View source for Panzerfaust

{{Short description|German man-portable anti-tank recoilless weapons, WW2}}
{{About|6=other uses}}
{{title lang|de}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}
| image              = Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-710-0371-20, Ukraine, Ausbildung an Panzerabwehrwaffe (cropped).jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = A German soldier aims a {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30 using the integrated leaf sight.
| origin             = [[Nazi Germany|Germany]]
| type               = Man-portable anti-tank [[recoilless gun]]
 <!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = yes
| is_explosive       = yes
 <!-- Service history -->| service            = 1943–1945 (Germany)
| used_by            = See [[Panzerfaust#Users|Users]]
| wars               = [[World War II]]<br/>[[Greek Civil War]]
 <!-- Production history -->| designer           = 
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = 
| unit_cost          = 15–25 {{lang|de|Reichsmark}}
| production_date    = 1942–1945
| number             = 8,254,300 (all variants)<ref>Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck by Rottman, Gordon L. Shumate, Johnny page 28.</ref>
| variants           = {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30, 60, 100, 150, 250
 <!-- General specifications -->| spec_label         = Panzerfaust 60
| weight             = {{convert|6.25|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| length             = ~{{convert|1|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| part_length        = 
| width              = 
| height             = 
| diameter           = 
| crew               = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = 
| caliber            = 
| action             = 
| rate               = 
| velocity           = 
| range              = {{convert|60|m|abbr=on}}
| max_range          = 
| feed               = 
| sights             = Leaf
 <!-- Explosive specifications -->| filling            = [[Shaped charge]]
| filling_weight     = 
| detonation         = Impact
| yield              = 
}}

The '''{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}''' ({{IPA|de|ˈpantsɐˌfaʊst|lang}}, {{lit.}} {{gloss|tank fist}} or {{gloss|armor[ed] fist}},<ref name="pzf60 iwm">{{cite web |title=Panzerfaust 60 |url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30019715 |website=iwm.org.uk |publisher=Imperial War Museum |access-date=2023-05-07 |quote=The German Panzerfaust (tank or armour-fist)..}}</ref> plural: {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}}) was a development family of [[single-shot]] [[man-portable anti-tank systems]] developed by [[Nazi Germany]] during [[World War II]]. The weapons were the first single-use light [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank weapons]] based on a pre-loaded disposable launch tube, a weapon configuration which is still used today (a contemporary example being the 84mm [[AT4]]).

The {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}-design consisted of a light [[recoilless]] launcher tube outfitted with a single pre-loaded [[high-explosive anti-tank warhead]] protruding from the [[Muzzle (firearm)|muzzle]]. It was an inexpensive, easy-to-use anti-tank weapon for the common infantry man, being issued as a single unit of ammunition meant to be operated by a single soldier. Firing was done from under the arm at an upward angle as the effective firing range was barely beyond that of [[hand grenade]]s ({{convert|30-60|m|ft|abbr=on}} max - although a later version produced in smaller quantity had an effective range of 100m). After use the launcher was discarded. The ''Panzerfaust'' became one of the most effective infantry carried anti-tank systems in the war, thanks to its ease of use, low production costs and ability to defeat high amounts of armor.

Development of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} started in 1942. The initial design was dubbed '''{{lang|de|Faustpatrone}}''' ({{lit.}} "fist-cartridge") and was smaller than the later designs. Later dubbed {{lang|de|Panzerfaust Klein}} ("tank-fist small"), it entered service in 1943, the larger design being named {{lang|de|Panzerfaust Gross}} ("tank-fist big") and entering service in mid to late 1944. All types were used by Germany until the end of the war, with the design remaining in use in other countries for a number of years after the war.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stallings |first=Patrick A. |title=Tank Company Security Operations |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA258111.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301152041/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA258111&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf |url-status=live |archive-date=March 1, 2014 |work=Major }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Guzmán |first=Julio S. |date=April 1942 |title=Las Armas Modernas de Infantería |language=es }}</ref>

