German Projectiles - 100mm+ Mortar Rounds and Rockets

German Projectiles

H.E. Mortar Projectile, 100mm

German Designation: 10cm Wgr. 37 (Werfergranate 37)

Employment: 10cm Nb W 35

Dimensions

Overall length of body (projectile): 17.12 inches

Diameter of bourrelet: 4.09 inches
Type of bursting charge: TNT
Weight of bursting charge: 3.125 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 16 pounds

Markings: Painted grey green

Fuze: Wgr. Z. 38

Remarks: Information is from captured documents

Smoke Mortar Projectile, 100mm

No picture available

German Designation: 10cm Wgr. 35 Nb St (Werfgranate 35 Nebel Stahl)

Employment: 10cm Nb W 35

Dimensions
Overall length (projectile): 25.98 inches

Total weight (projectile): 16 pounds

Fuze: Wgr. 238

Remarks: Another round "10cm Wgr. 35 Nb TE" exists.  Information is from captured documents.

H.E. Mortar Projectile (Russian Origin), 120mm

German Designation: 12cm Wgr. 378/1, 2 or 3 (r) (Werfergranate 378/1, 2, or 3 (r))

Employment: 12cm Russian Mortar

Dimensions
Overall length (complete round): 30 inches

Overall length of body (projectile): 23.5 inches

Diameter of bourrelet: 4.719 inches
Width of bourrelet: 1.594 inches
Diameter of base of body: 1.562 inches
Total weight (projectile): 36 pounds

Number of fins: 12

Fuze: AZ 399 (r)

Remarks: A smoke shell exists.

H.E. Mortar Projectile, 200mm

German Designation: 20cm Wgr. 40 (Werfergranate 40)

Employment: 20cm L. Ladinswerfer

Dimensions
Overall length (complete round): 30.86 inches

Overall length of body (projectile): 13 inches

Diameter of body: 7.5 inches
Diameter of fins: 10.63 inches
Type of bursting charge: TNT
Weight of bursting charge: 16.94 pounds
Total weight: 49.94 pounds

Number of fins: 6

Fuze: Wgr. Z. 36

H.E. Mortar Projectile, 380mm

German Designation: 38cm Wgr. 40 (Werfergranate 40)

Employment: 38cm s. Ladingswerfer

Dimensions
Overall length (complete round): 59.21 inches

Overall length of body (projectile): 24.606 inches

Maximum diameter of body: 14.96 inches
Diameter of fins: 21.18 inches
Weight of bursting charge: 110 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 327.8 pounds

Number of fins: 6

Fuze: Wgr. Z. 36

Remarks: A smoke bomb exists with the designation "38cm Wgr. 40 Nb."

Rocket Propaganda Leaflet, 73mm

German Designation: 7.3cm Propaganda-granate 41

Employment: Propaganda Gesduits 41

Dimensions

Overall length of body (projectile): 16.1 inches

Weight of propellant: 1 pound
Type of bursting charge: Propaganda leaflets expelled by ejector C charge in flight.
Total weight (projectile): 7.2 pounds
Total weight of body: 4.5 pounds

Fuze: Time (Air burst) - Black powder train burns from propellant to black powder expeller charge.

Remarks: Consists of five parts -

1. Plastic ballistic cap 2-3/16" long which is tightly fit into;

2. A steel leaflet holder containing a 'safety pin' type spring in a split steel cylinder which it forces apart after the plastic and cardboard bore of the holder has been blown out the forward end, pushing the other parts before it, by the black powder charge in;

3. The brass base time fuze which threads;

4. Into the steel motor tube male-threaded into;

5. The base containing multiple venturis in two concentric annular rings.  Venturis in center ring vent in line of propulsion, those in outer ring have rotating inclination.

H.E. Hollow Charge Bazooka Rocket 88mm

German Designation: 8.8cm R. Pz. B. Gr.

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 25.25 inches
Diameter of body: 3.5 inches
Diameter of tail: 3.4 inches
Length of fuze housing: 6.125 inches
Type of propellant: Digl. R.P.

