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12 cm Granatwerfer 42



Overview


12-cm Granatwerfer 42

German troops posing with a Granatwerfer 42 at the eastern front during World War 2.

Source: Bundesarchiv - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
Nazi Germany
Type
Heavy mortar
Entered service
1943
Status
Out of service
Development
1942
Developer
Nazi Germany
Production
1943 - 1945
Producer
Nazi Germany - Waffenwerke BrĂ¼nn
Number produced
8.461
Unit cost
1.200 Reichsmark in 1942
Designations
12 cm GrW 42 / 12 cm Granatwerfer 42

Description


Introduction

The 12-cm Granatwerfer 42 is a mid to late World War 2 era heavy mortar of Nazi German origin. It was adopted since captured Soviet 120mm mortars were found more effective than the 81mm mortars used until then.

Design

The 12-cm Granatwerfer 42 was reverse engineered from the Soviet 120-PM-38, which in turn is based on the French Brandt Mle 35. It has a conventional design, being a muzzle loaded smoothbore mortar with round baseplate and bipod with elevation adjustment.

Firepower

The 12-cm Granatwerfer 42 fires 120mm mortar shells out to a range of 5.7 km. The maximum rate of fire is 8 to 10 rpm.

Mobility

The GrW 42 can be disassembled in three pieces. This allows it to be carried over short distances. Normally it is to be moved by vehicle. At two wheel carriage allows it to be towed by various vehicles. These include the Opel Blitz 4x2 truck and tracked RSO.

Users

During the later stages of World War 2 the 12-cm Granatwerfer 42 was in widespread use. Over 8.000 of these mortars were produced.

Details


Facts Granatwerfer 42
General
Origin
Nazi Germany
Type
Mortar
Dimensions
Weight
280 kg in firing position
Ordnance
Type
120mm smoothbore mortar
Tube length
1.86 m
Loading
Muzzle loaded
Elevation
+45 to +84 degrees
Traverse
8 to 17 degrees, depending on angle
Firepower
Rate of fire
8 - 10 rpm
Range
5.7 km
Carriage
Type
Detachable 2 wheel carriage
Towing vehicle
Light truck

Media


Related articles


120mm PM-43

The 12-cm Granatwerfer 42 was reverse engineered from the Soviet 120-PM-38.