an effective one is about 150 meters. At the same time, due to minor changes, grenades increased significantly. The cylindrical part of the garnet housing was equipped with a fluttering flour, which was much improved the possibility of conducting sighting fire. The garnet casing was dressed a steel cylindrical shirt (it was copied with manual grenade RGD-33 production of the USSR) with transverse chairs applied on its surface to create slaughter elements that increased the affecting effect of fragments. This made it possible to conduct a successful struggle, both with an enemy armored vehicle, and with his living force. The new grenade has kept the former armor (220 -240 millimeters), which was sufficient to defeat any tanks of that time. In March 45, HASAG began production of the first installation batch of these anti-tank grenade launchers in the amount of 500 pcs. It was planned that their monthly release in the near future will reach 100 thousand pieces. However, American troops, capturing Leipzig in mid-April, where Panzerfaust 150m was started, stopped the last attempt of the Germans to use the so-called "wonderful weapon" and increase the number of victims of war.

Column of Soviet Tanks IS-2 on the road in East Prussia. 1st Belarusian front. Sleva on the side of the side - Abandoned German grenade launchers "Panzerfaust)

The problem of increasing the efficiency of Panzerfaust consisted, not only in increasing the range of shooting and armor-proof, but also in improving the accuracy of their battle. In this regard, simultaneously with the creation of PTH Panzerfaust 150m designers work on the next, more powerful, Panzerfaust 250 model, whose sighting range was 250 meters. It was achieved due to the use of an extended trunk launcher and the larger mass of the hosted charge. Using instead of the lested gear mechanism of the electromagum made it possible to achieve greater reliability of work under adverse conditions, especially during the cold season. For the grenade launcher created a new starting trunk-pipe, on which, with the help of cape clamps were attached: the trigger, which was collected in the stamped control handle; Frame shoulder stop produced from metal; Additional handle hold a grenade lady. The shooting was led from the shoulder, similar to Panzerschreck and Isanrohr grenade launchers. Such uncomplicated adaptations significantly improved the handling of weapons when the shot, which, in turn, increased the accuracy of the shooting of grenade launchers. However, experiences with Panzerfaust 250m, like other similar work, were not fully communicated due to the surrender of Germany.

In January 1945, ReichsForSchungsrat (RFR), Reich Research Council, and Wasag made another attempt to improve this weapon. The new grenade launcher, known as Verbesserte Pz.faust ("Superior Panzerfaust"), had a 160 mm grenade with an improved fuse. Already in February, its production planned to establish Heber in the city of Osterode, but the rapid offensive of the allies prevented the implementation of these plans. At the same time, in the same period of the 45th of the year, another number of projects of new designs of grenade launchers appeared, including those that can be confidently attributed to fantastic: the Grosse Panzerfaust project - the "250m" barrel pipe and the new enlarged grenade having armor-proof up to 400 millimeters; Brandfaust - used incendiary pz.BrandGranate pomegranate; GASFAUST - grenade filled with poisoning substances; Flammfaust - disposable flamethrower. The most promising project was an anti-personnel grenade launcher Schrappnell-FAUST, with a fragmentation garnet and a shooting range up to 400 meters. The charge was undermined by a mechanical remote fuse at an altitude of 2 - 3 meters, contributing to the formation of a solid zone of the defeat of the enemy's forces at a distance of up to 20 meters. The weight of this weapon was about 8 kilograms. By the spring of the 45th year, a batch of grenade troops was sent to military tests in the amount of 100 pcs. But Schrappnell-Faust has not been brought to mass production.

British tanker from the 11th Tank Division and the prisoners of German "tank fighters" from Hitlergenda. Tankist is armed with a submachine gun of Sten Mk.III, on his shoulder is visible "confiscated" in adolescents German assault rifle STG 44. In the foreground and on the right, bicycles are visible with pairs of "Faustpatron" (Panzerfaust). Similar bicycle divisions of fighters tanks were widely used in recent months of war in Germany

This weapon caused huge losses to the Soviet troops during the fights in the Raich capital, where Panzerfaust RPGs stood in service with all the German units and divisions of Wehrmacht, Volkssturma and SS defended Berlin.