Total weight (projectile): 7.25 pounds

Fuze: Nose Percussion AZ 50955

Remarks: Electric ignition similar to American launcher M1 and rocket H.E. A.T. 2.36" M6A1.  Rocket and launcher of heavier weight than American counterpart.  Generates own electricity, no battery.

Smoke Rocket, 150mm

No picture available

German Designation: 15cm Wurfgranate 41 w Rn Nebel

Employment: 6 tube Neberlwerfer 41
                15cm Do-Geraet 38
                    15cm Panzerwerfer 42

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 36.43 inches
Length of body: 17 inches
Diameter of body: 4.8 inches
Maximum diameter: 6.2 inches
Weight of body: 23.5 pounds
Type of propellant: 7 sticks uni-perforated
 Weight of propellant: 14 pounds

Type of bursting charge: 30/70 Pumice.Sulphur Tri-oxide, picric burster
Weight of bursting charge: 8.5 pounds + 3.05 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 78 pounds

Fuze: Base graze fuze - DOV Zldg C/98 Np.  Electric Fuze.

Remarks: Range - 8,620 yards.  Shell at rear of rocket container.

Propellant vents through central venturi block.  26 Venturi in annular ring of assembly which forms attachment between Body Tube and Burster Container.  Can be filled with other chemicals.

H.E. Rocket, 150mm

German Designation: 15cm Wurfkoerper 41 Apreng

Employment: 6 tube Neberlwerfer 41
                15cm Do-Geraet 38
                    15cm Panzerwerfer 42

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 36.4 inches
Length of body: 12.5 inches
Diameter of bourrelet: 4.8 inches
Maximum diameter: 6.2 inches
Weight of body: 22.5 pounds
Type of propellant: DGN
 Weight of propellant: 14 pounds

Type of bursting charge: TNT
Weight of bursting charge: 4.5 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 77 pounds

Fuze: Base graze fuze - DOV.   Electric Fuze - Erz 39.

Remarks: Range - 8,620 yards.  Shell at rear of rocket container.

Propellant vents through central venturi block.  26 Venturi inclined at 140.  7 Uni-perforated sticks of propellant.

H.E. Rocket, 210mm

German Designation: 21cm Wurfkoerper 42 Spreng

Employment: 21cm Nebelwerfer

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 48.2 inches
Length of body: 15.8 inches
Diameter of body: 21.3 inches
Diameter of base: 8.38 inches
Weight of body: 90 pounds
Type of propellant: 7 Tubular sticks mounted on grid
 Weight of propellant: 40.25 pounds

Type of bursting charge: Amatol 40/60
Weight of bursting charge: 21.5 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 245 pounds

Fuze: z 23 LA 0.15
PD w/instantaneous or delay setting
Hbgr Z 35K. Mech. Time fuze S/30 (Used on aircraft)

Markings: Painted Olive Green

Remarks: Range - 9,950 yards.  Nose fuze underneath ballistic cap

Venturi tubes offset 16 degrees, 22 in annular ring in base.

H.E. Rocket, 280mm

German Designation: 28cm Wurfkoerper Spreng

Employment: 28/32 Nebelwerfer 41

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 47.6 inches
Length of body: 28.34 inches
Length of tail: 18.5 inches
Diameter of body: 10.75 inches
Weight of body: 133.5 pounds
Type of propellant: Singular stick supported on circular grid
 Weight of propellant: 14.5 pounds

Type of bursting charge: Amatol
Weight of bursting charge: 79 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 183 pounds

Fuze: Wgr. Z 50

Remarks: Range - 2,080 yards.

26 Jets in annular ring.  In tropical round the venturis are sealed over by a soldered-on, flat, tinned iron ring which blows off on ignition; rotating inclination 14 degrees.

H.E. Rocket, 300mm

German Designation: 30cm Wurfkoerper Spreng

Employment: 30 Nebelwerfer 42

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 46.5 inches

Total weight (projectile): 275 pounds

Fuze: Wgr. Z 50

Remarks: Range - 2,440 yards.