== Development ==
=== {{lang|de|Faustpatrone (Klein)}} ===
[[File:Panzerfaust 1.JPG|thumb|{{lang|de|Faustpatrone}} 30 (top) and {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 60 (bottom)]]
[[File:Panzerfaust 2.jpg|thumb|Sectional view of {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}} 30 (top) and {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 60 (bottom) warheads<ref>{{cite web |url=http://homepage.eircom.net/~nightingale/graphics/pzf100cut.gif |title=Panzerfaust 100, courtesy of V. Potapov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reocities.com/Augusta/8172/panzerfaust14.htm |title=Reocities, Panzerfaust WW II German Infantry Anti-Tank Weapons Page 2: Faustpatrone & Panzerfaust, M.Hofbauer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/Augusta/8172/panzerfaust2.htm |title=Panzerfaust WW II German Infantry Anti-Tank Weapons Page 2: Faustpatrone & Panzerfaust, M. Hofbauer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209093245/http://www.geocities.com/Augusta/8172/panzerfaust2.htm |archive-date=February 9, 2005 }}</ref>]]
The {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}} ({{lit.}} "fist cartridge") was the initial development of what eventually became the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}-family. The {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}}-design was much smaller than the later {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}}-designs.

Development of the {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}} started in the summer of 1942 at the German company [[Hugo Schneider AG]] (HASAG) with the development of a smaller prototype called {{lang|de|Gretchen}} ("little Greta") by a team headed by Doctor Heinrich Langweiler in [[Leipzig]]. The basic concept was that of a [[recoilless gun]]; in the {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}} and the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}, a propellent charge pushed the warhead out the front of the tube while the blast also exited the rear of the tube, balancing forces, and therefore there was no recoil force for the operator.

The following weapon, the {{lang|de|Faustpatrone Klein}}, 30&nbsp;m ("fist-cartridge small") weighed {{convert|3.2|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and a total length of {{convert|98.5|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}}; its projectile had a length of {{convert|36|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}}. The {{convert|10|cm|in|abbr=on}} diameter of warhead was a [[shaped charge]] of {{convert|400|g|abbr=on}} of a 50:50 mix of [[trinitrotoluene|TNT]] and tri-[[hexogen]]. The [[propellant]] was of {{convert|54|g|oz gr|abbr=on}} of [[black powder]], the metal launch tube had a length of {{convert|80|cm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}} and a diameter of {{convert|3.3|cm|in|abbr=on}} (early models reportedly {{convert|2.8|cm|in|abbr=on}}). Fitted to the warhead was a wooden shaft with folded stabilizing [[fin]]s (made of {{convert|0.25|mm|in|abbr=on}} thick spring metal). These bent blades straightened into position by themselves as soon as they left the launch tube. The warhead was accelerated to a speed of {{convert|28|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}, had a range of about {{convert|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} and an [[armor|armour]] penetration of up to {{convert|140|mm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}} of plain steel.

Soon a crude aiming device similar to the one used by the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} was added to the design; it was fixed at a range of {{convert|30|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Several designations of this weapon were in use, amongst which {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}} 1 or {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30 {{lang|de|klein}}; however, it was common to refer to this weapon simply as the {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}}. Of the earlier model, 20,000 were ordered and the first 500 {{lang|de|Faustpatronen}} were delivered by the manufacturer, HASAG, Werk Schlieben, in August 1943.

=== {{lang|de|Panzerfaust (Gross)}} ===
[[File:Panzerfaust.jpg|right|thumb|{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 60 (left) with {{lang|de|[[Panzerschreck]]}} rocket (right)]]
[[File:Panzerfaust helsinki.jpg|thumb|right|Four {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30s in their original shipping crate, on display at the [[Military Museum of Finland|Helsinki Military Museum]].]]
Development began in 1942 on a larger version of the {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}}. The resulting weapon was the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30, also known as {{lang|de|Panzerfaust Gross}} ({{lit.}} "tank-fist big") and the like, with a total weight of {{convert|5.1|kg|lb|1}} and total length of {{convert|104.5|cm|ft|1}}. The launch tube was made of low-grade [[steel]] {{convert|44|mm|in|1}} in diameter, containing a {{convert|95|g|oz|1|adj=on}} charge of black powder propellant. Along the side of the tube were a simple folding rear sight and a trigger. The edge of the warhead was used as the front sight. The oversize warhead ({{convert|140|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in diameter) was fitted into the front of the tube by an attached wooden tail stem with metal stabilizing fins.<ref name="Rottman 2014">{{Cite book |last=Rottman |first=Gordon L. |title=Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck. |date=2014 |publisher=Osprey Publishing Ltd |others=Johnny Shumate, Alan Gililiand |isbn=978-1-78200-790-6 |location=Oxford |oclc=883567497}}</ref>

