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The Panzerfaust (German: [ˈpantsɐˌfaʊst], lit. 'tank fist' or 'armor[ed] fist',[2] plural: Panzerfäuste) was a development family of single-shot man-portable anti-tank systems developed by Nazi Germany during World War II. The weapons were the first single-use light anti-tank weapons based on a pre-loaded disposable launch tube, a weapon configuration which is still used today (a contemporary example being the 84mm AT4).

Key Information

The Panzerfaust-design consisted of a light recoilless launcher tube outfitted with a single pre-loaded high-explosive anti-tank warhead protruding from the muzzle. It was an inexpensive, easy-to-use anti-tank weapon for the common infantry man, being issued as a single unit of ammunition meant to be operated by a single soldier. Firing was done from under the arm at an upward angle as the effective firing range was barely beyond that of hand grenades (30–60 m (98–197 ft) max). After use the launcher was discarded.

Development of the Panzerfaust started in 1942. The initial design was dubbed Faustpatrone (lit. "fist-cartridge") and was smaller than the later designs. Later dubbed Panzerfaust Klein ("tank-fist small"), it entered service in 1943, the larger design being named Panzerfaust Gross ("tank-fist big") and entering service in mid to late 1944. All types were used by Germany until the end of the war, with the design remaining in use in other countries for a number of years after the war.[3][4]

Development

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Faustpatrone (Klein)

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Faustpatrone 30 (top) and Panzerfaust 60 (bottom)
Sectional view of Faustpatrone 30 (top) and Panzerfaust 60 (bottom) warheads[5][6][7]

The Faustpatrone (lit. "fist cartridge") was the initial development of what eventually became the Panzerfaust-family. The Faustpatrone-design was much smaller than the later Panzerfäuste-designs.

Development of the Faustpatrone started in the summer of 1942 at the German company Hugo Schneider AG (HASAG) with the development of a smaller prototype called Gretchen ("little Greta") by a team headed by Doctor Heinrich Langweiler in Leipzig. The basic concept was that of a recoilless gun; in the Faustpatrone and the Panzerfaust, a propellent charge pushed the warhead out the front of the tube while the blast also exited the rear of the tube, balancing forces, and therefore there was no recoil force for the operator.

The following weapon, the Faustpatrone Klein, 30 m ("fist-cartridge small") weighed 3.2 kg (7.1 lb) and a total length of 98.5 cm (38+3⁄4 in); its projectile had a length of 36 cm (14+1⁄4 in). The 10 cm (3.9 in) diameter of warhead was a shaped charge of 400 g (14 oz) of a 50:50 mix of TNT and tri-hexogen. The propellant was of 54 g (1.9 oz; 830 gr) of black powder, the metal launch tube had a length of 80 cm (31+1⁄2 in) and a diameter of 3.3 cm (1.3 in) (early models reportedly 2.8 cm (1.1 in)). Fitted to the warhead was a wooden shaft with folded stabilizing fins (made of 0.25 mm (0.0098 in) thick spring metal). These bent blades straightened into position by themselves as soon as they left the launch tube. The warhead was accelerated to a speed of 28 m/s (92 ft/s), had a range of about 30 m (98 ft) and an armour penetration of up to 140 mm (5+1⁄2 in) of plain steel.

Soon a crude aiming device similar to the one used by the Panzerfaust was added to the design; it was fixed at a range of 30 m (98 ft). Several designations of this weapon were in use, amongst which Faustpatrone 1 or Panzerfaust 30 klein; however, it was common to refer to this weapon simply as the Faustpatrone. Of the earlier model, 20,000 were ordered and the first 500 Faustpatronen were delivered by the manufacturer, HASAG, Werk Schlieben, in August 1943.

Panzerfaust (Gross)

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Panzerfaust 60 (left) with Panzerschreck rocket (right)
Four Panzerfaust 30s in their original shipping crate, on display at the Helsinki Military Museum.

Development began in 1942 on a larger version of the Faustpatrone. The resulting weapon was the Panzerfaust 30, also known as Panzerfaust Gross (lit. "tank-fist big") and the like, with a total weight of 5.1 kilograms (11.2 lb) and total length of 104.5 centimetres (3.4 ft). The launch tube was made of low-grade steel 44 millimetres (1.7 in) in diameter, containing a 95-gram (3.4 oz) charge of black powder propellant. Along the side of the tube were a simple folding rear sight and a trigger. The edge of the warhead was used as the front sight. The oversize warhead (140 mm (5.5 in) in diameter) was fitted into the front of the tube by an attached wooden tail stem with metal stabilizing fins.[8]

The warhead weighed 2.9 kilograms (6.4 lb) and contained 0.8 kilograms (1.8 lb) of a 50:50 mixture of TNT and hexogen explosives, and had armour penetration of 200 millimetres (7.9 in).[9] The Panzerfaust often had warnings written in large red letters on the upper rear end of the tube, the words usually being "Achtung. Feuerstrahl." ("Beware. Fire jet."). This was to warn soldiers to avoid the backblast.