Incendiary Rocket, 320mm

German Designation: 32cm Wurfkoerper mit Flamme

Employment: 28/32 Nebelwerfer 41

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 49.2 inches
Length of body: 32.67 inches
Length of tail: 18.11 inches
Diameter of body: 13.18 inches
Weight of body: 124.5 pounds

Total weight (projectile): 173.41 pounds

Weight and type of bursting charge:
-11 gallons filling (Gas and Oil) - 87.69 pounds
-PETN blocks - 0.39 pounds

Type of propellant: One stick, six celluloid tubes in slottings around its circumference, one containing quick match with G.P. pellet at each end in central hole.
 Weight of propellant: 14.24 pounds

Fuze: Wgr. Z 50

Remarks: Range - 2,430 yards.

Single multi-perforated stick of propellant.  26 Venturi in annular ring at base, rotating inclination of 14 degrees.

Next Time: German Explosives or American Explosives/Projectiles

German Projectiles - 88mm Projectiles

German Projectiles

Hollow Charge Projectile, Type 39, 88mm

No picture available

German Designation: H L Gr. Patr. 39 Flak (Hohl Ladun Granate Patrone 39 Flugabwehrkanone)

Employment: 8.8cm Flak 18
                       8.8cm Flak 36
                       8.8cm Flak 37

Dimensions

Total weight (projectile): 16.83 pounds

Weight of bursting charge: 1.5 pounds

Soft iron rotating bands

No tracer

Overall length (cartridge case): 22.4 inches

Diameter at case neck: 3.625 inches

Diameter at case shoulder: 3.812 inches

Diameter at base: 4.02 inches

Weight of case: 11.625 pounds

Type of propellant: Diglycol

Fuze: Nose percussion fuze AZ 38 St.
This fuze is identical with the AZ 38 except that it is made of steel.

Markings: Painted Grey, stencilled in black.
"HL FES" stencilled on body.

 Remarks: Information is from captured documents.  All three weapons employ the same cartridge case.

A.P.C. Projectile, Type 39, 88mm

No picture available

German Designation: Pzgr. Patr. 39 (Panzergranate Patrone 39)

Employment: 8.8cm Flak. 41

Dimensions

Overall length (complete round): 45.5 inches
Overall length (projectile): 13.5 inches

Distance from base to band: 1.937 inches

Width of rotating bands: 0.469 inches

Diameter of projectile base: 3.437 inches
Total weight (complete round): 46 pounds
Total weight (projectile): 22.44 pounds
Weight of bursting charge: 2.12 ounces

Type of Bursting Charge: Cyclonite

Tracer present

Overall length (cartridge case): 33.687 inches

Diameter at case neck: 3.562 inches

Diameter at case shoulder: 4.094 inches

Diameter at case base: 4.844 inches

Weight of propellant: 11.91 pounds

Type of propellant: Tubular Gudol

Fuze: Base detonating fuze - Bd. Z. f 8.8cm (unmarked)

Markings: Painted black with white tip.

 Remarks: This is the "small cavity" type of German APCBCHE with Cyclonite bursting charge and a spring-loaded fuze.

H.E. Projectile Type L/4.5, 88mm

German Designation: Sprgr. Patr. L/4.5 (Kpf.Z) (Sprenggranate Patrone Lange/4.5 (Kopfzunder) )

Employment: 8.8cm Flak 18
                       8.8cm Flak 36
                       8.8cm Flak 37

Dimensions

Overall length (projectile): 15.51 inches

Distance from base to band: 1.375 inches

Width of lower rotating band: 0.531 inches

Width of upper rotating band: 0.469 inches
Diameter of bourrelet: 3.446 inches
Diameter of projectile base: 3.447 inches
Total weight (projectile): 20.35 pounds
Weight of bursting charge: 1.9 pounds

Type of Bursting Charge: Amatol 40/60

No tracer

Overall length (cartridge case): 22.4 inches

Diameter at case neck: 3.625 inches

Diameter at case shoulder: 3.812 inches

Diameter at case base: 4.02 inches

Weight of case: 11.625 pounds
Weight of propellant: 5.03 pounds

Type of propellant: Tubular Diglycol

Fuze: Nose percussion fuze - AZ 23/28 or Mechanical time fuze - Zt. Z. s/30

Markings: Painted yellow or green

Packaging: Three rounds in a wicker basket - 123 pounds; or
One round in metal cylinder - 47.3 pounds

 Remarks: All three weapons employ the same cartridge case.  There are two types of this projectile.  One has a cardboard container, the other has a solid base and is poured filled.

