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.