After firing, the tube was discarded, making the Panzerfaust the first disposable anti-tank weapon. The weapon, when correctly fired from the crook of the arm, could penetrate the armour of any armoured fighting vehicle of the period.[10]

Comparison of models

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Designation Weight Propellant
weight 		Warhead
diameter 		Projectile
velocity 		Effective
range 		Penetration
performance
Faustpatrone 30
Panzerfaust (Klein) 30m 		2.7–3.2 kg (5 lb 15 oz – 7 lb 1 oz) 70 g (2.5 oz) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28 m/s (63 mph) 30 m (98 ft) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Panzerfaust 30
Panzerfaust (Gross) 30m 		5.22 kg (11.5 lb) 95–100 g (3.4–3.5 oz) 149 mm 30 m/s 30 m 200 mm
Panzerfaust 60 6.8 kg 120–134 g 149 mm 45 m/s 60 m 200 mm
Panzerfaust 100 6.8 kg (15 lb) 190–200 g (6.7–7.1 oz) 149 mm 60 m/s 100 m (330 ft) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Panzerfaust 150 7 kg (15 lb) 190–200 g (6.7–7.1 oz) 106 mm (4.2 in) 85 m/s (190 mph) 150 m (490 ft) 280–320 mm (11–13 in)

Combat use

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To use the Panzerfaust, the soldier removed the safety, tucked the tube under their arm, and aimed by aligning the target, the sight and the top of the warhead. Unlike the original American M1 60 mm bazooka and the Germans' own heavier 88 mm Panzerschreck tube-type rocket launchers based on the American ordnance piece, the Panzerfaust did not have the usual trigger. It had a pedal-like lever near the projectile that ignited the propellant when squeezed. Because of the weapon's short range, not only enemy tanks and infantry, but also pieces of the exploding vehicle, posed dangers to its operator. Consequently, the use of a Panzerfaust required a degree of personal courage.[11][12] The backblast from firing went back around 2 m behind the operator.

When used against tanks, the Panzerfaust had an impressive beyond-armour effect. Compared to the bazooka and the Panzerschreck, it made a larger hole and produced massive spalling that killed or injured the crew, due to burns and shrapnel, and destroyed equipment. One informal test found that the Panzerfaust made an entry hole 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter, whereas the Panzerschreck made an entry hole at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. By contrast, the bazooka made an entry hole that was only 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter).[13] Much of that can be attributed not only to the size of the warhead of the Panzerfaust, but also its horn-like shape, as opposed to the traditional cone-shaped warheads of rockets used in the bazooka and Panzerschreck.[citation needed] The design was later copied in the modern-day AT-4 anti-tank weapon, producing the same effect against modern main battle tanks.

Panzerfaust-armed German soldiers on the Eastern Front in 1945

Germany

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February or March 1945: Volkssturm members being trained to use the Panzerfaust anti-tank weapon
March 1945: A Volkssturm soldier explaining the handling of a Panzerfaust to a female civilian
Volkssturm soldiers with Panzerfäuste in Berlin, March 1945

In the Battle of Normandy, only 6% of British tank losses were from Panzerfaust fire, despite the close-range combat in the thick bocage landscape. However, the threat from the Panzerfaust forced Allied tank forces to wait for infantry support before advancing. The portion of British tanks taken out of action by Panzerfäuste later rose to 34%, a rise probably explained by the lack of German anti-tank guns late in the war and the increased numbers of Panzerfäuste that were available to defending German troops.[14]

During urban combat in eastern Germany later in the war, about 70% of tanks destroyed were hit by Panzerfäuste or Panzerschrecks. Soviet and Western Allied tank crews modified their tanks in the field to provide some protection against Panzerfaust attacks. Defensive measures included the use of logs, sandbags, track links, and concrete and wire mesh, along with bed frames with springs (bedsprings), similar to expanded metal-type German tank sideskirts. In practice, about a meter of air gap was required to substantially reduce the penetrating capability of the warhead, so sideskirts and sandbags, along with other improvised armor, were virtually ineffective against both the Panzerschreck and Panzerfaust. Moreover, the added weight from add-on armor overburdened the vehicle's engine, transmission and suspension.[15]

Later on, each Soviet heavy tank (IS) and assault gun (ISU-152) company was assigned a platoon of infantry in urban battles to protect them from infantry-wielded anti-tank weapons, often supported by flamethrowers. That order remained intact even during 1950s, including during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.[15][16][17]

During the last stages of the war, due to the lack of available weapons, many poorly trained conscripts, mainly elderly men and teenage Hitler Youth members, were often given a single Panzerfaust, plus any type of obsolete pistol or rifle. Some only had a Panzerfaust. That led several German generals and officers to comment sarcastically that the empty launch-tubes could then be used as clubs in hand-to-hand combat.

Other countries

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Many Panzerfäuste were sold to Finland, which urgently needed them, as Finnish forces did not have enough anti-tank weapons that could penetrate heavily armoured Soviet tanks like the T-34 and IS-2. The Finnish experience with the weapon and its adaptability to Finnish needs was mixed, with only 4,000 of 25,000 total Panzerfäuste delivered expended in combat.[18] The manual that came with the weapon upon delivery to the Finns included depictions of where to aim the weapon on the Soviet T-34 and US Sherman tank (which also saw service with Soviet troops from US Lend-Lease-supplied stocks).[citation needed]

The Italian Social Republic (RSI) and the Government of National Unity (Hungary) also used the Panzerfaust. Several RSI army units became skilled in anti-tank warfare and the Hungarians themselves used the Panzerfaust extensively, especially during the Siege of Budapest. During this brutal siege, an arms factory, the Hungarian Manfred Weiss Steel and Metal Works, located on Csepel Island (within the city) kept up production of various light armaments and ammunition, Panzerfäuste included, all the way until the very last moment, when attacking Soviet troops seized the factory by the first days of 1945.

