7.2-Inch Demolition Rocket
T37 | |
---|---|
300px | |
Type | Surface-to-surface rocket |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
Used by | United States Army, United States Navy |
Production history | |
Designer | Caltech |
Designed | 1943 |
Produced | 1944–1945 |
Specifications | |
Weight | 61 lb (28 kg) |
Length | 35 in (890 mm) |
Diameter | 7.2 in (180 mm) |
Warhead | C2 explosive[1] |
Warhead weight | 32 lb (15 kg) |
|
|
Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational
range |
300 yd (0.27 km) |
Speed | 110 mph (180 km/h) |
Guidance
system |
None |
The 7.2-Inch Demolition Rocket, also known as the T37, was a 7.2-inch (180 mm) rocket developed and used by the United States military during World War II. Derived from the "Mousetrap" anti-submarine rocket, it was intended for use in demolishing concrete bunkers and fortifications, and saw use from August 1944.
Development
The 7.2-Inch Demolition Rocket was developed by Section L of the National Defense Research Committee, located at Caltech,[2] in late 1943 as a modification of the existing "mousetrap" (7.2-Inch ASW Rocket) rocket for use against heavily fortified ground targets. Assigned to the United States Navy for development and production in July 1944,[3] two versions of the rocket were produced; the T37 HE Demolition Rocket and the T21 Chemical Warfare Rocket.[4] An additional high-explosive rocket, the T24, was planned, but was dropped in favor of the T37.[5] The rockets utilized a standard 2.25-inch (57 mm) rocket motor, fitted with a larger-diameter warhead; a longer-ranged version utilizing a 3.5-inch (89 mm) motor was also produced.[6]
Operational history
The T37 saw its first operational use during Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France, in August 1944,[7] fired from 120-round "Woofus" launchers mounted aboard Landing Craft Rocket vessels offshore.[8]
The rocket was also intended to be fired from tanks for the clearing of bunkers and anti-tank obstacles. The initial launcher, dubbed "Cowcatcher", was mounted on the front of M4 Sherman tanks;[9] it was quickly found unsatisfactory, and was replaced by 20-round (T40 "Whiz Bang")[10] and 24-round ("Grand Slam") launchers mounted atop the tank's turret.[7][9] The 20-round launcher could fire its entire loadout of rockets in approximately 10 seconds;[11] however the tank installation was unpopular with crews, as the launcher prevented the tank's turret hatches from being opened.[9]
References
- Citations
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ von Braun, Ordway III and Dooling 1985, p.97.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Parsch 2006
- ↑ Baxter 1968, p.114.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Zaloga 2011, pp.35-36
- ↑ Zaloga 2012, p.16.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Bibliography
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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