The warhead weighed {{convert|2.9|kg|lb|1}} and contained {{convert|0.8|kg|lb|1}} of a 50:50 mixture of TNT and hexogen explosives, and had armour penetration of {{convert|200|mm|in|1}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=Handbook on German Military Forces|year=1945|publisher=United States War Department|location=Washington D.C.|page=VII-II|url=http://downloads.sturmpanzer.com/FMS/NARA_TM_E30_451_1945.03.pdf}}</ref> The {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} often had warnings written in large red letters on the upper rear end of the tube, the words usually being "{{lang|de|Achtung. Feuerstrahl.}}" ("Beware. Fire jet."). This was to warn soldiers to avoid the [[backblast area|backblast]].

After firing, the tube was discarded, making the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} the first disposable anti-tank weapon. The weapon, when correctly fired from the crook of the arm, could penetrate the armour of any [[armoured fighting vehicle]] of the period.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bishop |first=Chris |date=January 1998 |title=The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II |publisher=[[Orbis Publishing]] |location=New York |isbn=978-0-7607-1022-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YfJLPwAACAAJ }}</ref>

== Comparison of models ==
{| class="wikitable"
! align="left"  | Designation
!  Weight
! Propellant <br /> weight
!  Warhead <br> diameter
!  Projectile <br />velocity
!  Effective<br />range
!  Penetration<br />performance
|-
|{{lang|de|Faustpatrone}} 30<br>{{lang|de|Panzerfaust (Klein)}} 30m
| align="center" | {{convert|2.7|–|3.2|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|70| g|oz|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|100|mm|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|28|m/s|mph|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|30| m|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|140|mm|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30<br>{{lang|de|Panzerfaust (Gross)}} 30m
| align="center" | {{convert|5.22|kg|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|95|–|100| g|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | 149&nbsp;mm
| align="center" | 30&nbsp;m/s
| align="center" | 30 m
| align="center" | 200&nbsp;mm
|-
|{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 60
| align="center" | 6.8&nbsp;kg
| align="center" | 120–134 g
| align="center" | 149&nbsp;mm
| align="center" | 45&nbsp;m/s
| align="center" | 60 m
| align="center" | 200&nbsp;mm
|-
|{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 100
| align="center" | {{convert|6.8|kg|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|190|–|200|g|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | 149&nbsp;mm
| align="center" | 60&nbsp;m/s
| align="center" | {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|200|mm|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150
| align="center" | {{convert|7|kg|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|190|–|200| g|oz|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|106|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|85|m/s|mph|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|150| m|abbr=on}}
| align="center" | {{convert|280|–|320|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|}

== Combat use ==
To use the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}, the soldier removed the safety, tucked the tube under their arm, and aimed by aligning the target, the sight and the top of the warhead. Unlike the original American M1 60&nbsp;mm [[bazooka]] and the Germans' own heavier 88&nbsp;mm {{lang|de|[[Panzerschreck]]}} tube-type rocket launchers based on the American ordnance piece, the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} did not have the usual trigger. It had a pedal-like lever near the projectile that ignited the propellant when squeezed. Because of the weapon's short range, not only enemy tanks and infantry, but also pieces of the exploding vehicle, posed dangers to its operator. Consequently, the use of a {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} required a degree of personal courage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.roncskutatas.com/node/16023|title=A Panzerfaust {{!}} A II. Világháború Hadtörténeti Portálja|website=www.roncskutatas.com|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dererstezug.com/panzerfaust.htm |work=der Erste Zug |title=The Panzerfaust |author=David Ackerman |editor=Jonathan Bocek |access-date=2020-02-10 }}</ref> The backblast from firing went back around 2 m behind the operator.