The US 82nd Airborne Division captured some Panzerfäuste in the Allied invasion of Sicily and later during the fighting in Normandy. Finding them more effective than their own bazookas, they held onto them and used them during the later stages of the French Campaign, even dropping with them into the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden. They captured an ammunition dump of Panzerfäuste near Nijmegen and used them through the Ardennes Offensive toward the end of the war.[19]

The Soviet Red Army only incidentally used captured Panzerfäuste in 1944, but from the beginning of 1945, many became available and were actively used during the Soviet offensives of 1945, mostly in street fighting against buildings and protective covers.[20] In February 1945, such use of captured Panzerfäuste was recommended in a directive by Marshal Georgy Zhukov.[20] Similarly, they were used by the Polish People's Army.[20] After the war, some 4,000 Panzerfäuste were adopted by the Polish Army in 1949, which designated them as PG-49.[20]

Plans and technical materials on the Panzerfaust were supplied to the Empire of Japan to assist with their development of an effective anti-tank weapon. However, the Japanese went with a different design, the Type 4, loosely based upon the American bazooka. Examples of the American weapon were captured by the Japanese at Leyte in 1944.[21]

Variants

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A Luftwaffe soldier aims the Panzerfaust's predecessor, the Faustpatrone, using the integrated leaf sight.
Panzerfaust-armed Finnish soldiers (soldier in foreground is also armed with a Suomi KP/-31) passing the wreckage of a Soviet T-34 tank, destroyed by detonation, in the Battle of Tali-Ihantala
Panzerfaust 30 klein ("small") or Faustpatrone
This was the original version, first delivered in August 1943 with a total weight of 3.2 kilograms (7.1 lb) and overall length of 98.5 cm (38.8 in). The "30" was indicative of the nominal maximum range of 30 m (33 yd). It had a 3.3 cm (1.3 in) diameter tube containing 54 grams (1.9 oz) of black powder propellant launching a 10 cm (3.9 in) warhead carrying 400 g (14 oz) of explosive. The projectile traveled at just 30 m (98 ft) per second and could penetrate 140 mm (5.5 in) of armour.[8]
Panzerfaust 30
An improved version also appearing in August 1943. This version had a larger warhead for improved armour penetration, 200 mm (7.9 in) of steel and 5.5 inches (140 mm) of armoured steel, but the same range of 30 meters. It has an explosive charge of 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) of explosive material. Its barrel has a caliber of 1.7 inches (43 mm) and a length of 40.6 inches (103 cm). It has a weight of 11.2 pounds (5.1 kg) and a muzzle velocity of 148 feet per second (45 m/s).[22]
Panzerfaust 60
This was the most common version, and was completed in early 1944. However, it did not reach full production until September 1944, when 400,000 were to be produced each month.[23] It had a much more practical range of 60 m (66 yd), although with a muzzle velocity of only 45 m (148 ft) per second it would take 1.3 seconds for the warhead to reach a tank at that range. To achieve the higher velocity, the tube diameter was increased to 5 cm (2.0 in) and 134 g (4.7 oz) of propellant used while being a total length of 104 cm (41 in). It also had an improved flip-up rear sight and trigger mechanism. The weapon now weighed 6.1 kg (13 lb). It could defeat 200 mm (7.9 in) of armour.
Panzerfaust 100
This was the final version produced in quantity, and was completed in September 1944. However, it did not reach full production until November 1944.[23] It had a nominal maximum range of 100 m (330 ft). 190 g (6.7 oz) of propellant launched the warhead at 60 m (200 ft) per second from a 6 cm (2.4 in) diameter tube. The sight had holes for 30, 60, 80 and 150 m (260 and 490 ft), and had luminous paint in them to make counting up to the correct one easier in the dark. This version weighed 6 kg (13 lb) and could penetrate 220 mm (8.7 in) of armour.
Panzerfaust 150
A major redesign of the Panzerfaust, the Panzerfaust 150 featured a new pointed warhead (with a diameter of 105 mm compared to the 140 mm warhead of the Panzerfaust 30/60/100 series) with increased armour penetration and two-stage propellant ignition which gave a higher velocity of 85 m (279 ft) per second. A fragmentation sleeve was developed for the Panzerfaust 150 to increase its lethality against infantry. The projectile had a delay pellet to the base detonating primer which meant that the projectile exploded after three seconds if it didn't hit its target or a hard surface. This was meant to eliminate duds and also allowed for air bursts to be achieved when combined with the fragmentation sleeve. Production the Panzerfaust 150 started in February 1945 and continued until May of that year when the facility in Döbeln, Saxony producing the Panzerfaust 150 was captured by the Soviets. Although 100,000 were produced, none were issued to field units beyond limited troop trials. No known examples of the Panzerfaust 150 survived the end of the war.[24] A further development of the Panzerfaust 150 was meant to make it a reloadable weapon, capable of firing ten shots before the black powder fouling built up to the point that the weapon needed to be inspected and cleaned. This development was to be completed in May 1945, with production of the improved Panzerfaust 150 scheduled to commence in the summer of that year. "The reloadable Pzf 150 might have received a new designation if it had been produced."[25]
Panzerfaust 250
The last development of the Panzerfaust series was the Panzerfaust 250. Intended to replace the heavier Panzerschreck in German service, this design never left the drawing board. It was to use a reloadable tube and featured a pistol grip. The projectile was to be based on the one used by the Panzerfaust 150, but the internal propellant charge was to be larger. Projected muzzle velocity was 120–150 m/s.[26] Serial production was scheduled to begin in September 1945. The Soviet RPG-2 anti-tank weapon took some inspiration from the Panzerfaust 250 design (it was also a reloadable, recoilless anti-tank weapon with a trigger grip and electrical firing system). Plans for the Panzerfaust 250 had fallen into both American and Soviet hands.[27]
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PAPI
Argentine-made antitank weapon, similar to the Panzerfaust. The acronym stands for proyectil antitanque para infanteria (Spanish for "infantry anti-tank projectile").[citation needed]
Pansarskott m/45 and pansarskott m/46
Swedish-made copies of the Panzerfaust. The Royal Swedish Army Materiel Administration ordered a copy of the Panzerfaust design from Bofors, examples of which were acquired from Finland and the Danish resistance movement. The resulting weapon, a copy of an early model Panzerfaust, was designated pansarskott m/45 and 10,000 were ordered by the Swedish Armed Forces in late 1945. Albeit judged effective against tanks of the day, the muzzle velocity was low and the effective range was only about 70 meters. Pansarskott m/45 was quickly upgraded by replacing the black powder propellant charge with smokeless powder. The resulting weapon, pansarskott m/46, had an effective range of about 90 meters.[28]
Pc-100 (PC-100, pancerzownica 100m)
Polish-made copy of the Panzerfaust 100, manufactured in 1951–1952. Despite large-scale orders, a production encountered technological difficulties and only 5000 combat and 940 training Pc-100 were made in 1952, before the Polish Army switched to more modern Soviet RPG-2.[29] It is erroneously known as PT-100 in foreign publications.[29]

