Panzerfaust 150
With the introduction of the Pzf 100, work intensified on its successor. This time the new Panzerfaust was to retain the launching tube of the Pzf 100 almost intact, and focus the modifications on the projectile. The rectangular fins were back, and now the stem was made of steel, which made it sturdier – and heavier.
The most extensive modifications concerned the warhead itself. It was smaller in diameter, lighter, had a long conical ballistic cap, and was delivered battle-ready - meaning the need to arm before shooting was finally dispensed with after the Pzf 100 m "jumping-the-gun" fiasco.
The first Pzf 100 m with its improved FPZ8003umg fuze was tested as transport-proof enough to be delivered armed.
The research into the shaped-charges resulted in the warhead making a quantum-leap increase in piercing capability – which almost doubled, to 360 mm – despite actual decreasing the amount of HE main charge. The elongated ballistic cone improved the aerodynamics greatly – with the Pzf 100’s tandem propelling charge intact, the recommended range extended by half, from 100 to 150 meters. These new weapons were fitted with the new fuze, which could be delivered ready for use and had a self-destruction feature. The Pzf 150 was probably the most advanced infantry antitank weapon ever used in WW2. Mass-production started in March 1945, and although as many as 100 000 were made before the war ended, few, if any, made it to the front.
The most extensive modifications concerned the warhead itself. It was smaller in diameter, lighter, had a long conical ballistic cap, and was delivered battle-ready - meaning the need to arm before shooting was finally dispensed with after the Pzf 100 m "jumping-the-gun" fiasco.
The first Pzf 100 m with its improved FPZ8003umg fuze was tested as transport-proof enough to be delivered armed.
The research into the shaped-charges resulted in the warhead making a quantum-leap increase in piercing capability – which almost doubled, to 360 mm – despite actual decreasing the amount of HE main charge. The elongated ballistic cone improved the aerodynamics greatly – with the Pzf 100’s tandem propelling charge intact, the recommended range extended by half, from 100 to 150 meters. These new weapons were fitted with the new fuze, which could be delivered ready for use and had a self-destruction feature. The Pzf 150 was probably the most advanced infantry antitank weapon ever used in WW2. Mass-production started in March 1945, and although as many as 100 000 were made before the war ended, few, if any, made it to the front.