When used against tanks, the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} had an impressive [[beyond-armour effect]]. Compared to the bazooka and the {{lang|de|Panzerschreck}}, it made a larger hole and produced massive [[spall]]ing that killed or injured the crew, due to burns and shrapnel, and destroyed equipment. One informal test found that the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} made an entry hole {{convert|2.75|in|cm|0}} in diameter, whereas the {{lang|de|Panzerschreck}} made an entry hole at least {{convert|1|in|cm|1}} in diameter. By contrast, the bazooka made an entry hole that was only {{convert|0.5|in|cm|1}} in diameter).<ref>White, Isaac D. ''United States vs. German Equipment: As Prepared for the Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force'' (1997). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. p. 70. {{ISBN|978-1468068153}}.</ref> Much of that can be attributed not only to the size of the warhead of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}, but also its horn-like shape, as opposed to the traditional cone-shaped warheads of rockets used in the bazooka and {{lang|de|Panzerschreck}}.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}} The design was later copied in the modern-day [[AT4|AT-4]] anti-tank weapon, producing the same effect against modern main battle tanks. <!-- Doubtful. The traditional cone layout is clearly visible on cutaway images of AT4. -->

[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-H28150, Deutsche Soldaten mit Panzerfäusten.jpg|thumb|right|{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}-armed German soldiers on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]] in 1945]]

=== Germany ===
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-J31391, Berlin, Volkssturm, Ausbildung.jpg|thumb|February or March 1945: {{lang|de|[[Volkssturm]]}} members being trained to use the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} anti-tank weapon]]
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-586-2221-14, Frankreich, Normandie, Fallschirmjäger.jpg|thumb|June 1944, A German ''[[Fallschirmjäger]]'' (paratroop soldier) equipped with a {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} in Normandy, France.]]
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-J31320, Berlin, Posten beim Bau einer Straßensperre.jpg|thumb|right|{{lang|de|Volkssturm}} soldiers with {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} in [[Berlin]], March 1945]]

In the [[Operation Overlord|Battle of Normandy]], only 6% of British tank losses were from {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} fire, despite the close-range combat in the thick [[bocage]] landscape. However, the threat from the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} forced Allied tank forces to wait for infantry support before advancing. The portion of British tanks taken out of action by {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} later rose to 34%, a rise probably explained by the lack of German anti-tank guns late in the war and the increased numbers of {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} that were available to defending German troops.<ref>
{{cite book
| last = Place
| first = Timothy Harrison
|date=October 2000
| title = Military training in the British Army, 1940–1944: From Dunkirk to D-Day
| publisher = [[Taylor & Francis|Frank Cass]]
| location = London
| series = Cass Series—Military History and Policy
| volume = 6
| chapter = Chapter 9: Armour in North-West Europe
| page = 160
| isbn = 978-0-7146-5037-1
| chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=McUS0IuZ1EYC&pg=PA160
| lccn = 00031480
}}</ref>

During [[urban warfare|urban combat]] in eastern Germany later in the war, about 70% of tanks destroyed were hit by {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} or {{lang|de|Panzerschreck}}s. Soviet and Western Allied tank crews modified their tanks in the field to provide some protection against Panzerfaust attacks. Defensive measures included the use of logs, sandbags, track links, and concrete and wire mesh, along with bed frames with springs (bedsprings), similar to expanded metal-type [[Schürzen|German tank sideskirts]]. In practice, about a meter of [[Spaced armour#Against HEAT|air gap]] was required to substantially reduce the penetrating capability of the warhead, so sideskirts and sandbags, along with other improvised armor, were virtually ineffective against both the [[Panzerschreck]] and Panzerfaust. Moreover, the added weight from add-on armor overburdened the vehicle's engine, transmission and suspension.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Chamberlain|first=Peter|title=Anti-tank weapons|publisher=Arco|year=1974|isbn=0668036079}}{{page needed|date=February 2020}}</ref>

Later on, each Soviet heavy tank ([[IS tank family|IS]]) and assault gun ([[ISU-152]]) [[Company (military unit)|company]] was assigned a [[platoon]] of infantry in urban battles to protect them from infantry-wielded anti-tank weapons, often supported by flamethrowers. That order remained intact even during 1950s, including during the [[Hungarian Revolution of 1956]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://beszelo.c3.hu/97/11/11.htm|title=Molnár György: A szovjet hadsereg 1956-ban|website=beszelo.c3.hu|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Laurenszky|first=Ernő|title=A forradalom fegyverei - 1956|publisher=Magyar Honvédség OKAK|year=1995|location=Budapest|language=hu}}</ref>

During the last stages of the war, due to the lack of available weapons, many poorly trained [[conscription|conscripts]], mainly elderly men and teenage [[Hitler Youth]] members, were often given a single {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}, plus any type of obsolete pistol or rifle. Some only had a Panzerfaust. That led several German generals and officers to comment sarcastically that the empty launch-tubes could then be used as clubs in hand-to-hand combat.