Users

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Finnish soldiers armed with a Panzerfaust
Panzerfaust
Derivatives
  •  Argentina: Argentine-made PAPI and possibly Swedish made Pansarskott m/46[35][36]
  •  Poland: Polish-made copy Pc-100[29]
  •  Sweden: Manufactured and used copies of the Panzerfaust in two variants; Pansarskott m/45 and Pansarskott m/46[28]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Panzerfaust

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Panzerfaust (German for "armor fist") was a family of single-shot, man-portable, recoilless anti-tank weapons developed by during , designed as inexpensive and simple-to-use devices for infantry to engage armored vehicles at short ranges. Consisting of a disposable launch tube preloaded with a shaped-charge and propelled by a black powder charge, it required minimal training and allowed one soldier to fire it from the shoulder without significant . Introduced in 1943 following development that began in amid growing threats from Soviet and Allied tanks, the addressed the need for mass-produced defensive tools in a resource-strapped . Key variants included the early Panzerfaust 30 (also known as Faustpatrone), with an effective range of 30 meters and armor penetration of about 200 mm; the more common Panzerfaust 60, extending range to 60 meters while maintaining similar penetration; the Panzerfaust 100, reaching 100 meters; and late-war models like the Panzerfaust 150 and Panzerfaust 250, which improved range and performance but saw limited deployment. Weighing between 3 and 7 kg depending on the model, these weapons used a hollow-charge to focus energy on a small area, defeating even heavy tanks like the Soviet or American at close quarters. Over 6 million units were produced between 1943 and 1945, making the Panzerfaust one of the most ubiquitous anti-tank systems of the , distributed widely to militias and regular troops alike. Its simplicity—costing less than a —and effectiveness in urban and forested environments contributed to significant Allied tank losses, particularly during the 1944–1945 battles in , the , and the Eastern Front advance on , where it accounted for up to 70% of some tank casualties in close-combat scenarios. Despite its short range (typically under 100 meters) and one-use limitation, the Panzerfaust symbolized Germany's shift to desperate, and influenced postwar anti-tank designs.

Development

Origins and Initial Concepts

The German Army faced a critical shortage of effective infantry anti-tank capabilities following the 1941 invasion of the on the Eastern Front, where the sloped armor of medium tanks proved impervious to the standard 37 mm PaK 36 anti-tank gun and other early-war weapons. This vulnerability highlighted the need for a lightweight, inexpensive, and mass-producible device that a single infantryman could carry and deploy against armored threats at close range, without relying on cumbersome artillery or specialist units. The urgency stemmed from the rapid Soviet tank production and the attritional nature of the front, prompting the to seek innovative solutions to empower in defensive roles. In 1942, the Hugo Schneider AG () armaments firm in began development of such a under the direction of engineer Dr. Heinrich Langweiler, responding directly to Heereswaffenamt specifications for a disposable launcher. The project emphasized simplicity in construction and operation, drawing on shaped-charge technology already proven in hollow-charge grenades, to enable widespread issuance to troops. Initial concepts focused on a tube-launched that could penetrate up to 140 mm of armor at short distances, prioritizing ease of manufacture amid Germany's strained resources. Prototypes underwent testing from late 1942 through early 1943 at facilities, including early recoilless variants that had dangerous backblast effects endangering the operator and nearby personnel; these were quickly refined to improve safety. These trials revealed challenges with stability, accuracy, and safety in confined spaces, leading to iterative refinements toward a more viable configuration. The first production contract was awarded to in March 1943, marking the transition from experimental phase to limited manufacturing. Initial field trials of the refined prototypes occurred at the proving ground later that month, with demonstrations for officials confirming the weapon's potential, despite ongoing adjustments for reliability. These tests underscored the device's role in addressing the infantry's anti-tank gap, paving the way for broader adoption. The recoilless principle, briefly explored to balance propulsion and safety, became central to overcoming earlier design flaws.