A.P. Projectile for 88mm Anti-Tank Gun, 88mm

German Designation: 8.8cm Pzgr. Patr. 41 (Panzergranate Patrone 41)

Employment: 8.8cm Flak 36
                       8.8cm Flak 41

Dimensions

Overall length w/o fuze (projectile): 13 inches

Distance from base to bands: 1.375 inches

Width of rotating band: 0.48 inches

Diameter of projectile base: 3.45 inches

Total weight (complete round): 22.8 pounds
Tracer present

Overall length (cartridge case): 33.625 inches

Diameter at case neck: 3.55 inches

Diameter at case shoulder: 4.1 inches

Diameter at base: 4.65 inches

Weight of propellant: 5.38 kilograms
Type of propellant: Tubular Diglycol

Fuze: Bd. Z 5127

A.P. Projectile with Tungsten Carbide Core (Type 40), 88mm

German Designation: 8.8cm Pzgr. 40 (Panzergranate 40)

Employment: 8.8cm Flak 36
                       8.8cm Flak 41

Dimensions

Overall length (complete round): 33.99 inches
Overall length (projectile): 12.75 inches
Distance from base to band: 1.166 inches

Width of rotating band: 0.437 inches
Diameter of bourrelet: 3.437 inches

Diameter of projectile base: 3.562 inches

Total weight (projectile): 16 pounds

Length of tungsten carbide core: 5.437 inches
Diameter of tungsten carbide core: 1.406 inches
Weight of tungsten carbide core: 4.25 pounds

Tracer present

Overall length (cartridge case): 22.4 inches

Diameter at case neck: 3.625 inches

Diameter at case shoulder: 3.812 inches

Diameter at base: 4.02 inches

Weight of case: 11.625 pounds

Type of propellant: Diglycol

Fuze: No fuze

Markings: Painted black

 Remarks: The cartridge case employed for Flak 41 is "8.8cm Flak 41" (Fixed).

H.E. Projectile Type L/4.7, 88mm

German Designation: Sprgr. Patr. L/4.7 (Sprenggranate Patrone Lange/4.7 FES)

Employment: 8.8cm Flak 41
                       8.8cm Flak 43

Dimensions

Overall length (complete round): 47 inches
Overall length (projectile): 16.35 inches
Distance from base to band: 2.905 inches

Width of rotating band: 0.51 inches
Diameter of bourrelet: 3.425 inches

Diameter of projectile base: 3.031 inches
Total weight (complete round): 46.42 pounds

Total weight (projectile): 20.68 pounds

Weight of bursting charge: 1.9 pounds

Type of bursting charge: 40/60 Amatol

Overall length (cartridge case): 33.687 inches

Diameter at case neck: 3.562 inches

Diameter at case shoulder: 4.094 inches

Diameter at base: 4.844 inches

Type of propellant: Tubular Gudol
Fuze: Nose percussion fuze - AZ 23/28v; or
Mechanical time fuze - Zt. Z s/30

Markings: Painted yellow

A.P.C. Projectile for AA Gun 18, 88mm

German Designation: Pzgr. Patr. m.3d. Z. (Panzergranate Patrone mit Boden Zunder)

Employment: 8.8cm Flak 18
                       8.8cm Flak 36
                       8.8cm Flak 37

Dimensions

Overall length (complete round): 34.25 inches
Overall length (projectile): 13.25 inches

Width of bimetallic rotating band: 0.469 inches

Diameter of projectile base: 3.437 inches
Total weight (complete round): 35.2 pounds

Total weight (projectile): 20.75 pounds

Weight of bursting charge: 5.5 pounds

Type of bursting charge: TNT/Wax
Tracer present

Overall length (cartridge case): 22.4 inches

Diameter at case neck: 3.625 inches

Diameter at case shoulder: 3.812 inches

Diameter at base: 4.02 inches
Weight of propellant: 5.65 pounds

Type of propellant: Tubular Diglycol
Fuze: Base detonating fuze - Bd. Z. f. 8.8cm

Markings: Painted black

Packaging: Three rounds to a wicker basket, or one round to a metal container.

