The PIAT, for Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank, was one of the earlier anti-tank weapons based on a HEAT (high-explosive anti-tank) projectile. It was developed by the British starting in 1941, reaching the field in time for the invasion of Sicily in 1943.
Due to the nature of the projectile and length of the weapon, the PIAT could be used more easily in enclosed spaces than the American bazooka or the German Panzerschreck, which made it more useful in close-combat and for urban warfare. It was also primitive, heavy, cumbersome, strenuous to cock, and had a very short range compared to other anti-tank weapons.
- Manufacturer : ICI Ltd., various others.
- Service: 1942–1950
- Overall length : 39 in (990 mm)
- Weight : 31.7 lb (14.4 kg)
- Projectile weight : 3 lb (1.35 kg)
- Muzzle velocity : 450 ft/s (137 m/s)
- Effective range : 110 yd (100 m) armor, 350 yd (320 m) "house-breaking"
- Penetration : 4 in (102 mm) of steel armor
- Ammunition
- Bomb HEAT; Infantry Projector, AT, Mk 3/L
- Weight - approx 2 3/4 lb (1.25 kg)
- Length - 16.6 in (422 mm)
- Colour - Service colour or brown, with red filling ring around forward portion of body, a blue band edged above and below with yellow and with "TNT3" in black on the blue band
It was given to infantry to bolster their anti-tank capability. The weapon was shoulder-launched and fired a rocket-propelled, fin-stabilized grenade with a shaped charge warhead. It was made in much smaller numbers than the Panzerfaust, which was a disposable recoilless rifle
firing an anti-tank grenade.
Designation: Panzerschreck
Type: Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher
Manufacturer:
Country of Origin: Imperial Germany
Operation:
Caliber: 88 mm
Service Year
Overall Length: 5 feet 4.5 inches
Weight (Empty): 24.25 lbs
Weight (Loaded): 32 lbs
Rate of Fire: NA
Rounds: 1
Range: 164 yards
