What Is the BR 21 and Who Designed and Produced It?
The Werfer-Granate 21, often abbreviated as WGr. 21, was a rocket projectile used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. It was designed and manufactured by the German company Rheinmetall-Borsig.
Armament Specifications
- Type: Air-to-ground rocket projectile
- Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation
- Weight: Approximately 25 kilograms (55 lb)
- Length: Approximately 1.4 meters (55 in)
- Diameter: 21 centimeters (8.3 in)
- Effective Range: Up to 2,000 meters (6,560 ft)
- Velocity: Approximately 300 meters per second (984 ft/s)
- Firing Mechanism: Electrically ignited rocket motor
- Manufacturer: Rheinmetall-Borsig
Aircraft That Used This Gun
The WGr. 21 was mounted on several German aircraft during World War II, including:
- Messerschmitt Bf 109: The Bf 109G variant was modified to carry underwing WGr. 21 rocket launchers, enhancing its ground attack capabilities.
- Focke-Wulf Fw 190: The Fw 190 was another prominent German fighter aircraft that utilized the WGr. 21 rockets for ground attack missions.
- Junkers Ju 87 Stuka: The iconic Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber was equipped with WGr. 21 rockets to supplement its bomb load and increase its effectiveness against ground targets.
- Junkers Ju 88: The versatile Ju 88 bomber was adapted to carry WGr. 21 rockets, expanding its role to include ground attack missions.
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
The Junkers Ju 87 was a German Luftwaffe dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft first flown in 1935 and used during World War II.
Junkers Ju 88
The Junkers Ju 88 was a German Luftwaffe twin-engined multirole combat aircraft introduced in 1939 and used widely during World War II.
Focke-Wulf Fw 190
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was a German single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft and the backbone of the Jagdwaffe of the Luftwaffe.
Messerschmitt Bf 109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a German fighter aircraft and the backbone of the Luftwaffe’s force during World War II.
These aircraft, among others, employed the WGr. 21 rockets to devastating effect against enemy ground forces and infrastructure during World War II.
A Short History of the BR 21
The WGr. 21 was developed to provide aircraft with a powerful air-to-ground weapon capable of attacking ground targets with high-explosive fragmentation warheads. It was introduced into service in the early 1940s and saw extensive use throughout World War II. The WGr. 21 was particularly valued for its effectiveness against enemy ground troops, vehicles, and structures due to its large explosive payload and widespread fragmentation upon detonation.
As the war progressed, the WGr. 21 was mounted on various Luftwaffe aircraft to enhance their ground attack capabilities. Its use ranged from anti-personnel and anti-armor missions to bombing raids against fortified positions and infrastructure.
