What does PIAT stand for?

Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank

PIAT stands for Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank, a British World War II-era man-portable anti-tank weapon designed to allow infantry soldiers to engage armored vehicles and tanks. The PIAT uses a spigot mortar system to launch a shaped charge projectile capable of penetrating armor. It was valued for its relative portability, ease of use, and the ability to provide infantry units with a means to counter the increasing threat posed by enemy tanks on the battlefield.

Though somewhat bulky and requiring significant physical effort to operate, the PIAT was an important advancement in infantry anti-tank capabilities during its time. It played a key role in various campaigns by empowering foot soldiers to disable or destroy armored threats. The weapon's design influenced subsequent anti-tank systems and remains a notable example of wartime innovation in infantry support weapons.