105 cm Leichtgeschtz 42

The 10.5 cm Leichtgeschütz 42 (LG 42) was a German recoilless gun developed during World War II by Rheinmetall. Its development likely followed the success of their earlier 7.5 cm LG 40, which performed well during the Battle of Crete in 1941. While Krupp produced a similar 10.5 cm LG 40 first, Rheinmetall manufactured larger quantities of the LG 42.

The LG 42 was an improved and enlarged version of the 7.5 cm LG 40. It featured torque vanes in its jet nozzle to counteract rotational forces caused by the round engaging the rifling, as well as an enhanced priming mechanism. Both versions, the LG 42-1 and LG 42-2, used shells compatible with the 10.5 cm leFH 18 howitzer. The LG 42-1 utilized light alloys in its carriage, while the LG 42-2 switched to steel due to material shortages.

Operational use of the LG 42 was primarily in independent artillery batteries and battalions, including units like Batteries 423–426, 429, 433, and 443. These units were later part of Light Gun Battalions (Leichtgeschütze-Abt.) 423 and 424, which served in the Arctic under the 20th Mountain Army and in central Russia under Heeresgruppe Mitte.

The LG 42's design and operational history are detailed in academic works by Engelmann and Scheibert, as well as Hogg.