| 38 cm schwerer Ladungswerfer | |
| Origin: | Nazi Germany |
| Type: | Spigot Mortar |
| Is Explosive: | yes |
| Is Artillery: | yes |
| Used By: | Nazi Germany |
| Wars: | Second World War |
| Designer: | Rheinmetall |
| Weight: | 1600kg (3,500lb) |
| Part Length: | 168cm (66inches) |
| Cartridge: | 149kg (328lb) |
| Caliber: | 169mm (spigot diameter) |
| Max Range: | 1000m (3,000feet) |
| Elevation: | 37° to 85° |
| Traverse: | 360° |
| Diameter: | 38cm (15inches) |
| Filling Weight: | 110lb |
The 38 cm schwerer Ladungswerfer (38 cm sLdgW) was a spigot mortar used by Germany during World War II. It was used by engineers to demolish obstacles and strongpoints. It proved to be too heavy for its role and it was gradually withdrawn from front-line service.
Propellant was placed at the top of the spigot and ignited when the projectile slid far enough down the spigot to complete the electrical circuit. The spigot mortar was mounted on a traversing bracket on a drum-shaped platform that was staked to the ground. It fired HE and smoke rounds.