Later I.S. Konev, who was directly involved in these bloody battles, wrote in his memoirs: "... The Germans prepared Berlin to tough and durable defenses, which was designed for a long time. The defense was built on a system of strong fire, resistance nodes and reference points. The closer to the center of Berlin, the more densely the defense became. Massive stone buildings having a greater thickness of the walls adapted to a long siege. Several buildings fortified thus formed the resistance node. To cover the flanks, strong barricades were erected up to 4 meters thick, which were also powerful anti-tank obstacles ... Corner buildings of which could be conducted as braid and flank fire strengthened especially carefully ... In addition, German defense nodes were saturated with a huge number of faustparters that in Street battles became a formidable anti-tank weapon ... Berlin also had a lot of anti-aircraft artillery, which during street fighting played a significant role in PTO. If you do not take into account Faustpatron, then most of the losses among tanks and self-propelled goods in Berlin we suffered from the anti-aircraft installations of the enemy. During the battle for Berlin, the Nazis destroyed and crumbled more than 800 of our self-propelled and tanks. At the same time, the bulk of losses fell on the fights in the city. "

If you evaluate the RPG according to the main criterion of "cost-efficiency", Panzerfaust occupies a leading place in the infantry weapon class of the Second World War. German scientist Germany Hans Kerl, a specialist in the field of military industry, gave these grenade launchers: "Perhaps the only weapon of Germany, which meets the requirements of maximum efficiency with minimal costs of funds and forces on its production, was" Faustpatron ". German grenade launchers were not only the most massive type of Wehrmacht weapons, but the cheapest. 8 people spent on the production of one "Faustpatron", and the cost was from 25 to 30 grades, depending on the modification. According to the data drawn up on the task of the Ministry of Armament by the German Central Statistical Office in 1945 in the period from August 43 to March 45, the total release of Faustpatronov amounted to 9.21 million pcs., Of these, 2,077 million - Panzerfaust Klein 30m and 30m, and 7.133 million 60m and 100m. According to Windows as of March 1, 45, 3.018 million pcs numbered in the German Armed Forces in the Armed Forces. Dynamoreactive RPG Panzerfaust of various models, and another 271 thousand - in the arsenals.

Uncomplete, prepared for undermining the US Army sacks, German anti-tank grenade launchers "Panzerfaust), modifications M60 and M100. (Indexes 60 and 100 indicate the effective firing distance in meters). As explosives (from above), the two-gram-gram TROTILS (TNT 1/2 Pound Block) of American production is used (TNT 1/2 Pound Block)

The effectiveness of the use of this weapon is indicated by the figures of losses, which suffered the Soviet tank armies in battles at the last stage of the Second World War. For example, in April 1945, in battles on the approaches to Berlin from Panzerfaust, from 11.3 to 30% of tanks was lost, and on time street fighting in the city itself up to 45 - 50%.

In general, Panzerfaust during World War II fully justified all the hopes that were held on them by the command of the Armed Forces of Germany. The crisis of anti-tank agents for infantry was the reason that the arms designers found a fundamentally new solution to this task - created a complex of anti-tank weapons: RPG and cumulative grenades. German designers thereby opened a new direction in the development of weapons. Extremely efficient, but at the same time cheap and simple weapons, which were grenade launchers, allowed German infantrymen in conditions of a maneuverable modern battle to deal with equal practically with any enemy tanks. Although the Germans themselves, including Erich Schneider, Lieutenant Lieutenant-General, after the war, believed that: "During the war, the infantry of all countries has delivered a lot of trouble with anti-tank weapons ... However, the anti-tank weapons that answered all the requirements of infantry was created. . The infantry is necessary that the anti-tank weapon is serviced by one person, and so that with its help it was possible to destroy the tank from the distance 150, and even better with a 400 metro. "

But this statement can be attributed to Panzerfaust with a very large stretch, since it was they who had all the possibilities for their further improvement, and the most recent models of this weapon - Panzerfaust 150 and 250m - responded to the requirements. It was they who became prototypes to create in many countries, including the Soviet Union, the newest type of armament for infantry - manual anti-tank grenade launchers.

According to the material "Infantry weapon of the Third Reich Part VI. Wehrmacht Jet Wehrmacht Weight" Special Education "Weapon Journal" for 11/12 2003

Middle battle with tanks

"Middle battle with tanks" - a fighter from the command of the Wehrmacht. (Hollywood rests). Cast - Brave Aryan guys, stupid Russian tankers and their nicuddy tanks. Year of release - 1943. The appointment of this masterpiece - to demonstrate housewives and boys from Hitlergenda ways to destroy Russian tanks and their crews. Everything looks easily, understandable, easy and accessible.

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Noticed Osh BKU Highlight the text and click Ctrl + Enter.

The first months of fighting on the Eastern Front showed a significant advantage of severe Soviet KV and T-34 over German tanks and anti-tank artillery of the Wehrmacht. The German anti-tank gun Pak 35/36 could not effectively deal with Soviet combat vehicles equipped with anti-frequency booking. Because of the low efficiency, German soldiers called it a "bow" or "clappering" instrument, and the German military leaders later called the confrontation between T-34 and Pak 35/36 "Dramatic chapter in the history of German infantry."

