7.2-Inch Demolition Rocket
| T37 | |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Mass | 61 lb (28 kg) |
| Length | 35 in (890 mm) |
| Diameter | 7.2 in (180 mm) |
| Warhead | High explosive |
| Warhead weight | 32 lb (15 kg) |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 300 yd (0.27 km) |
| Maximum 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,[1] 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,[2] four versions of the rocket were produced; the T37 Demolition Rocket, the T24 HE Rocket, and the M25 and M27 Chemical Warfare Rockets.[3] The rocket 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.[4]
Operational history
The T37 saw its first operational use during Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France, in August 1944,[3] fired from 120-round "Woofus" launchers mounted aboard Landing Craft Rocket vessels offshore.[5]
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;[6] it was quickly found unsatisfactory, and was replaced by 20-round (T40 "Whiz Bang")[7] and 24-round ("Grand Slam") launchers mounted atop the tank's turret.[3][6] The 20-round launcher could fire its entire loadout of rockets in approximately 10 seconds;[8] however the tank installation was unpopular with crews, as the launcher prevented the tank's turret hatches from being opened.[6]
References
- ^ von Braun, Wernher (1985). Space Travel: A History : An Update of History of Rocketry & Space Travel. New York: Harper & Row. p. 97. ISBN 978-0061818981.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Hearings of the Committee on Expenditures in the Execuitive Departments". United States House of Representatives. 1947. p. 117.
- ^ a b c Parsch, Andreas (2006). "Surface-Launched 7.2-Inch Rockets". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles Appendix 4: Undesignated Vehicles. Designation-Systems.net. Retrieved 2012-02-29.
- ^ "Rocket, Solid Fuel, H.E. (High Explosive), 7.2in". National Air and Space Museum. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2012-02-29.
- ^ Baxter, James Phinney (1968). Scientists Against Time. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press. p. 114. ISBN 978-0262520126.
- ^ a b c Zaloga, Stephen (2011). Armored Attack 1944: U.S. Army Tank Combat in the European Theater from D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books. pp. 35–36. ISBN 978-0811707695.
- ^ Zaloga, Stephen (2012). US Marine Corps Tanks of World War II. New Vanguard. Vol. 186. New York: Osprey Publishing. p. 16. ISBN 978-1849085601.
- ^ TM 5–220: Passage Of Obstacles Other Than Mine Fields. War Department Technical Manual. United States War Department. July 1945. p. 50.