=== Other countries ===
Many {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} were sold to Finland, which urgently needed them, as Finnish forces did not have enough anti-tank weapons that could penetrate heavily armoured Soviet tanks like the [[T-34]] and [[IS-2]]. The Finnish experience with the weapon and its adaptability to Finnish needs was mixed, with only 4,000 of 25,000 total {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} delivered expended in combat.<ref>
{{cite book
| last1 = Jowett
| first1 = Philip S.
| last2 = Snodgrass
| first2 = Brent (Illustrator)
| last3 = Ruggeri
| first3 = Raffaele (Illustrator)
| editor = Martin Windrow
|date=July 2006
| title = Finland at War, 1939–45
| publisher = [[Osprey Publishing]]
| location = Oxford
| page = 56
| isbn = 978-1-84176-969-1
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=p58vtOKyVy8C
| lccn = 2006286373 
}}</ref> The manual that came with the weapon upon delivery to the Finns included depictions of where to aim the weapon on the Soviet T-34 and US [[Sherman tank]] (which also saw service with Soviet troops from US Lend-Lease-supplied stocks).{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

The [[Italian Social Republic]] (RSI) and the [[Government of National Unity (Hungary)]] also used the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}. Several RSI army units became skilled in anti-tank warfare and the Hungarians themselves used the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} extensively, especially during the [[Siege of Budapest]]. During this brutal siege, an arms factory, the Hungarian Manfred Weiss Steel and Metal Works, located on [[Csepel Island]] (within the city) kept up production of various light armaments and ammunition, {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} included, all the way until the very last moment, when attacking Soviet troops seized the factory by the first days of 1945.

The US [[82nd Airborne Division]] captured some {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} in the [[Allied invasion of Sicily]] and later during the fighting in Normandy. Finding them more effective than their own bazookas, they held onto them and used them during the later stages of the French Campaign, even dropping with them into the Netherlands during [[Operation Market Garden]]. They captured an ammunition dump of {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} near [[Nijmegen]] and used them through the [[Ardennes Offensive]] toward the end of the war.<ref name="courage">''More Than Courage: Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace ...'', Phil Nordyke, p. 299</ref>

The Soviet [[Red Army]] only incidentally used captured {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} in 1944, but from the beginning of 1945, many became available and were actively used during the Soviet offensives of 1945, mostly in street fighting against buildings and protective covers.<ref name="perzyk1"/> In February 1945, such use of captured {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} was recommended in a directive by Marshal [[Georgy Zhukov]].<ref name="perzyk1"/> Similarly, they were used by the [[Polish People's Army]].<ref name=perzyk1/> After the war, some 4,000 {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} were adopted by the Polish Army in 1949, which designated them as PG-49.<ref name=perzyk1/>

Plans and technical materials on the Panzerfaust were supplied to the [[Empire of Japan]] to assist with their development of an effective anti-tank weapon. However, the Japanese went with a different design, the Type 4, loosely based upon the American bazooka. Examples of the American weapon were captured by the Japanese at [[Battle of Leyte|Leyte]] in 1944.<ref>{{cite book|title=Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck|author=Gordon L. Rottman|year=2014|isbn=978-1782007883|publisher=Osprey Publishing|pages=72–73}}</ref>

==Variants==

[[File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-672-7634-13,_Russland,_Luftwaffensoldat_mit_Panzerabwehrwaffe.jpg|right|thumb|A {{lang|de|Luftwaffe}} soldier aims the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}{{'}}s predecessor, the {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}}, using the integrated leaf sight.]]
[[File:Tali-Ihantala.jpg|thumb|{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}-armed Finnish soldiers (soldier in foreground is also armed with a [[Suomi KP/-31]]) passing the wreckage of a Soviet T-34 tank, destroyed by detonation, in the [[Battle of Tali-Ihantala]]]]

