T37 | |
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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 | C2 explosive [1] |
Warhead weight | 32 lb (15 kg) |
Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | Minimum: 300 yd (270 m) Maximum: 3,400 yd (3,100 m) |
Maximum speed | 110 mph (49 m/s) |
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. [2]
The 7.2-Inch Demolition Rocket was developed by Section L of the National Defense Research Committee, located at Caltech, [3] in late 1943 as a modification of the existing 7.2 in (180 mm) ASW rocket ( Mousetrap) for use against heavily fortified ground targets. Assigned to the United States Navy for development and production in July 1944, [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]
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]
T37 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 | C2 explosive [1] |
Warhead weight | 32 lb (15 kg) |
Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | Minimum: 300 yd (270 m) Maximum: 3,400 yd (3,100 m) |
Maximum speed | 110 mph (49 m/s) |
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. [2]
The 7.2-Inch Demolition Rocket was developed by Section L of the National Defense Research Committee, located at Caltech, [3] in late 1943 as a modification of the existing 7.2 in (180 mm) ASW rocket ( Mousetrap) for use against heavily fortified ground targets. Assigned to the United States Navy for development and production in July 1944, [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]
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]
T37 demolition rocket.