Roden Sd.Kfz. 4/1 Panzerwerfer 42 (early)

The Sd.Kfz. 4/1 Panzerwerfer 42 was a German multiple rocket launcher, constructed on the half-track chassis of the Opel Maultier truck in 1943, using the rocketry system designed by engineer Rudolf Nebel. The Opel Maultier was converted into a well-protected, fully armored vehicle with a crew of four that could conduct fire directly on the battlefield. Typically, units consisted of firing vehicles and similar ammunition transporters. Overall, about 300 Sd.Kfz. 4/1 Panzerwerfer 42 vehicles were produced during 1943-1944, which were used on the Eastern Front and in Europe after the opening of the Second Front in 1944. Soviet troops referred to this vehicle as "Vanyusha," echoing the name given to the Soviet BM-13 system, "Katyusha." In comparison with the BM-13 "Katyusha," the Sd.Kfz. 4/1 Panzerwerfer 42 was more sophisticated and very different in its combat effectiveness; however, its numbers were too low to make a serious impact on the war.