Back (German W.W.II) 
|
Wk. 361 LP This is the Wurfkörper 361 LP grenade projector - an attempt to give expanded capability to the 4 gauge flare gun, or Leuchtpistole (“glow pistol"). Shown at left are two mid-war variants. 
A variety of munitions were developed for use in the Walther manufactured gun, which was introduced in 1928. The first model flare gun, made of machined steel, weighed 1.3kg was replaced by a simplified stamped metal version weighing 0.78kg. |
| The smooth bore Leuchtpistole
was also produced in a rifled version, the Kampfpistole ("battle pistol").
This rifled pistol was developed to fire a wider range of munitions, including
the Wurfkörper 361. |
|
|
Construction The standard Mod.39 Egg grenade is mounted on a caliber diameter, muzzle loaded, projector stem. Those show are made of Bakelite. Earlier versions were metal, later versions were wood. A combination propellant and initiating charge was located in the end assembly. Internally a tube runs the length of the stem to the grenade delay fuze at the top. The projector on the left was made specifically for the Kampfpistole. The design at right, first developed for the Leuchtpistole, could be fired from either pistol. The earlier Leuchtpistole variant performed as a rocket, propelled by gas vented out the holes in the base. The Kampfpistole design had an internal propelling charge which fired the stem out, leaving the cartridge behind. Applications This projector was used to fire not only the Mod.39 HE grenade but also the Mod.42 Nebeleihandgranate. A novel adaptation consisted of an illuminating head with a reduced delay time of 1 second. This grenade was intended to be fired from a signal pistol by the tail gunner of a night bomber, if pursued by a fighter, to momentarily blind the attacker. |
|
| Follow these links for in-depth information
about this versatile and often overlooked weapon. www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de www.custermen.net |
|
Back