20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer

Summary

The 20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer (20 cm leLdgW) was a spigot mortar used by Germany during World War II. It was used by engineers to demolish obstacles and strongpoints. It was gradually withdrawn from front-line service from 1942.

20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer
TypeSpigot Mortar
Place of originNazi Germany
Service history
In service1940–45
Used by Germany
WarsSecond World War
Production history
DesignerRheinmetall
Specifications
Mass93 kg (205 lb)
Barrel length54 cm (1 ft 9 in)
Diameter20 cm (8 in)

Shell21.27 kg (46 lb 14 oz)
Caliber90 mm (3.5 in) (spigot diameter)
Elevation45° to 80°
Traverse
Maximum firing range700 m (770 yd)
Sightsdial
FillingAmatol
Filling weight6.8 kg (15 lb)

Propellant was placed at the top of the spigot and ignited when the projectile slid far enough down the spigot to complete the circuit. It fired HE (high explosive) and smoke rounds in addition to a special Harpunengeschosse (harpoon bomb) that carried a rope with hooks to clear mines or wire obstacles.

External links edit

  • mortar page from TM-E 30-451 Handbook on German Military Forces on Lone Sentry
  • Allied intelligence report on Lone Sentry

Sources edit

  • Gander, Terry and Chamberlain, Peter. Weapons of the Third Reich: An Encyclopedic Survey of All Small Arms, Artillery and Special Weapons of the German Land Forces 1939-1945. New York: Doubleday, 1979 ISBN 0-385-15090-3