The Germans had 88-mm anti-aircraft guns, which they successfully used against Soviet tanks, but it was not too convenient. These guns were bulky, expensive, there were few them and they could not always cover the infantry from the onset of tanks. The Germans tried to solve the problem with the use of special ammunition, podka-caliber and cumulative shells, but it only partially solved the question. The worst thing was different: in the near battle with the tanks of the enemy, German soldiers remained practically unarmed, because it is very difficult to destroy the formidable combat machine with grenades.

It was necessary to look for a different decision, and German designers found him: in early 1943, the first 500 "Faustpatronov" was admitted to weachkt. This weapon was simple and cheap, at the same time distinguished by high efficiency. His work was based on a dynamoreactive principle. During the war years, the German industry manufactured 8,254,300 units of various modifications of this weapon.

The history of Faustpatron's creation

Faustpatron (Panzerfaust or FaustPatrone) was developed by Hasag (Hugo Schneider AG) under the guidance of Dr. Heinrich Languqualera. Before it was the task of creating a simple and effective means of combating enemy tanks on short distances. It is believed that the creation of Panzerfaust the Germans inspired acquaintance with the American Bazuka.

However, between the Bazuka and FaustPatrone there are significant differences: the Bazooka is, in fact, the portable rocket installation, "Faustpatron" is more like a custom-effective gun. Panzerfaust grenade launcher was designed with such a calculation so that any infantryman could use it after a short briefing. The American Bazuki had a permanent and well-trained calculation.

During the war years, Wehrmacht received several modifications of Panzerfaust, "Faustpatron" is, rather, the collective name of all types of this weapon.

The first "Faustpatron" had no sight, his pointed front part often ricothelis from tank armor, and the weight of the explosive in the combat part was insufficient. The manufacturer took into account these shortcomings, and a modernized version of the weapon was adopted very quickly in the weapons, Panzerfaust. In this modification, the size and mass of the head part of the garnet was increased, its front part was made in the form of a flat platform, an explosive weight increased. All this led to an increase in arms armoredness.

Faustpatron received exactly the classic appearance, familiar to us by military films and turned into a simple and deadly weapon, which does not leaving almost no chance of any tank.

A distinctive feature of Panzerfaust was its simplicity in production and low cost.

With the mass of grenades, the 3.25 kg "Faustpatron" could be punctured by armor of any Soviet tank. The following figures speak about the effectiveness of this weapon: from January to April 1944, the Germans with the help of Faustpatron destroyed more than 250 Soviet tanks.

This weapon had a large resource for further modernization than the developers took advantage of the early 1944. Changes that were entered in Faustparttron, touched almost all the characteristics of this weapon. The new modification was called Panzerfaust 60. The range of target fire increased to 60 meters, the combat qualities of weapons increased, its production has simplified. Main changes:

  • An increase in the trigger caliber to 50 mm, as well as the increase in the thickness of its walls. This made it possible to increase the shroud of gunpowder in a throwing charge, due to which the speed and range of the grenade rose.
  • The pomegranate was connected to the stem thanks to a special latch, not a thread, which simplified the charging process and made it possible to install a fly.
  • The shock mechanism of the button type was replaced by a simpler and reliable lever type. Capsul-igniter was replaced.
  • Panzerfaust 60 received a more perfect sight.
  • The mass of upgraded weapons increased to 6.25 kg.

The use of "Faustpatron" in the extensive territories of the USSR was less effective than in densely populated Eastern Europe due to a small range of grenade laning. The German industry rapidly increased the release of Panzerfaust: if in April 1944, Wehrmacht received 100 thousand units of this weapon, then in November of the same year, this figure was 1.084 million pieces. It is for these reasons that the most tanks were beaten with the help of "Faustpatron" at the final stage of war. At the end of the war, Panzerfaust became the main anti-tank agent of the Wehrmacht, the SS troops and the divisions of the national militia. German troops on the front hand had several units of such weapons per fighter, which significantly strengthened the anti-tank defense and increased the loss of Soviet tanks.

The need for this weapon in the troops was so great that the military on their own initiative settled the collection of launchers of the Faustpatron's start-up pipes, to send them to plants for secondary gear.

However, the Soviet soldiers also accumulated the experience of combating pomegranaters. Each tank was defended by a whole group of infantrymen from him at a distance of 100-200 meters.

German designers continued to work on improving the grenade launcher. At the end of 1944, a new modification of Panzerfaust appeared, which could fire for a hundred meters. In addition, the armored ability of the new grenade launcher and the accuracy of its shooting increased. Panzerfaust-100 has become a truly formidable opponent for any allied tank, including the heaviest cars.

To reduce the number of losses from the new German weapons, Soviet tankers shielded their cars, changed tactics, tried to avoid melee.

