DESCRIPTION. The Faustpatrone consists of a large hollow charge H.E. grenade and a projecting tube. The grenade consists of a large head and a cylindrical body terminating in a tail to which are attached four spring steel stabilizing fins. (See fig. 308.) The body contains a base fuze and a booster.

The projector is a simple metal tube in which is located a propellant charge contained in a waxed cardboard container held in position by a set screw. On the opposite side of the set screw is an igniter situated below a flash hole. On top of the tube is a simple firing mechanism with release button, firing pin and spring and a safety catch. There is also a folding sight.

OPERATION. The grenade is armed by unscrewing the tail and inserting the booster and fuze, open ends facing each other. The tail is then replaced. The fins are wrapped around the tail and the grenade inserted into the tube. The pressure of the fins against the inside of the tube serves to retain the grenade in position.

The firing mechanism is cocked by pushing the lock forward until the release button emerges. The lock then slides back to its signal position. The weapon is now cocked and "safe".

To make ready for firing the lock is rotated 90° to the left. The tube is held under the right arm, the left hand supporting the forward part. Aiming is accomplished by aligning the sight, placed vertical to the tube. The sight is adjustable for a range of 33 yards. To fire depress the release button, thus allowing the striker to go forward. The tube cannot be used a second time.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. 1. Set Faustpatrone to "fire" only when using. The Faustpatro-ne can be set to safe again if it has not been fired.

2. To set from "fire" to "safe", turn bolt to vertical, then push fully forward and hold. Press release button and allow it to slide back slowly so that firing pin spring is allowed to expand. Snap sight back onto tube and replace the split pin.

3. On discharge, a sheet of flame up to 6 feet long comes from the rear end of the tube. Great care must be taken that the flame and bits of wadding do not hit either the firer or anyone standing behind him. The danger zone extends up to 30 feet. There must be a clear space (i.e., no earth, stones or wall) for the flame at least 6 feet behind the tube.

4. If propellant charge fails, do not attempt to fiddle around with the weapon. It must be laid aside carefully and exploded. Delayed explosions may still occur. Should the hollow charge detonator fail to explode, the grenade must on no account be touched but must be exploded by placing an explosive charge against it.

5. During practice firing with live ammunition, an area of 800 yards around firer and tar-get must be closed off. Firer must wear steel helmet.

Figure 308 – Faustpatrone Hollow Charge Grenade