Faustpatrone Klein Development

The development of the Faustpatrone Klein, also known as the Panzerfaust 30 klein, was initiated by the Ordnance in mid-1942 as part of an urgent effort to create a , infantry-portable anti-tank based on the hollow-charge principle to counter increasing Allied armored threats. The design process, led by engineers at , rapidly progressed, culminating in a finalized configuration by December 1942 that emphasized simplicity, low cost, and ease of production using readily available materials. This marked a significant engineering milestone, transitioning from conceptual prototypes to a practical system within months, with the first production units rolling off assembly lines in August 1943. Key innovations in the Faustpatrone Klein included its compact recoilless design, achieving an of 30 meters through a central charge that accelerated the to approximately 28 m/s. The , weighing about 1.3 kg and filled with a high-explosive mixture, was optimized for armor penetration, reliably defeating up to 140 mm of rolled homogeneous armor at close range. The overall weapon weighed 3.2 kg and measured 98.5 cm in length, making it highly portable for individual soldiers, while the disposable cardboard launch tube—reinforced with wood for structural integrity—allowed for mass production without complex machinery. Testing focused on validating the weapon's performance against armored targets, with early trials using armored plates demonstrating consistent penetration of 140 mm thickness, confirming the hollow-charge's effectiveness despite the warhead's modest size. Iterations addressed initial stability issues with the wooden launch tube, which had caused inconsistent trajectories and excessive backblast; reinforcements and refined placement improved flight stability and user , reducing risks to the operator during firing. These adjustments ensured the design met field requirements for reliability in urban and close-quarters combat scenarios. Initial deployment began with limited production runs, reaching approximately 8,700 units by August 1943, and expanded to frontline issuance by October 1943, primarily to units facing immediate threats. manuals stressed point-blank engagement tactics, given the 30-meter limit, instructing users to approach targets closely before firing to maximize accuracy and penetration against moving vehicles. This early rollout highlighted the weapon's role as a defensive stopgap, with rapid scaling to 200,000 units per month by late 1943 to equip broader forces.

Transition to Gross Models

The initial Faustpatrone klein, introduced in , had an effective range of only 30 meters, which exposed operators to significant risk from machine guns and rapid maneuvers. Feedback from frontline engagements underscored the weapon's limitations against mobile Soviet armor, prompting demands for extended range to enable safer use. Development of larger gross variants began in mid-1943 alongside the klein, with the Panzerfaust 60 entering production in September 1944 and achieving a 60-meter range with a 3 kg shaped-charge penetrating up to 200 mm of armor. This model marked a pivotal evolution from the klein baseline, followed rapidly by the Panzerfaust 100 and 150 in late 1944, extending ranges to 100 and 150 meters to better counter advancing Allied and Soviet forces. Engineering advancements focused on elongating the launch tube from approximately 80 cm in the klein to 95 cm in the gross series, paired with refined charges that increased to around 55 m/s—nearly double the klein's 28 m/s—enhancing accuracy and standoff capability. These changes maintained the weapon's simplicity and low cost while addressing core operational deficiencies. Production priorities shifted decisively toward gross models in late 1944 amid preparations for the Ardennes Offensive, as the Wehrmacht sought to arm Volkssturm militias and depleted units with more versatile anti-tank options; monthly output surged to 400,000 units by October, emphasizing the gross series over earlier designs.

Design and Operation

Recoilless Principle and Mechanism

The Panzerfaust functioned as a recoilless gun, employing a fundamental physics principle where the forward momentum imparted to the warhead by the propellant is precisely balanced by the rearward momentum of the ejected combustion gases venting through the open rear end of the launch tube. This design eliminated the need for a closed breech or heavy recoil-absorbing components, allowing the lightweight, disposable tube to impart almost no recoil to the operator while enabling portable, single-use anti-tank capability. The black powder propellant charge, positioned within the tube, generated sufficient pressure to accelerate the warhead without structural reinforcement, distinguishing it from traditional firearms or artillery. The firing mechanism was initiated by the operator depressing a simple trigger bar or striker mounted on the top of the tube, which struck a primer to ignite the black powder . This rapidly expanded gases that propelled the forward at initial muzzle velocities of approximately 30 to 60 meters per second, depending on the model variant. Simultaneously, the unconfined gases erupted rearward in a high-temperature backblast, creating a hazardous zone extending 10 to 15 meters behind the weapon, capable of causing severe burns, shrapnel injuries, or concussive effects to anyone in its path. Operators were trained to ensure this area remained clear of obstacles, allies, or cover that could reflect the blast. To enhance safety during use, the Panzerfaust incorporated basic sighting notches on a flip-up leaf sight, calibrated for optimal engagement distances of 30 to 60 meters, allowing the operator to align the target with the warhead's while accounting for its low velocity and ballistic drop. An additional safeguard was the warhead's arming delay, a mechanical fuse that remained inert for the first 1 to 3 meters of flight, preventing premature from the backblast or nearby impacts and ensuring the stabilized before becoming live. These features minimized accidental discharge risks in the close-quarters combat environments for which the weapon was intended. User operation emphasized simplicity and disposability, enabling a single soldier to ready, aim, and fire the pre-loaded device without assistance: the tube was positioned under the or shouldered with a two-handed grip, the safety slider (if equipped) pushed forward to the mechanism, and the trigger squeezed after sighting. Post-firing, the expended tube was discarded, but the operator had to immediately seek cover from the backblast or maintain a prone or sheltered position to avoid self-injury, underscoring the weapon's reliance on proper tactical positioning for effective and safe deployment.