;{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30 {{lang|de|klein}} ("small") or {{lang|de|Faustpatrone}}:This was the original version, first delivered in August 1943 with a total weight of {{convert|3.2|kg|lb|1}} and overall length of {{convert|98.5|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}. The "30" was indicative of the nominal maximum range of {{convert|30|m|yd|abbr=on}}. It had a {{convert|3.3|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} diameter tube containing {{convert|54|g|oz|1}} of black powder propellant launching a {{convert|10|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} warhead carrying {{convert|400|g|oz|abbr=on}} of explosive. The projectile traveled at just {{convert|30|m|abbr=on}} per second and could penetrate {{convert|140|mm|in|abbr=on}} of armour.<ref name="Rottman 2014"/>

;{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30:An improved version also appearing in August 1943. This version had a larger warhead for improved armour penetration, {{convert|200|mm|abbr=on}} of steel and {{convert|5.5|in|mm}} of armoured steel, but the same range of 30 meters. It has an explosive charge of {{convert|3.3|lb|kg}} of explosive material. Its barrel has a caliber of {{convert|1.7|in|mm}} and a length of {{convert|40.6|in|cm}}. It has a weight of {{convert|11.2|lb|kg}} and a muzzle velocity of {{convert|148|ft/s|m/s}}.<ref>Weapons of World War II by Alexander Ludeke</ref>

;{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 60:This was the most common version, and was completed in early 1944. However, it did not reach full production until September 1944, when 400,000 were to be produced each month.<ref name="Gordon L. Rottman">{{cite book|last1=Rottman|first1=Gordon L.|title=Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck|date=2014|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781782007883}}</ref> It had a much more practical range of {{convert|60|m|yd|abbr=on}}, although with a muzzle velocity of only {{convert|45|m|abbr=on}} per second it would take 1.3 seconds for the warhead to reach a tank at that range. To achieve the higher velocity, the tube diameter was increased to {{convert|5|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|134|g|abbr=on}} of propellant used while being a total length of {{convert|104|cm|in|abbr=on}}. It also had an improved flip-up rear sight and trigger mechanism. The weapon now weighed {{convert|6.1|kg|abbr=on}}. It could defeat {{convert|200|mm|abbr=on}} of armour.

;{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 100:This was the final version produced in quantity, and was completed in September 1944. However, it did not reach full production until November 1944.<ref name="Gordon L. Rottman"/> It had a nominal maximum range of {{convert|100|m|abbr=on}}. {{convert|190|g|abbr=on}} of propellant launched the warhead at {{convert|60|m|abbr=on}} per second from a {{convert|6|cm|abbr=on}} diameter tube. The sight had holes for 30, 60, {{convert|80|and|150|m|abbr=on}}, and had luminous paint in them to make counting up to the correct one easier in the dark. This version weighed {{convert|6|kg|abbr=on}} and could penetrate {{convert|220|mm|abbr=on}} of armour.

;{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150:A major redesign of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}, the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150 featured a new pointed warhead (with a diameter of 105&nbsp;mm compared to the 140&nbsp;mm warhead of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 30/60/100 series) with increased armour penetration and two-stage propellant ignition which gave a higher velocity of {{convert|85|m|abbr=on}} per second. A [[Splitterring|fragmentation sleeve]] was developed for the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150 to increase its lethality against infantry. The projectile had a delay pellet to the base detonating primer which meant that the projectile exploded after three seconds if it didn't hit its target or a hard surface. This was meant to eliminate [[dud]]s and also allowed for [[air burst]]s to be achieved when combined with the fragmentation sleeve. Production the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150 started in February 1945 and continued until May of that year when the facility in [[Döbeln]], [[Saxony]] producing the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150 was captured by the Soviets. Although 100,000 were produced, none were issued to field units beyond limited troop trials. No known examples of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150 survived the end of the war.<ref>''Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck'' by Rottman, Gordon L. Shumate, Johnny, pp. 23-24.</ref> A further development of the ''Panzerfaust'' 150 was meant to make it a reloadable weapon, capable of firing ten shots before the black powder fouling built up to the point that the weapon needed to be inspected and cleaned. This development was to be completed in May 1945, with production of the improved {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150 scheduled to commence in the summer of that year. "The reloadable Pzf 150 might have received a new designation if it had been produced."<ref>''Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck'' by Rottman, Gordon L. Shumate, Johnny, pp. 23.</ref>