Remarks: This projectile is the large cavity design of German A.P.C.

Next Time: 105mm Projectiles Part 1

Imperial Japanese Army Ammunition: 88mm to 120mm Projectiles

Japanese Explosive Ordnance: Army and Navy Ammunition

Type 100 8cm (88mm) High Explosive A.A. Long-Pointed Projectile

Weight of complete round: Not Available
Weight of complete projectile (with fuze): Approx. 19.6 lbs
Weight of empty projectile (with Aux Fuze): 7.4kg
Weight of filling: 0.9kg
Filling: TNT
Diameter at bourrelet: 88mm
Length of projectile (w/o fuze): 298mm
Length of propellant case: 570mm
Length of assembled round (w/o fuze): 804mm
Diameter of base of case: 100mm
Width of rotating band: Forward - 8mm Aft - 8mm
Distance between rotating bands: 6mm

Fuzing: Type 100 mechanical time fuze (combination time and impact) with an auxiliary detonating fuze. The auxiliary fuze is the same as that used in the 7cm (75mm) H.E.A.A. projectile Type 90.

Used in: Type 99 8cm A.A. gun. This is a gun modeled after one of the Germans 88mm guns.

Case:
-Length: 567mm
-Diameter at base: 137mm
-Construction: The case is made of drawn brass and is machined for about 2 and 3/4 inches above the rim - It is a rimmed case with a slight taper and a bottleneck.
Propellant: No.16 cylindrical, 2,330g



9cm (90mm) High Explosive Projectile

Weight of projectile, filled: 7.79kg
Weight of filling: 0.59kg
Filling: Crude TNT
Diameter at bourrelet: 90mm
Length overall (w/o fuze): 265.1mm
Length of projectile body (w/o nose piece): 209.6mm
Length protruding from case (w/o fuze): 246.1mm
Width of rotating band: No Data

Fuzing:
-Type 88 instantaneous nose fuze (Howitzer - mortar type)
-Type 88 short delay nose fuze (Howitzer - mortar type)

Used in:
This is an antiquated weapon classified as a mortar by the Japanese by virtue of length of tube, muzzle velocity, etc., but bearing only a remote resemblance to other Japanese mortars. It is breech-loading, using an interrupted thread breechblock, and employs projectiles embodying the conventional features of design of common breech-loading artillery pieces.

Remarks: The body of this projectile is painted black overall. There is a shallow groove immediately below the bourrelet hich may be painted yellow or green.



9cm (90mm) High Explosive Semisteel Projectile

Weight of projectile, filled: 7.86kg
Weight of filling: 0.65kg
Filling: TNT
Diameter at bourrelet: 90mm
Length overall (w/o fuze): 263.5mm
Length protruding from case (w/o fuze): 246.1mm
Width of rotating band: 15.9mm

Fuzing:
-Type 88 instantaneous nose fuze (Howitzer - mortar type)
-Type 88 short delay nose fuze (Howitzer - mortar type)

Used in:
This is an antiquated weapon classified as a mortar by the Japanese by virtue of length of tube, muzzle velocity, etc., but bearing only a remote resemblance to other Japanese mortars. It is breech-loading, using an interrupted thread breechblock, and employs projectiles embodying the conventional features of design of common breech-loading artillery pieces.

Remarks: The projectile is painted black overall with a 1/2 inch green or yellow band before the rotating band. The fuze adapter is painted red.



10cm (105mm) Ammunition

There are three 105mm howitzers and four 105mm guns in use by the Japanese Army. These guns are designated 10cm by the Japanese but have an actual bore diameter of 105mm. The projectiles are in most cases interchangeable for use in all these weapons and are assembled with different size cases for use in the different weapons. Only one weapon, the Type 14 year A.A. gun uses fixed ammunition, all the other weapons using semifixed ammunition. In this section the cases and projectiles will be treated seperately as was done with 75mm ammunition.

