Panzerwerfer 42 Sd.Kfz. 4/1 Maultier with 15 cm Rocket Launcher – German Halftrack


The Panzerwerfer 42 Sd.Kfz. 4/1 “Maultier” (Eng: Mule) was a German self-propelled multiple rocket launcher used in World War II. Based on the Opel Maultier half-track, it was equipped with a 15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 rocket launcher (based on the Nebelwerfer), capable of firing 10 spin-stabilized rockets in rapid succession, with a range of up to 7,000 meters (4.3 miles). Besides “Nebel” (smoke), it had high explosives and was used as artillery.

Powered by a 75 hp Opel 3.6L engine, it had a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) and a range of 250 km (155 mi). The vehicle also featured light armor (up to 14.5 mm), providing minimal protection for its crew of three. Designed for mobile fire support, the Panzerwerfer 42 was highly effective in delivering devastating barrages but was vulnerable to enemy counterattacks due to its limited armor and slow reload time.

This Panzerwerfer 42 Sd.Kfz. 4/1 “Maultier” was photographed in the Musée des Blindes tank museum in Saumur, France.

Panzerwerfer 42 - Maultier Halftrack with 15 cm Rocket Launcher - photo 2014
Panzerwerfer 42 – Maultier Halftrack with 15 cm Rocket Launcher – photo 2014
Panzerwerfer 42 - Maultier Halftrack with 15 cm Rocket Launcher - photo 2014
Panzerwerfer 42 – Maultier Halftrack with 15 cm Rocket Launcher – photo 2014
Panzerwerfer 42 - Maultier Halftrack with 15 cm Rocket Launcher - photo 2014
Panzerwerfer 42 – Maultier Halftrack with 15 cm Rocket Launcher – photo 2014
Storage compartment Panzerwerfer 42 - Maultier Halftrack - photo 2014
Storage compartment Panzerwerfer 42 – Maultier Halftrack – photo 2014
Driver seat Panzerwerfer 42 - Maultier Halftrack - photo 2014
Driver seat Panzerwerfer 42 – Maultier Halftrack – photo 2014
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 – photo 2022
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 – photo 2022
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 – photo 2022
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 – photo 2022
15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 – photo 2022
15 cm Wurfgranate – 15 cm Wgr. 41 – photo 2024
15 cm Wurfgranate – 15 cm Wgr. 41 – photo 2024
Panzerwerfer 42 - Gun Damage and 15 cm Rocket Launcer - photo 2014
Panzerwerfer 42 – Gun Damage and 15 cm Rocket Launcer – photo 2014
Panzerwerfer 42 - Maultier Halftrack with 15 cm Rocket Launcher - photo 2014
Panzerwerfer 42 – Maultier Halftrack with 15 cm Rocket Launcher – photo 2014

Panzerwerfer 42 - courtesy weaponsystems.net
Panzerwerfer 42 – courtesy weaponsystems.net

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