Components and Technical Specifications

The Panzerfaust consisted of several key physical components designed for simplicity and mass production. The primary element was the launch tube, typically constructed from low-grade steel or fiber-reinforced cardboard in early models, with lengths ranging from approximately 0.3 meters for compact variants to 1.5 meters for extended-range versions, providing structural support for the propellant and warhead assembly. Attached to the front was the warhead section, a conical steel casing housing the high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) charge, while the rear featured a venturi nozzle or open end to allow propellant gases to escape rearward, enabling the recoilless operation. The propellant was a black powder charge, usually 50-190 grams, ignited by a simple striker mechanism. Technical specifications varied across models but shared core parameters emphasizing portability and short-range effectiveness. The overall weight ranged from 3 to 6 kg, making it suitable for carry, with effective ranges of 30 to 150 depending on the variant's and sight . Armor penetration capability spanned 140 to 200 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), achieved through the shaped charge's focused energy.
SpecificationRange/ValueNotes/Source
Weight3–6 kgVaries by model length and warhead size.
Effective Range30–150 mLimited by simple sights and propellant burn.
Armor Penetration140–200 mm RHADependent on charge size and liner design.
Launch Tube Length0.3–1.5 mShorter for Klein series, longer for Gross.
Propellant Charge50–190 g black powderProvides muzzle velocity of 30–60 m/s.
The ammunition was a single-use integrated into the tube, featuring a with a conical liner that, upon , exploited the Munroe effect to form a high-velocity metal jet traveling at approximately 8,000 m/s, capable of defeating armored targets through hydrodynamic penetration rather than kinetic impact. The explosive fill, typically 0.4–0.9 kg of a high-explosive compound like a TNT/ mix, was contained within the steel cone, with stabilizing fins unfolding post-launch. Accessories were minimal to maintain low cost and ease of use, including a fabric sling for transport and optional carrying cases for multiple units; sighting relied on basic iron notches or flip-up apertures graduated for 30–60 meter ranges, without optical aids.

Models and Variants

Klein Series Models

The Klein series models of the Panzerfaust represented the initial, compact iterations of this disposable anti-tank weapon, optimized for short-range use in defensive scenarios such as urban combat or static positions. These models were derived directly from the original Faustpatrone , emphasizing portability and simplicity to enable rapid deployment by units. The series prioritized lightweight construction to facilitate handling by a single , making it suitable for close-quarters engagements where maneuverability was critical. The primary model in the Klein series was the Faustpatrone 30 klein, also designated as Panzerfaust 30 klein or Faustpatrone 1, which entered service in August 1943 as the first operational version of the weapon family. Weighing approximately 3.2 kg and measuring about 98.5 cm in length, it featured a simple launch tube with a small-diameter shaped-charge containing around 400 g of , propelled by a black powder charge for a of roughly 28 m/s. The was limited to 30 m, with armor penetration capability of up to 140 mm of rolled homogeneous armor at that distance, sufficient against the sides or rear of most contemporary tanks but inadequate for frontal assaults on heavier armored vehicles. A basic rear sight allowed for rough aiming, and the design incorporated stabilizing fins on the projectile for straight flight over the short distance. This model was the first to achieve widespread issuance, with its streamlined assembly process— involving pre-loaded tubes and minimal components—enabling quick field preparation and use. In , minor modifications were introduced to the Faustpatrone 30 klein, including a reinforced launch tube to enhance durability during transport and handling, though these changes did not alter the core specifications significantly. The weapon's lightweight nature made it particularly appropriate for static defense roles, where operators could position themselves in cover and wait for approaching threats. However, the extremely short posed substantial risks to the user, as firing required exposure within 30 m of the target, often leading to high casualty rates among operators in open engagements. Due to its simplicity, the Klein series was extensively used for training purposes, especially among militia units like the , who received basic instruction on its operation to bolster late-war defenses. Despite these limitations, the model's accessibility and ease of production marked it as a foundational step in the evolution of .

Gross Series Models

The Gross series models of the Panzerfaust represented an evolution from the earlier Klein series, featuring extended-range designs optimized for greater standoff distance in anti-tank engagements. Introduced in , these larger variants employed longer launch tubes and increased charges to achieve improved and accuracy, making them suitable for issuance to regular infantry units starting in 1944. The Panzerfaust 60, the initial Gross model, had an effective range of 60 meters and could penetrate up to 200 mm of armor, utilizing a tube length of approximately 95 cm and 140 g of for a around 45 m/s. Subsequent development led to the Panzerfaust 100 in , which extended the effective range to 100 meters but featured a lighter charge, resulting in approximately 200 mm penetration; its tube measured about 1.2 meters with enhanced sighting for better precision at longer distances. The series culminated in the Panzerfaust 150, deployed experimentally in , boasting a 150-meter range and up to 220 mm penetration. These models incorporated key improvements over the Klein predecessor, including tube lengths exceeding 1.5 meters in later iterations, higher loads up to 190 g, and extended rear sights graduated for multiple ranges to enhance aiming accuracy. Production ramped up significantly, with an estimated 2-3 million Gross series units manufactured by the war's end, contributing to the overall output of over 6 million Panzerfausts across all variants.