At the very end of the war, the Teutonic gloomy genius "issued on-mountain" another Panzerfaust model, which had firing range up to 150 meters and could be used several times. To increase the shooting range, the aerodynamic characteristics of grenades have improved, changing its shape and reduce the diameter. Stabilizers and special grooves provided a steady flight of grenades. The maximum range of flights was 300 meters, and the distance of efficient shooting is 150 meters. It was possible to wear a steel shirt on the garnet body, which when undermined gave a large number of fragments. So the new grenade launcher was effective not only against the enemy tanks, but also against his living strength.

However, Hasag managed to release only 500 copies of the new grenade launcher, and in April, Leipzig was captured by the Americans. The Germans conducted work and on the creation of a "Faustpatron" with a targeted range of shooting 250 meters, which very much reminded modern grenade launchers, but they could not bring these plans, Germany capitulated.

"Fautpartron" caused a huge damage by the Soviet troops during the Battle of Berlin: more than 800 Soviet tanks and self-propelled lines were destroyed in this battle, most of which were shot from grenade launchers.

"Faustpatron" can be called one of the most effective types of weapons of the German army. In terms of price and efficiency, he was not equal. By creating Panzerfaust, the Germans practically opened a new direction in the weapons.

Description Panzerfaust.

"Faustpatron" is a disposable anti-tank grenade launcher, which used the same principle of operation as a custom-effective gun. Its device was very simple. The pomegranate's own jet jet engine had no, the throwing charge was placed in the launcher of the weapon and shot a grenade. After its ignition, the powder gases pushed the grenade forward and escaped from the barrel back, compensating for the return.

The starting mechanism and the aiming devices were installed on the launcher. At the later modifications of the filpatron of the pomegranate received four folding stabilizers. The charge grenade consisted of a mixture of tool and hexogen.

The aimed tools consisted of a folding plate and edges of the garnet shell. In a marking position, the sighting plank was attached to the ear of the pomegranates check and blocked the trigger.

The top of the aiming plank and the fleet was painted with luminescent paint for the convenience of aiming in the dark.

To make a shot of a grenade launcher placed under the mouse, aimed and pressed on the button of the trigger mechanism. The shooting must be careful, since the jet of powder gas from the back of the weapon reached 4 meters and could, reflecting from any obstacles, contapulate the arrow. Therefore, from Panzerfaust it was impossible to shoot from closed rooms.

After the shot, the explosion of the pomegranates, he worked at a meeting with any obstacle.

Tactical and technical characteristics of Faustpatron

Video about grenade launcher

If you have any questions - leave them in the comments under the article. We or our visitors will gladly respond to them

The term "Wunderwaff" (Wunderwaffe) was introduced by the Nazi Ministry of Propaganda to indicate large-scale research projects aimed at creating new types of weapons, new artillery samples and armored vehicles (such as Panzerkampfwagen VII Löwe Tanks, Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus, E-100; or Anti-tank RUMPELSCHEN Rocket Rockets, Rochen; or Turbojet fighters Messerschmitt ME.262 "Schwalbe", Hakel HE-162 "Salamander", etc.). Sven Felix Kellerhof (Sven Felix Kellerhof) in an article published by "Die Welt", considers the German Parcers, Panzerschki as such a "miracle weapon", which in 1945 could only slow down the promotion of Soviet troops, somewhat delaying the inevitable defeat of Germany.

Volkssturm - folk militia detachments

Folkssturma's soldiers learn to use the Parcelfaust, the first days of April 1945.

Simple pipe with a grenade: Volkssturm was supposed to stop soviet tanks In the spring of 1945 by simple means. It was the concept of suicide team.

There is no more dangerous place on the battlefield than a few tens of meters in front of enemy tanks. Although their guns are already ineffective at such a distance. But one or two machine guns there are almost every tank. Most of the Parcelfaust models with which German soldiers had to delay the Red Army in the spring of 1945, had an effective range of fire only 30-50 meters. Several million of such disposable grenade launchers were created, starting in 1943, and delivered to the Wehrmacht.

In the spring of 1945, they were the most recent, deceptive hope to detain the Armada of Soviet tanks, who were waiting for an order to the march in the direction of Berlin. The newspaper "Folk Observer" ("Völkische Beobachter") printed the sketches about the right use of the Parcelfausts, the last film "German weekly review" (Die Deutsche Wochenschau) of the Ministry of Propaganda showed race receptions with this weapon.

Joseph Goebbels (Joseph Goebbels) at the end of March 1945 dictated: " Dr. Lei was at the Führera and outlined him a question of the rationale for the Volunteer Corps". (approx. Site: Frajcor, Freikorps, Free Corps, Volunteer Corps - Name of a number of half-time patriotic formations that existed in Germany and Austria in 18-20 centuries). The formation based as free hulls of Napoleonic wars was supposed to wear a name" Volunteer case Adolf Hitler. "

His members had to form "combat anti-tank units", which are "equipped only with porcartfausts, assault rifles and bicycles." This self-limitation was inevitable, since the Wehrmacht had hardly large material means.