Type 91 10cm (105mm) High Explosive Projectile

Weight of projectile, filled (w/o fuze): 15.9kg
Weight of filling: 2.3kg
Filling: Cast TNT
Diameter at bourrelet: 104mm
Length overall (w/o fuze): 427mm
Length protruding from case (w/o fuze): 389.7mm
Width of rotating band: 22.2mm

Fuzing:
-Type 88 instantaneous nose fuze (Howitzer - mortar type)
-Type 88 short delay nose fuze (Howitzer - mortar type)

Used in:
-Type 91 howitzer, case 9 and 1/2 inches
-Type 88 field gun, case 11 and 1/8 inches
-Type 92 field gun, case 29 inches
-Type 14 year field gun, case 18 and 1/8 inches



Type 91 10cm (105mm) High Explosive Long Pointed Projectile

Weight of projectile, filled (w/o fuze): 15.7kg
Weight of filling (white composition): 2.3kg
Filling:
1.Cast TNT
2. White composition of ammonium nitrate, cyclonite, and guanidine nitrate
Diameter at copper bourrelet: 104.2mm
Length overall (w/o fuze): 501.7mm
Length protruding from case (w/o fuze): 423.9mm
Width of rotating band: 22.2mm
Width of copper bourrelet: 20.6mm

Fuzing:
-Type 88 instantaneous nose fuze (Howitzer - mortar type)
-Type 88 short delay nose fuze (Howitzer - mortar type)

Used in:
-Type 91 howitzer, case 9 and 1/2 inches
-Type 88 field gun, case 11 and 1/8 inches
-Type 92 field gun, case 29 inches
-Type 14 year field gun, case 18 and 1/8 inches
-Type 14 year A.A. gun (fixed ammunition), case 22 and 1/4 inches

Remarks: This projectile has been recovered with either a copper or a machined bourrelet



12cm (120mm) Shrapnel Projectile

Weight of projectile, filled (w/o fuze): 19.88kg
Ejecting Charge: Black Powder contained in the base of the projectile and in a central brass tube.
Shrapnel Filling: 539 lead balls (12.5g each) packed in a resin matrix. The balls are separated from the ejection charge by a steel disc which rests on a shoulder in the projectile cavity.
Diameter at bourrelet: 119mm
Length overall (w/o fuze): 314.3mm
Length protruding from case (w/o fuze): 293.1mm
Width of rotating band: 9.5mm

Fuzing:
-Type 88 35-second combination fuze

Used in:
-Type 38 Howitzer

Case:
-Length: 83mm
-Diameter of base: 128mm
-Weight (empty): 3 pounds, 4 and 5/8 ounces
-Construction: The brass case is straight sided and of the rimmed type

Propellant: The propellant is in two increments, each encased in a silk bag with a small ignition charge sewed to the bottom of each bag. The first increment is nitrocellulose in 5/16 inch square flakes and the second increment is nitrocellulose in 1/18 inch square flakes.
Weight of propellant:
-1st increment: 11 oz
-2nd increment: 6 and 3/8 oz



12cm (120mm) Armor Piercing High Explosive Projectile

Weight of projectile, filled and fuzed: 20kg
Weight of filling: 1.3kg
Filling: Picric Acid
Diameter at bourelet: 119mm
Length overall: 379.4mm
Length protruding from case: 339.7mm
Width of rotating band: 11.1mm

Fuzing:
-Type 88 small base fuze (Howitzer - Mortar type)

Case:
-Length: 83mm
-Diameter of base: 128mm
-Weight (empty): 3 pounds, 4 and 5/8 ounces
-Construction: The brass case is straight sided and of the rimmed type

Propellant: The propellant is in two increments, each encased in a silk bag with a small ignition charge sewed to the bottom of each bag. The first increment is nitrocellulose in 5/16 inch square flakes and the second increment is nitrocellulose in 1/18 inch square flakes.
Weight of propellant:
-1st increment: 11 oz
-2nd increment: 6 and 3/8 oz

Used in:
-Type 38 Howitzer




Next Time: 15cm Ammunition