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Hafthohlladung 3

Magnetic Hollow Charge

demolition chargeGerman ordnance factories · 1942–1945

OVERVIEW

German magnetic anti-armor charge attached directly to tank hulls.

HISTORIAN'S COMMENTARY

Before the Storm

Introduced between 1942 and 1945, Hafthohlladung 3 was fielded by Germany forces as a demolition charge instrument for close combat and battlefield shaping.

In the Field

Loaded with Magnetic HEAT demolition charge filling and time-delay fuze fuzing, this 3 kg munition depended on nerve and timing more than machinery. Its effective use envelope was typically close placement, with effects spreading near 3 meters.

Historian's Note

On the ground, it was an engineer's instrument for breaching and sabotage under fire. Its historical value came from practical battlefield utility rather than dramatic technical scale.

SPECIFICATIONS

TypeMagnetic HEAT demolition charge
FuzingTime-delay fuze
FillingShaped explosive charge
Weight3 kg
Effective RangeContact / Placement
Blast Radius3 m

DEVELOPMENT

The Hafthohlladung used magnetic attachment with a shaped charge to defeat armor at very close range. It reflected German interest in infantry anti-tank options when heavier support was unavailable.

COMBAT HISTORY

It was tactically dangerous to employ, requiring approach under fire and direct placement on target. In suitable conditions, it could achieve strong localized armor penetration.

NOTABLE USES

  • [01]Close-assault anti-tank actions by German infantry teams. - Hafthohlladung 3 employment here depended on timing, distance, and unit coordination more than raw charge size.
  • [02]Urban and ambush environments allowing concealed approach. - This use case shows how engineers and infantry turned explosive tools into tactical advantage in constrained terrain.
  • [03]Emergency anti-armor use when stand-off systems were absent. - Field application in this context illustrates why placement and doctrine governed real effect.

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