Photo: Federal Archive of Germany.

Due to excessive consumption of alcohol, many Germans informally called Lei "Reichstrunkenbold" ("Imperial Drunka"). So, Goebbels was definitely right, such as lei will not be able to motivate the "Volunteer Corps" on the struggle not for life, but to death. But it was also meaningless to create formations equipped with assault rifles and pantsfausts. Such combat groups were actually suicide bonuses.

Actually, the idea was not bad for this weapon. The German military industry could not produce a sufficient number of anti-tank guns to compete with the mass production of the enemy plants. Anti-tank guns From the first days of the war were ineffective against modern models of such Soviet tanks, as the T-34-85 and IS-2 or American "Pershikov" (approx. For weapons: T-34-85 - January 23, 1944; -2 - October 31, 1943, and combat baptism - in early 1944; M26 "Pershing" - in the first battle entered in February 1945).

During the fighting in Tunisia 1942-43. Wehrmacht captured the American anti-tank weapon - "Bazooka". At its base, a significantly improved version was developed - " Panzershchera"His reactive cumulative charge could be poured at a distance of 200 meters to 150 mm armor steel. Ominous weapons, but relatively expensive and complex in production.

Therefore, in parallel with Panzershchek, a simpler version was developed. The charge of mines was attached to the usual trunk, there was almost no return, the speed was increased to 60 meters per second. If you get into the housing, the tank armor could be broken and the crew is destroyed. But the "Parcelfaust" had an essential drawback: the effective shooting range was less than one third of the "Panzershree". Therefore, they were only suitable for attacks at close range.

Anti-tank formations, which preferably consisted of the old people of Volkssturma and Hitlergenda, were to hide in the trenches, in the ruins until the Soviet tank approaches 50 meters, and better even less. Only then they directed their weapons to the tank with a simple tin as a sight, and shot. In a matter of seconds, after the explosion, the grenades of cumulative charge they had to jump and change their position. Baked tank detained further enemy promotion.

This is theory. And there was nothing, or almost nothing, in common with practice. As the advanced troops of the troops of the Red Army, very quickly understood that the Wehrmacht had a new weapon. They have adapted their tactics. Potential resistance nests were fired from machine guns and tank machine guns during promotion. On the unimpressed places led artillery fire, as a precautionary measure, before tanks are suitable.

No one knows how much boys and old men died from anti-tank formations that tried to let the T-34-85 close enough to hit them. No one also knows how much of about 2000 Soviet tanks destroyed in the Battle of Berlin, hesitated by the bubberfausts. Regardless of this, the last wonderful weapon of the Third Reich was a mistake. Because the pceserfaust, in principle, is suitable only for slowing the advance of the enemy.

In the spring of 1945, the Wehrmacht did not have more troops and material means for the counterdard, nor the sufficient number of tanks and aircraft, was also too little fuel and ammunition. Covering the advance of the enemy, caused by suicide bumps could, therefore, only delay the inevitable defeat.

Chinese products. Strikebal version of the anti-tank grenade launcher.
This model is a modification of the Panzerfaust - Panzerfaust 60. 60 means that the real model beat for the distance of 60 meters (by the end of the war, Hermann brought the range of the shot of the Parcelfaust to 200 meters).

The manufacturer of this device is unknown - there was an inscription on the boxes - S.H.I. - SPIDE HEAVY INDUSTRES. Maybe this is the company manufacturer. Granatome comes in two boxes - head and pipe separately ...

Weight - approximately 3-4 kg. Metal pipe. But the head is unfortunately made of plastic like the textolite. To the touch, he seems to be strong - to drop or be an opponent is still not worth ...

Appearance.

At the end of the grenade launcher there is a plastic plug. Which can be removed .. In principle, for this, the Chinese can be put in a solid "five" - \u200b\u200bwith a plug of pomegranate can be put on the ground without fear that the earth or garbage is typed in it ...

The head is attached to the pipe enough primitively - it just ships in the groove and fastened with a check (the check is immediately recommended to bind some kind of rope - for you can ... Н)

Incomplete analysis.

The head disassembles two parts on the principle of matryoshki and is fixed with the groove by rotating the halves clockwise. Outturi can observe the trigger system.

The trigger is a metal rod - which moves along the pipe, presses on the valve on the grenade and the sample initiates it ...

Established a grenade launcher under the usual 40mm airsoft grenades.

Pomegranate is inserted into the top half of the head. She is fixed only at the expense of friction forces - but it is very tight. I turned the half - the pomegranate did not fall .... Highness is another plastic plug, which closes the hole for the departure of the charge of grenades. So, externally, the pomegranate is also not very different from his combat prototype. And the entourage is not violated. For this Chinese manufacturers get another "five." Of course, the plug must be removed for the shot.

