schwerer Ladungswerfer

The 38 cm schwerer Ladungswerfer (38 cm sLdgW) was a spigot mortar used by Germany during World War II, as an upgrade to the 20 cm leichter Ladungswerfer. It was used by engineers to demolish obstacles and strongpoints, firing the 149 kg 38-cm Wurfgranate 40 up to 1,000 m, as well as smoke shells. At 1,658 kg and with disassembly requiring nine loads, it proved to be too heavy for its role and it was gradually withdrawn from front-line service.