Experimental and Derivative Variants

The Panzerfaust 250, developed in 1945 by , represented an attempt to create a reusable variant of the weapon with improved sighting capabilities for greater accuracy at extended ranges. This prototype featured a reloadable launch tube equipped with a and optical sights graduated up to 250 meters, aiming to address the limitations of the disposable Gross series models by allowing multiple shots from a single launcher. However, due to the advanced stage of the and resource constraints, development was never completed, and no production units were manufactured before Germany's surrender in May 1945. Another experimental adaptation was the Fliegerfaust (also known as Luftfaust), a man-portable, multi-barreled designed for anti-aircraft defense against low-flying Allied aircraft. Developed in 1944 as the Luftfaust A with six 20 mm barrels and evolving into the Luftfaust B (renamed Fliegerfaust in February 1945) with nine barrels, it fired fin-stabilized rockets in a shotgun-like pattern to engage targets at altitudes up to 2,000 meters. An initial order for 10,000 launchers and 4 million rockets was placed in March 1945, but production was abandoned after only about 80 prototypes were built, with limited combat trials showing inconsistent performance against maneuvering aircraft. In , German engineers conducted trials for extended-range Panzerfaust variants, including the experimental Panzerfaust 150, which incorporated dual propelling charges to achieve a maximum range of 150 meters—nearly double that of standard models. These tests aimed to improve standoff distance but encountered significant challenges, such as tube instability during launch that caused erratic projectile flight paths and reduced accuracy beyond 100 meters. The efforts ultimately failed to yield a viable production model, as the disposable tube design could not reliably accommodate the additional propellant without compromising structural integrity. Related experiments included tests of specialized anti-aircraft warheads for the Panzerfaust platform, intended to fragment over aerial targets rather than penetrate armor. These warheads, trialed in late 1944, were adapted from the shaped-charge design to produce a burst effect but proved ineffective due to the weapon's low velocity and short , limiting their utility against fast-moving aircraft. The trials contributed to the broader Fliegerfaust project but were discontinued without further development. Post-war, captured Panzerfaust units influenced Soviet anti-tank weapon design, particularly the , which adopted key parallels such as a recoilless launcher with a pre-loaded, fin-stabilized for simplicity and portability, though it incorporated original Soviet trigger and sighting mechanisms rather than being a direct copy. No direct variants of the Panzerfaust emerged immediately after , but its innovative disposable launch tube concept established a foundational approach to , influencing modern disposable launchers like the Swedish by prioritizing ease of use, low cost, and single-shot effectiveness for .

Production and Logistics

Manufacturing Processes

The manufacturing of the Panzerfaust took place primarily at the factories in , , which became a key center for German armaments production during . The production setup emphasized simplicity and use of available resources, with the wooden tail stem of the crafted from local timber to attach the stabilizing fins, while the casing was formed from stamped sheets for cost-effective mass fabrication. This approach allowed for rapid assembly in dispersed facilities to mitigate bombing risks. Assembly lines at involved several key steps, including the filling of the with a explosive mixture of TNT and hexogen () in a roughly 50/50 ratio to achieve high armor-penetration capability. The launch tube was then secured, often with wire banding for reinforcement around joints and fins, and the was integrated via the wooden stem with metal stabilizing fins. measures included drop tests to verify the weapon's integrity under rough handling and transport conditions, ensuring reliability despite the use of low-grade materials. A significant innovation in the production process was the extensive use of forced labor, with employing over 10,000 forced laborers, including thousands of Jewish prisoners from concentration camps like Buchenwald in dedicated subcamps. The of the Panzerfaust—featuring interchangeable components and minimal —facilitated high-volume output, reaching a peak of over 40,000 units per day in late through streamlined lines that prioritized unskilled labor over . Material shortages in late and posed major challenges.

Production Scale and Distribution

The production of the Panzerfaust escalated dramatically from its introduction, reflecting Germany's urgent need for mass-produced anti-tank weapons amid mounting armored threats. Initial output in 1943 totaled approximately 500,000 units as manufacturing processes were established, surging to around 5.6 million in with monthly rates reaching over 1 million in late months, and approximately 2.5 million in up to May, culminating in an overall total of roughly 8 million by war's end in May . HASAG served as the primary manufacturer, leveraging its facilities in and Schlieben for the bulk of assembly, while subcontractors such as Dynamit AG contributed components like warheads and propellants; following intensified Allied air raids in late 1944, production shifted to dispersed underground sites to maintain output despite disruptions. While HASAG was the primary producer, several other firms contributed to component manufacturing and assembly. Distribution emphasized frontline urgency, distributed widely to infantry units to enhance close-range anti-tank capability, with priority to the Eastern Front where Soviet armor concentrations posed the greatest risk. Logistical support was streamlined for rapid deployment, including brief training sessions that focused on aiming and backblast safety due to the weapon's intuitive design, while Allied advances resulted in the capture of large numbers of stockpiled units across by mid-1945.

Combat History

German Employment in World War II

The Panzerfaust saw its first combat use in mid-1943 on the Eastern Front, where German forces employed it against Soviet armored advances. Initially issued in limited numbers to units, it provided a simple, disposable means for close-range anti-tank engagements. By the Italian campaign later in 1943 and the Normandy invasion in June 1944, production had ramped up sufficiently for widespread distribution to regular troops, integrating the weapon into standard defensive tactics against the advancing Western Allies. German tactics emphasized operations, particularly in urban environments where the weapon's short —typically 30 to 60 meters depending on the model—posed fewer limitations. Soldiers were trained to position themselves in concealed spots such as building windows, piles, or hedgerows, firing from distances as close as 10 to 15 meters to maximize accuracy and penetration against tank sides or rears. In the defense of in April 1945, and regular infantry units used these ambushes to contribute to Soviet tank losses, often coordinating with small-arms fire to suppress tank crews before or after . programs, accelerated in late 1944, focused on rapid deployment and minimal preparation, enabling even minimally trained personnel to contribute to anti-tank defenses in built-up areas. Notable engagements highlighted the Panzerfaust's role in delaying Allied advances. During the Ardennes Offensive in December 1944, German paratroopers and infantry used the weapon in forested and village ambushes that disrupted supply lines along key routes like the road to . Similarly, in the defense of in October 1944, the first major urban battle on German soil, Panzerfaust teams supported infantry in close-quarters fighting against U.S. armored units of the 1st Infantry Division, contributing to the intense house-to-house combat that lasted nearly three weeks. These actions demonstrated the weapon's utility in static defenses against superior mechanized forces. Overall, the Panzerfaust was credited with destroying thousands of Allied and Soviet tanks and vehicles throughout the war, with estimates indicating it and the together accounted for up to 70% of tank losses in late-war urban combat on the Eastern Front. In urban battles like those in eastern , its high rate of issue—over 6 million units produced by 1945—allowed for saturation tactics that compensated for Germany's dwindling armored resources.

