13. British Pipe Guns (PIAT)
The British Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank (PIAT) was a man-portable anti-tank weapon developed during World War II. Designed in 1942, it entered service in 1943, replacing the less effective Boys anti-tank rifle. The PIAT utilized a spigot mortar system, launching a 2.5-pound shaped charge bomb using a powerful spring mechanism. It had an effective range of approximately 115 yards in direct fire and 350 yards in indirect fire. Despite its increased penetration power over previous anti-tank rifles, the PIAT had significant drawbacks: a powerful recoil, difficulty in cocking the weapon, and early problems with ammunition reliability. These factors made it cumbersome and less popular compared to other anti-tank solutions. More information is available at the National Army Museum.
