20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer

20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer
Type Spigot Mortar
Place of origin Nazi Germany
Service history
In service 1940–45
Used by  Germany
Wars Second World War
Production history
Designer Rheinmetall
Specifications
Weight 93 kilograms (205 lb)
Barrel length 54 cm (1 ft 9 in)
Diameter 20 cm (8 in)

Shell 21.27 kg (46.9 lb)
Caliber 90 millimetres (3.5 in) (spigot diameter)
Elevation 45° to 80°
Traverse
Maximum firing range 700 metres (770 yd)
Sights dial
Filling Amatol
Filling weight 15 pounds (6.8 kg)

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 It was gradually withdrawn from front-line service from 1942.

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.

Sources

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