Close defense weapon
The close defense weapon was a device for firing smoke grenades that was used in German armored vehicles in the final stages of World War II . It could also be used for short-range defense by firing HE shells .
function
The close-range defense weapon made it possible to fire smoke grenades from inside the vehicle under armor protection. With the externally attached smoke pots used up to that point, there was a risk that they would explode under enemy fire and the smoke would render their own crew incapable of fighting.
The close defense weapon consisted of a rotatable throwing cup with a diameter of 92 mm, which was attached at an angle in the interior of the armored vehicle, at an opening in the top of the hull or the turret . The back of the throwing cup could be opened by means of a hinge for loading the grenade. After loading, the throwing cup was closed and the ignition screw screwed into a recess on the back of the throwing cup. Firing took place by operating the trigger at the rear of the throwing cup.
The Schnellnebelkerze 39 was used as a smoke grenade .
With the close-up weapon deployed, explosive shells or flares could also be fired from the inside of the tank with the combat pistol .
commitment
The close defense weapon was first used on the Tiger I in March 1944 . It was then used in other armored vehicles such as the Panther , Jagdpanther , Tiger II , Sturmgeschütz III and Panzer IV .
Web links
- The Nahverteidigungswaffe (English)