German 15cm Rocket Launcher 41

German 15cm Rocket Launcher 41. 15cm Nebelwerfer 41. Developed in 1937 with the leadership of rocket scientist, Walter Dornberger and Werner von Braun, this new 6-barrel rocket launcher was designated as the Nebelwerfer 41, roughly translated as Smoke Thrower. It entered service with German Chemical troops in 1940 and was capable of delivering smoke, poison gas or high explosive projectiles. The six barrels are fired successively at one second intervals. The projectile had the rocket motor at the nose and angled exhaust ports to improve accuracy. The explosive charge was housed at the rear so that it would still be above ground when it detonated. Rocket launchers had a number of advantages over standard artillery: low weight, no recoil, greater target area and far cheaper to produce. Their chief disadvantages were half the range of standard artillery and little effect on pinpoint targets or emplacements. As the war progressed, larger numbers of Nebelwerfers were produced. They were used very effectively for launching massive barrages to prepare for attacks or to smash enemy attacks. A total of 5,283 NbWf 41s were produced. American troops named the weapon "Screaming Mimi" for its high pitched screaming noise. , Caliber - 6.24 in. - 158.5 mm , Weight - 1,698 lbs. - 770 kg , Range - 7,546 yds. - 6,900 m , Shell Weight - 75 lbs. - 34.15 kg , Elevation - (-5 to +45 degrees) - (-90 to +800 mils) , Traverse - 24 degrees - 427 mils , Muzzle Velocity - 1115 ft/sec. - 340 m/sec. , Rate of Fire - (6 rockets in 10 sec.) - (3 salvos in 5 min.) , CCN#383482