Use by Other Nations During and After WWII

During , the captured large quantities of Panzerfausts from German forces and incorporated them into their arsenal, particularly during urban combat operations. In the in April-May 1945, Soviet infantry eagerly employed these captured weapons to breach fortified positions and destroy German defenses in close-quarters fighting, where their simplicity and effectiveness proved valuable. The issued translated instructions and training directives for using the Panzerfaust, drawing from frontline experience in units like the to guide tank and mechanized forces on safe handling, aiming, and deployment against armored targets. Finland, as a co-belligerent with against the , received shipments of Panzerfausts in 1944 to bolster its anti-tank capabilities during the . Finnish troops integrated the weapon into infantry and anti-tank squads, using it effectively against Soviet tanks in battles such as Sammatus in in June 1944, where individual soldiers like Sergeant Viikari destroyed two enemy vehicles. Following the with the Soviets in September 1944, Finland turned against German forces in the , employing captured or supplied Panzerfausts alongside other German anti-tank weapons to support operations in northern terrain. Among Germany's , the Government of National Unity in received limited supplies of Panzerfausts in late following the German coup, to equip its forces amid deteriorating frontline conditions, though issuance remained small-scale due to production priorities. , aligned until its defection in , had access to German anti-tank equipment through alliance logistics, but specific Panzerfaust distributions were minimal and unconfirmed in scale. Italian partisans, operating against German occupation forces after the 1943 armistice, captured and utilized Panzerfausts in guerrilla actions from 1943 to 1945. These weapons enhanced their methods, allowing irregular units to ambush and disable German and armored vehicles in mountainous and urban environments across . Post-World War II, surviving stockpiles of Panzerfausts saw sporadic use in various conflicts, but their single-use design and lack of reusability led to rapid obsolescence by the as recoilless rifles and guided missiles proliferated. No major military adopted them for standard issue after the war, though isolated captures appeared in proxy fights; by the , they were fully supplanted by more advanced systems.

Effectiveness and Legacy

Tactical Performance and Limitations

The Panzerfaust demonstrated high effectiveness in close-range engagements due to its simple point-and-fire mechanism and the large silhouette of typical targets like tanks. Its shaped-charge warhead penetrated the armor of most Allied and Soviet tanks encountered during , including the (up to 76 mm frontal armor) and (45-90 mm depending on variant), often causing catastrophic internal damage upon impact. However, it struggled against vehicles with spaced or appliqué armor, such as late-war modifications on Shermans or Soviet tanks fitted with additional screens, which could disrupt the shaped-charge jet before full penetration. Despite these strengths, the weapon's one-shot design limited sustained fire, forcing operators to discard the launcher after a single use and exposing them to immediate counterfire. A significant required clear behind the firer, increasing risk in confined urban environments or when firing from cover. Accuracy dropped sharply beyond 100 meters, with the typically 30-60 meters, making it unsuitable for open terrain where users were highly vulnerable to machine-gun or suppression before closing to engagement distance. In urban combat during 1945, particularly in eastern , the Panzerfaust accounted for about 70% of losses in such settings through ambushes from and rubble. Comparatively, the Panzerfaust was far cheaper to produce than the American , though its shorter range hampered versatility outside close-quarters scenarios; overall, its mass deployment contributed to increased German anti-tank success in late-war defensive operations.

Impact on Warfare and Post-War Influence

The Panzerfaust profoundly democratized for German forces during the final stages of , enabling conscripts and even militiamen with minimal training to pose a lethal threat to Allied armor. Its simple, one-shot design required no specialized skills beyond basic aiming, transforming ordinary into effective hunters and compensating for Germany's dwindling resources in trained anti-tank units. This accessibility shifted defensive doctrines toward mass issuance of inexpensive, disposable weapons, prioritizing volume over precision or reusability to counter the overwhelming numerical superiority of Western Allied forces. In defensive operations, the Panzerfaust influenced German strategies by emphasizing ambushes in urban and forested terrain, where its short of 30 to 100 meters proved ideal for close-quarters engagements. As Western Allied advances pushed into in 1944–1945, the weapon inflicted significant attrition on armored columns, destroying thousands of tanks and half-tracks, particularly during the River crossings and subsequent offensives into the Valley. For instance, in the Allied invasion of , improvised Panzerfaust teams drawn from and local reserves exacted a heavy toll on advancing units, forcing commanders to adapt tactics with increased screening and supplemental armor like sandbags on vehicles. Post-war, the Panzerfaust's disposable, man-portable concept directly inspired subsequent anti-tank systems, underscoring a doctrinal evolution toward lightweight, expendable launchers for . Soviet engineers drew from late-war prototypes like the Panzerfaust 250 to develop the in the early 1950s, incorporating a reusable tube with shaped-charge warheads for greater versatility against evolving armor. In the West, this legacy manifested in the U.S. , introduced in the and widely used during the , which combined the Panzerfaust's compactness and disposability with rocket propulsion to provide squad-level anti-armor capability without the logistical burden of reloadable systems. The weapon's influence extended to cultural portrayals, appearing as a symbol of desperate German resistance in 1960s war films such as (1965), where it dramatized the perils faced by Allied tank crews in late-war .

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