The 15 cm (5.9 in.) Nebelwerfer ("smoke launcher") was the standard German World War II solid-propellant artillery rocket. Spin-stabilized by 26 canted nozzles on the mid-section, it had its warhead in the rear to increase the effectiveness of its charge. Chemical warfare was the original objective of the solid-fuel rocket program, but as neither side used poison gas in Europe in World War II, Nebelwerfer units fired smoke or high-explosive projectiles. The standard launcher was a six-tube wheeled vehicle towed behind a truck or half-track. After 1940, the rocket propellant was a diglycol "smokeless powder." The "41" in the designation indicates that the design was finalized in 1941, the "Spr." that it was a high-explosive version. These rockets were first deployed in the attack on the USSR that same year.

This artifact was probably manufactured in 1942. The U.S. Army Ordnance Museum transferred it to the Smithsonian in 1989.

Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar

Object Details

Country of Origin

Germany

Type

CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets

Dimensions

Overall: 5 7/8 in. tall x 3 ft. 2 in. deep (14.9 x 96.5cm)
Other (tail warhead): 4 3/4 in. diameter (12.1cm)

Materials

Steel; wooden nose

Inventory Number

A19890604000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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