;{{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 250:The last development of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} series was the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 250. Intended to replace the heavier {{lang|de|[[Panzerschreck]]}} in German service, this design never left the drawing board. It was to use a reloadable tube and featured a pistol grip. The projectile was to be based on the one used by the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 150, but the internal propellant charge was to be larger. Projected muzzle velocity was 120–150&nbsp;m/s.<ref>''Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck'' by Rottman, Gordon L. Shumate, Johnny, pp. 24-25.</ref> Serial production was scheduled to begin in September 1945. The Soviet [[RPG-2]] anti-tank weapon took some inspiration from the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 250 design (it was also a reloadable, recoilless anti-tank weapon with a trigger grip and electrical firing system). Plans for the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} 250 had fallen into both American and Soviet hands.<ref>''Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck'' by Rottman, Gordon L. Shumate, Johnny, p. 75.</ref>

== Related development ==
;''PAPI'': Argentine-made antitank weapon, similar to the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}. The acronym stands for ''proyectil antitanque para infanteria'' (Spanish for "infantry anti-tank projectile").{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

;{{lang|sv|Pansarskott}} m/45 and {{lang|sv|pansarskott}} m/46: Swedish-made copies of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}. The [[Royal Swedish Army Materiel Administration]] ordered a copy of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} design from [[Bofors]], examples of which were acquired from Finland and the [[Danish resistance movement]]. The resulting weapon, a copy of an early model {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}, was designated {{lang|sv|pansarskott}} m/45 and 10,000 were ordered by the [[Swedish Armed Forces]] in late 1945. Albeit judged effective against tanks of the day, the muzzle velocity was low and the effective range was only about 70 meters. {{lang|sv|Pansarskott}} m/45 was quickly upgraded by replacing the black powder propellant charge with [[smokeless powder]]. The resulting weapon, {{lang|sv|pansarskott}} m/46, had an effective range of about 90 meters.<ref name="slagf">Jansson, Henrik in ''Slagfjädern'' nr 2-2018 Årgång 100, p.11</ref>

;{{lang|pl|Pc-100 (PC-100, pancerzownica 100m)}}: Polish-made copy of the Panzerfaust 100, manufactured in 1951–1952. Despite large-scale orders, a production encountered technological difficulties and only 5000 combat and 940 training Pc-100 were made in 1952, before the Polish Army switched to more modern Soviet [[RPG-2]].<ref name=perzyk2>Perzyk, Bogusław: ''Panzerfaust w Wojsku Polskim 1944-1955 cz.II. Projekt PC-100'' in: Poligon 4/2011, pp. 68–80 (in Polish)</ref> It is erroneously known as '''''PT-100''''' in foreign publications.<ref name=perzyk2/>

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:Panzerfaust6.jpg|thumbnail|Finnish soldiers armed with a {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}}]]

