Mehrfachraketenwerferlastkraftwagen I

The Mehrfachraketenwerferlastkraftwagen I, abbreviated as MfRwLKW Iis a multiple launch rocket system that was developed by Waffenschmiederei Ludwigshafen using the chassis of a OMW Handelsmann Leichte Ausführung from Osthügel Motorenwerke together with the Mehrfachraketenwerfergeschütz 80x32/1716, also developed by Waffenschmiederei Ludwigshafen. The MfRwLKW I was first introduced into active service in XI.1716 during the 1716 Ludwiggian Restoration. While developed by Waffenschmiederei Ludwigshafen, the license for production of the vehicle has been sold to Osthügel Motorenwerke, and production of the vehicle takes place at the Osthügel Motorenwerke factory near Stadt Sankt Ludwigshafen.

Characteristics

The MfRwLKW I is built on a cab-over chassis of the commercially available OMW Handelsmann Leichte Ausführung, which is powered by the OMW 3L4C 300BHP diesel engine that is standard to that vehicle. The vehicles engine bay, fuel tanks and cab have been fitted with additional armour plating of 15 millimetres thickness. A rail system to launch multiple rockets at the same time, or in any programmable sequence, is constructed on the back of the chassis, this is usually the Mehrfachraketenwerfergeschütz 80x32/1716. Up to 36 rockets can be loaded in this rail system made out of perforated steel, these rockets have a diameter of 80 millimetres, are fuelled with cordite and have a 700 grams explosive weight. The rockets of the MfRwLKW I are unguided and relatively inaccurate but can be used effectively for saturation bombardments against enemy concentrations.

Starting in 1736, Waffenschmiederei Ludwigshafen began developing a new multiple rocket launch system to be used in the Mehrfachraketenwerferlastkraftwagen, codenamed the Mehrfachraketenwerferlastkraftwagen II, still using the adapted chassis of a OMW Handelsmann Leichte Ausführung in a newer version. The new weapon system, the Mehrfachraketenwerfergeschütz 80x32/1740 would still be able to launch the unguided ammunition in the Mehrfachraketenwerferlastkraftwagen I, but would also be able to use guided ammunition with a better range. Old MfRwLKW I vehicles would be able to be upgraded to the new system, with the Confoederatio Aemilia intending to upgrade half its fleet and also buying new versions, while keeping several dozens of the old system in storage and in use for training purposes.