The principle of operation is similar to a combat grenade launcher. Announcement of the sight and we meet it (the one is both the fuse at the same time). After that, we click on the lever ..... and voyali - you earn yourself stripes on the sleeve)))

It was very pleased that thanks to a variety of airsoft grenades - grenade launcher is universal.
The usual 40mm grenades can be operated by infantry, and specialized (which are fired by paintball balls or special charges) you can work on the technique ...

Photo of special pomegranate attached ...

Impression.
Pros - an antines appearance, simplicity of use, versatility, presence of plugs.
Cons - plastic head, and a slightly unfinished system "Boyhead" (I am afraid it will not be very pressing on the grenade valve).

Stock Foto Special pomegranate ...

Grenades shooting special "charges"

Pomegranate shooting paintball ball.


Production history and applications Panzerfaust (Faustpatron)

destruction of trophy Faustpatronov overhead charge. 1945 year

The massive application of the Red Army of Middle and Heavy Tanks forced the German command to urgently look for ways to establish anti-tank defense of infantry parts. In the spring of 1942, the Arms Department proposed several companies to develop new anti-tank weapons. Little is known about what other contestants were offered, but the choice fell on the project developed by Dr. Hechrich Langeveler from Hugo Schneider Aktien-Gesellschaft (Hasag) from Leipzig Altenburg.
Langveyailer created an unusual device so-called FAUSTPATRONE. Faustpatron, which is translated as "fist-cartridge" was a cumulative projectile, planted on a short tube. The total length of the device did not exceed 35 cm. The descent was carried out using a lever located on the side of the rude. The projectile was twisted thanks to two rods inserted into the grooves on the inner surface of the pipe. The caliber of the projectile was 80 mm, the total mass did not exceed 1 kg.

The device had a serious drawback. When shot from the rear end of the pipe, a powerful sheaf of a flame broke out, which forced the arrow to keep the pipe on an elongated hand. And this did not allow to conduct aiming fire. The shell was unstable in the air, the fuse was very sensitive to the corner of the blow. That is, if the projectile hit the target not at right angles, then the explosion did not occur. But the project had indisputable advantages.
In October 1942, the Arms Department decided to refine a faustparttron, so that the effective range of fire reached at least 30-40 m. In November, the main flaws of weapons managed to eliminate.


fPZ8003 Fuse Scheme from Faustpatron

Faustpatron received a longer pipe larger diameter. Thanks to the extent, the soldiers got the opportunity to put the pipe on the shoulder and accurately aim. The shell in flight was stabilized by a sheet of sheet metal, fixed on a wooden shank. The plumage was hung on the shank when the projectile was in the pipe, but after departure from the pipe, the plumage was dissolved due to the elasticity of the metal. Caliber of the projectile brought to 95 mm and equipped with it with a bottom explosion, which was worked out regardless of the angle of attack. The throwing charge consisted of a smoky powder mounted in a weight of 56. The initial speed of the projectile is 25-28 m / s, the effective shooting range of 30 m. The shell pierced the armor with a thickness of up to 140 mm.


aiming from Parcelfaust 60

Approximately simultaneously with Faustpatron, work was carried out on an increased projectile by a caliber of 150 mm. The basis was the magnetic cumulative mine
HAFTHOHLADUNG 3 KG (HAFT-HL 3), larger shell weighed 5.1 kg. For its throwing, a smoky powder was intended for a mass of 95 g. Despite the larger mass, the effective shooting range was the same 30 m. At the same time, the shell pierced the armor with a thickness of up to 200 mm.


Pawserfaust 30 was primitive and at the same time difficult, which is clearly visible in the picture. It was necessary to combine the aiming bar with a small recess on the top of the warhead. The accuracy of such aiming left much to be desired, although this was enough to get along the tank from 30 m. Russia, beginning 1944

In March 1943, both models presented to the ranks from the Arms Department at the Polygon in Kummersdorf. For comparison, the American Bazook was demonstrated. Following the test, it was decided to continue working on both types of weapons. At the same time, work was working on the German Bazuka, which received the nickname of wasnrohr ("Chimney"). The weapon department has posted an order for 3000 faustparters of both types. Soon the new weapon came to the Eastern Front.


Standard box for 4 pancartfaust. Detonators were kept during transport in a separate penalty.

The first parties of Faustpatron entered the troops in August 1943. These were 500 pieces of small and 6800 large faustpatrons. The instruction manual dated September 1, 1943 for the difference, a smaller Faustpatron called FaustPatrone 1, and more - FaustPatrone 2. In October 1943, the Arms Department posted an order for the release of Faustparttrons 1 and 200,000 Faustpatron 2 monthly. Although these results managed to achieve only by the end of 1944, a very fast German industry began to produce tens of thousands of Faustparttrons. Effects were easy to use, but demanded from an caution arrow, since the exhaust from the rear end of the pipe beat a meter to two. On all copies of red paint on the stencil, a warning inscription was put on the stencil: Achtung Feuerstrahl ("Caution, Fire String") or Other Similar Caution.

