Raketenpanzerbuchse 54

Go Back to Man-Portable Rocket Launcher

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: Raketenpanzerbuchse 54 Type: Man-Portable Rocket Launcher Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1944 Caliber: 88mm Action: Rocket Launcher System Overall Length (mm): 830.0 Weight (kg): 7.00 Effective Range (m): 60

The Raketenpanzerbuchse 54, commonly known as the "Panzerschreck," was a German shoulder-fired, anti-tank rocket launcher developed during World War II. Its design was heavily influenced by the American Bazooka, captured during the North African campaign. The Panzerschreck fired an 88mm shaped-charge rocket capable of penetrating up to 230mm of armor, making it highly effective against Allied tanks. Featuring a metal shield to protect the operator from the rocket's backblast, the weapon had an effective range of up to 150 meters and was designed for both ease of use and potent stopping power on the battlefield.

Production of the Raketenpanzerbuchse 54 began in 1943 and continued until the war's end, with tens of thousands produced to equip Germany's infantry. Variants such as the Raketenpanzerbuchse 54/1 introduced minor refinements, including lighter construction. The weapon's relatively simple design allowed for mass production and distribution across various theaters of war. While it required significant skill to aim accurately, it provided German infantry with a portable and powerful tool to counter Allied armored advances, particularly during defensive operations in 1944 and 1945.

The Raketenpanzerbuchse 54 gained notoriety for its effectiveness in stopping heavily armored vehicles such as the American Sherman and Soviet T-34 tanks. It played a critical role in Germany's anti-tank strategy during the late stages of World War II, particularly on the Eastern Front and in Western Europe. However, the weapon's substantial backblast and smoke trail often exposed operators to counterattack, leading to high casualty rates among crews. The Panzerschreck's influence is evident in the development of post-war rocket launchers, and it remains a significant piece of military history as one of the most effective infantry anti-tank weapons of its era.