German 56 150 and 300mm Rocket Launcher

German 56 150 and 300mm Rocket Launcher. 30cm Raketenwerfer 56. This unique rocket launcher introduced in 1944, was capable of firing both 150 and 300mm smoke, chemical and high-explosive spin-stablized rockets. The 30cm Raketenwerfer 56 consisted of the launching rails of the 30cm Nebelwerfer 42 (smoke-thrower) mounted on the obsolete 5cm Anti-Tank Gun carriage. A total of 694 were produced by Mashinen Fabrik in Donauwörth. A special set of rails, stored in a rack on the top of the launcher, permitted the 30cm Raketenwerfer 56 to fire the smaller 15cm rockets. Another unusual feature was towing eyes at the front and rear of the launcher. This enabled one vehicle to tow several launchers hooked in tandem. These weapons were manned by the Nebeltruppen or Smoke Troops, a part of the chemical branch of the German Army. The rocket launchers were organized into batteries of six weapons with three batteries in a battalion. The battalions were grouped together in independent regiments and brigades. The massive back blast of the rockets meant the crews had to take precautions before electrically firing the rockets. The 30cm Raketenwerfer was used on all fronts until the end of the war., Caliber - 5.9/11.8 in. - 150/300 mm , Weight - 2,249 lbs. - 1,004 kg , Range - 4,980 yds. - 4,550 m , Shell Weight - 284 lbs. - 127 kg , Muzzle Velocity - 750 ft/sec. - 230 m/sec. , Elevation - (-3 to +45 degrees) - (-53 to +800 mils) , Traverse - 22 degrees - 400 mils , Rate of Fire - 6 rockets in 10 sec. and 2 salvos in 5 min. , CCN# 127040