The instruction said that the release was dangerous for people within a radius of ten meters. The shooter could suffer from the emission himself, if his back was an obstacle at a distance of two meters.
Before the shot, the Faustpatron projectile was removed from the pipe. Then they installed a detonator and a subversive charge. At Faustpatron 1, the subversive charge was in the shank, which was inserted into the pipe. Faustpatron 2 detonator and the subversive charge were prevented in a tubular protrusion of warheads.


detonators kl.zdlg. 34 Used in Parcelfausts

Then the projectile was installed back. The shot was carried out by pressing the battlefield, who broke the capsule and flammped a throwing charge. The subversive charge and the caps have been installed at the factory. Before the shot, it was necessary to remove the stud, which kept the sighting bar in the lowered position. Further, the bar glad to raise. At the same time, the battered was, and the descent performed outwards. The sight was very simple and was a gap, with the help of which should be caught a goal. Mushka was absent. The sighting distance did not exceed 30 m.

Designations

The name FaustPatrone was used until the end of the war, although at the end of 1943 the official name of the weapons changed to Panzerfaust - "Tank fist". Small Panzerfaust became known as Panzerfaust Klein. And big - Panzerfaust Gross. To exclude confusion, the shell of a large Parcelfaust was necessarily methyl inscription GROSS. This measure seemed excessive, since a large and small batchfaust and without that easily distinguish.
Most authors converge on the fact that the release of small pantsfausts turned in early 1944. Big Parcerthst in 1944 received a new designation Panzerfaust 30.



Feldwebel explain CM soldiers Rules for the use of large Parcelfaust 30. The picture is dated September 1943. Only a month earlier the first small parties of the Parcelfausts entered the fighting parts. Apparently, NPOs one of the earliest pictures on mnu the topic. Russia, September 1943


Unter-officer brings Panzerfaust 30 gross from shelter. The frame is removed shortly after the allied landing in Normandy in order to raise the morale of soldiers. France, June 1944

Panzerfaust 60.

As mentioned above, Parcelfaust 30 had a targeted shooting range of only 30 m. To approach the enemy's tank at such a distance from the soldier, huge courage and determination was required. The shot from the Parcelfaust was very loud, in the case of a misha, the soldier did not have the opportunity to recharge the weapon and try to shoot again. Therefore, the military demanded to increase the sighting range of the Parcelfaust. This requirement was soon satisfied. In the same 1944, Panzerfaust 60 appeared. The new Parcelfaust had a pipe with a thickness of 3 mm thick instead of 2, capable of withstanding increased up to 140 grams of throwing powder. A more powerful charge increased the initial rate of the projectile to 48 m / s and the effective range of fire up to 60 m, hence the name.



Pancartfaust 60 had a more complex sight with a graduation at 30. 60 and 80 m. The projectile had a notch, which played the role of flying. The weapon was easy to use and had an upgraded trigger. Before the shot, the projectile was removed, a detonator was installed in it and a subversive charge, after which the projectile was installed back into the pipe. The trigger gave way to the lever, which acted on a spring-loaded board. Pressing the lever released a battlefield.

instructions for use Parcelfaust 60

The fuse was a rough sliding pin. In the rear position, he blocked the trigger lever. To remove the bringe 60 from the fuse. it was necessary to take the pin to the front position


Panzerfaust 100.


cover of manual to Parcelfaust 100

Panzerfaust 150.

In the late autumn of 1944, the Arms Department demanded to continue the improvement of the design of the Parcelfaust. Due to the lack of raw materials, it was proposed to reduce the mass of the cumulative charge, while retaining his punching ability. In parallel, the new bubberfoot should have been obtained even more efficient shot.
This meant a fundamental change in the design of the projectile. Experiments with cumulative funnels of various forms allowed to increase punching capacity up to 360 mm. Wooden shank of the projectile, which stabilized it in flight, replaced steel. Thanks to the extent, the projectile has already been supplied in a fully equipped form.

Parsfaust 150 launcher allowed reloading, because in the structure of the bubberfaust the pipe was the most difficult in the manufacture of the part. The lack of materials and transportation problems forced the command to declare a prize in three cigarettes for the surrender of each gate tube from the Barcarthsts 60 and 100.

In the spring of 1945, the work on the Parcelfaust 150 was completed and received an order for 3,00000 copies. But such an order it is impossible to fulfill. Only a few hundred bruzfausts managed to collect. Moreover, most of them had to destroy that they would not fall into the hands of the upcoming troops of the enemy.