;Panzerfaust
* {{Flagcountry|Nazi Germany}}: Known to be first used in 1943<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://mwi.usma.edu/world-war-ii-capabilities-need-todays-urban-battlefield/|title = The World War II Capabilities We Need for Today's Urban Battlefield|date = 6 December 2019|access-date = 25 February 2021|archive-date = 22 January 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210122101038/https://mwi.usma.edu/world-war-ii-capabilities-need-todays-urban-battlefield/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
* {{Flagcountry|Kingdom of Bulgaria}}<ref name="rottman">{{cite book|last1=Rottman|first1=Gordon L.|title=Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck|chapter=The Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck in other hands|date=2014|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781782007883|pages=68–69}}</ref>
* {{Flagcountry|Finland}}<ref name="rottman"/>
* {{Flagcountry|Kingdom of Hungary (1920–46)|size=23px}}<ref name="rottman"/><ref>{{cite book|last1=Tibor|first1=Rada|title=A Magyar Királyi Honvéd Ludovika Akadémia és a Testvérintézetek Összefoglalt Története (1830-1945)|volume=II|date=2001|chapter=Német gyalogsági fegyverek magyar kézben|trans-chapter=German infantry weapons in Hungarian hands|publisher=Gálos Nyomdász Kft.|location=Budapest|isbn=963-85764-3-X|language=hu|page=1114}}</ref>
* {{Flagcountry|Italian Social Republic|war}}
* {{Flagcountry|Provisional Government of the Republic of Poland}}: Polish partisans used captured {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} during the war, and then there was some limited use post-war by the new Soviet-installed communist puppet regime's armed forces into the early 1950s under the designation PG-49).<ref name=perzyk1>Perzyk, Bogusław: ''Niemieckie granatniki przeciwpancerne Panzerfaust w Wojsku Polskim 1944-1955 cz.I'' in: Poligon 2/2011, pp. 56–62 (in Polish)</ref>
* {{Flagcountry|Czechoslovakia}}: The Czech resistance used captured {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} during the [[Prague uprising]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bartošek |first1=Karel |title=The Prague Uprising |date=1965 |publisher=Artia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EWw-AAAAIAAJ |page=53|language=en}}</ref>
* {{Flagcountry|Kingdom of Romania}}<ref name="rottman"/>
* {{Flagcountry|Soviet Union|1936}}: The [[Red Army]] used captured {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} in 1944 and 1945.<ref name="perzyk1"/>
* {{Flagcountry|United States|1912}}: U.S. Army troops used captured examples, from [[Allied invasion of Normandy|Operation Overlord]] through [[VE Day]]<ref name="Gordon L. Rottman"/>
* {{flagicon image|DSE badge.svg|border=}} [[Democratic Army of Greece]]: Used captured {{lang|de|Panzerfäuste}} during the [[Greek Civil War]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Kamarinos|first=Aristos|title=Ο εμφύλιος πόλεμος στη Πελοπόννησο 1946–1949|trans-title=The Civil War in the Peloponnese (1946–1949)|publisher=Synchroni Epochi|language=Greek|location=Athens|year=2015|isbn=9789602248720|page=547}}</ref>

; Derivatives
* {{Flagcountry|Argentina}}: Argentine-made [[Proyectil Antitanque para Infanteria|PAPI]] and possibly Swedish made {{lang|pl|Pansarskott}} m/46<ref>Julio S. Guzmán, Las Armas Modernas de Infantería, Abril de 1953</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.militariarg.com/support-weapons.html|title=Support Weapons|website=Militariarg.com|access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref>
* {{Flagcountry|Poland}}: Polish-made copy Pc-100<ref name=perzyk2/>
* {{Flagcountry|Sweden}}: Manufactured and used copies of the {{lang|de|Panzerfaust}} in two variants; {{lang|sv|Pansarskott}} m/45 and {{lang|sv|Pansarskott}} m/46<ref name="slagf" />

==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[List of common World War II infantry weapons]]
* [[List of World War II firearms of Germany]]
* [[Rocket-propelled grenade]]
* {{lwc|PIAT}}
* {{lwc|RPG-2}}
* {{lwc|RPG-7}}
* {{lwc|RPG-76 Komar}}
* {{lwc|Type 4 70 mm AT rocket launcher}}
* {{lang|de|{{lwc|Panzerfaust 3|Panzerfaust 3}}}}
* {{lang|de|{{lwc|Panzerschreck}}}}
* {{lwc|PzF 44}}
* {{lang|de|{{lwc|Schiessbecher}}}} anti-tank rifle grenade
{{div col end}}

==References==
=== Notes ===
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
*{{cite book
| last1 = Chuikov
| first1 = Vasili Ivanovich
| author-link = Vasily Chuikov
| translator-last1 = Kisch
| translator-first1 = Ruth
| year = 1969
| title = The End of the Third Reich
| publisher = [[Panther Books]]
| isbn = 978-0-586-02775-2
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HVqpAAAACAAJ
| lccn = 74534462
}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/ttt_faustpatrone/index.html Contemporary U.S. Intelligence Report on German Hollow-Charge Weapons]

{{WWIIGermanInfWeapons}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Anti-tank weapons]]
[[Category:Weapons of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II infantry weapons of Germany]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1942]]
[[Category:Disposable products]]