20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer
Spigot mortar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer (20 cm le.LdgW) 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 It was gradually withdrawn from front-line service from 1942.[3]
| 20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Spigot mortar |
| Place of origin | Nazi Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1940 – 1945 |
| Used by | Nazi Germany |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Rheinmetall |
| Designed | 1940 |
| Manufacturer | Rheinmetall |
| Produced | 1940 |
| No. built | 158 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 93 kg (205 lb)
|
| Barrel length | 54 cm (1 ft 9 in) |
| Shell | HE (20 cm Wgr. 40) |
| Shell weight | 21.27 kg (46 lb 14 oz) |
| Caliber | Projectile: 200 mm (7.9 in) Spigot: 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Elevation | 45° / 80° |
| Traverse | 5° |
| Maximum firing range | 700 m (766 yd) (three increments: small, medium, and large) |
| Sights | Richtaufsatz 39 dial[1][2] |
| Filling | Amatol |
| Filling weight | 6.8 kg (15 lb) |
It fired High Explosive (20 cm Wgr. 40) and smoke rounds in addition to a special Harpunengeschosse (harpoon bomb) that carried a rope with hooks to clear mines or wire obstacles.[2] The mortar was towed via the Pf. 25 handcart.[4] Production was discontinued after 158 pieces had been delivered, and the mortars were replaced with the Granatwerfer 42.[5][6]