There is a controversial information about the exact characteristics of the Panzerfaust 150. On the illustrations in Waffen und Geheimwaffen des Deutschen Heeres 1933-1945 depicted a device with a pistol handle and a socket at the rear end of the pipe. But according to DEUTSCHES Waffen- Journal, these features are characteristic of the following Panzerfaust 250 model, which remained at the experimental stage. This article reports that PanIerfaust 150 outwardly resembled PanIerfaust 100. But the sight was calibrated only by three distances, and the shape of the projectile was changed. It is possible that DWJ depicts a "hybrid" in the form of a shell of a Parcartfaust 150 on a pipe from 60 or 100. Production sizes
Different models of the Parcelfaust were produced as a mass series, which is almost impossible to bring any accurate output figures. By November 1944, more than a million pancarfausts were issued and the mass release was launched at least until February 1945
The official statistics given in Ruestungsstand Des Heeres announces the presence of 335300 copies in 1943, almost 5500,000 in 1944 and 2056,000 in January-February 1945 a significant part was issued by Hugo Schneider Aktien- Gesellschaft. But many firms were attracted to release. Unfortunately, no details on this should be preserved.


"In the funnel on the side of the soldiers from the division" Great Germany "equipped fireproof). Here he is waiting for the approaching Soviet tanks, "says the original signature under the photo. At the end of 1944, parts of the Red Army were uncontaminated to the West. Eastern Front, November 1944

Considering such a mass production, it is not surprising that Parcelfaust became the emblem of the German army at the last stage of war. Almost every snapshot made at the end of the war, you can see the Parcelfaust. In March 1945, it came to the attempt to use the Parcelfausts as an aviation weapon. At the disposal of the military there was quite a few academic aircraft VIS 181. A proposal to remake them in attack aircraft (BEHELFSPANZERJAEGER- literally auxiliary hunters for tanks). Each plane was supposed to take three 50 kg bombs and four pantsfaust. Followed by two on the tips of the wings. It was planned to start the combat use of aircraft already in mid-April, but it is unlikely that it came to practical application.




Several contradictory information and the effectiveness of the prangesfausts. Most likely, she was not so great as it was customary. The shot from the Parcelfaust demanded that the soldier of a rather strong nervous voltage, the ability to which could hardly be expected from the nonstunted militia. But one way or another, Parcelfaust had a noticeable effect on the course of the war.



The picture was made by the SESS photographer, the original signature says: "He is not afraid of enemy tanks. Confident in the fighting qualities of his pursefaust, he is coldly waiting for the approach of British tanks. " West Front, October 1944


Aiming. Soldiers and Unter-Officer (with binoculars), and which can be easily recognized by the types of veterans, do not look especially impressed. They do not fit in the head, like this little thing that can break through thick tank armor. Please note the projectile completely into the pipe is not inserted. Russia, September 1943


The original signature says: "These are our Grenadiers. From the beginning of the opponent's occurrence in the east, she does not know rest. They fight in the afternoon and at night with enviable perseverance. At the limit of human capabilities, the Grenadiers again and again enter the battle, demonstrating desperate courage. " Eastern Front, July 1944


The soft atmosphere of this snapshot contrasts the atmosphere of other photos. The original signature says: "Women brought cakes and cookies for soldiers. Every time the soldiers pass through the village to the front, the grandmother approaches the window and distributes food. Every soldier gets a piece. " The siestovar in the picture is armed with a batchfaust 60, the type of porcarthust is easily determined by the form of a warhead. Please note the white line and the arrow at the bottom of the snapshot. This is a label of the editor that has planned to trim the image. Germany, November 1944


A group of SSS will expect an order. Everyone worn camouflage, most have large pantcarts 30. The original signature says: "Cavalry of the SS is ready to perform. Soldiers expect teams to attack. Most soldiers from the Zibenbühren, they are ready to defend their home. " Eastern Front, October 1944


German positions in Holland at the destroyed bridge over Moneyk. Eszovy photographer Milke perfectly conveyed hopelessness of the situation. Neither the MG 34 machine gun nor Parcelfaust 60 will save Germany. Holland, January 1945


The soldier in camouflage sets the Panzerfaust 30 Gross projectile into the pipe. The picture was made in winter, it is not clear why the soldier has not turned his uniform with a white side outside. In addition, the soldier made a mistake by raising the sighting bar before installing the shell. When raised the sight with the launcher of the Parcelfaust, a random shot can happen. Russia, December 1943


"Each soldier must become a fighter tanks. Experienced instructors introduce the soldiers with the device of the Parcelfaust, "says the original other signature. Officers learn to use Barcelfaust 60. The place has not been established, December 1944

Stickers for Parcelfaust. Click to view in full size: