Professional Documents
Culture Documents
C 36 OS 9-69
sc *\O
NANCE
O I.
ROCKETS
AND
LAUNCHERS
ALL TYPES
FEBRUARY 1944
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
LIBRARY
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ORDNANCE SCHOOL TEXT OS 9-69
No. 9-69
THE ORDNANCE SCHOOL
Aberdeen Proving Ground, February 1944
ALL TYPES
CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY PRINTING
for limited distribution and subject to
correction. Students are urged to add
material as it becomes available and make
whatever corrections a r e necessary.
Blank pages for this purpose are avail
able in sections concerned with new items.
DECLASSIFIED -2
DECLASSIFIED
ALL TYPES
CHAPTER 1-GENERAL
-3
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKETS
GENERAL
DECLASSIFIED
land warfare — was very marked. The anced forces is setup which can result
Rocket Brigade also distinguished itself in movement of the tube. F i g u r e 1
3 years later at Waterloo. illustrates such an arrangement in its
simplest aspect and indicates how a
c. During most of the 1 9 t h rocket secures propulsion. It will be
century, rockets carried an important noted that the pressure is applied in
share of artillery functions, although all directions (at the moment of maxi
they did not come within measurable mum pressure of the gas). The arrows
distance of superseding artillery, as indicate the forces exercised by the
Congreve in his enthusiasm had pre pressure, and the length of each ar
dicted. With the development of rifling, row indicates the magnitude of each
breechloading, independent recoil, and force. The forces near the open end of
smokeless powder, the a d v a n t a g e s the tube are smaller, because the gas has
claimed for rockets were discounted, less pressure at that point. The forces
and they were declared obsolete by the acting on the walls of the tube cancel
end of the century.
•
d. One of the first American « •
*
proponents of rockets was Edwin Taylor,
who, prior to and during the Spanish- A NO MOVEMENT B
American War, advocated the use of
rockets to propel shells filled with dy t T • *
namite and nitroglycerine. At t h a t B t W t <ll %
LINE OF MOVEMENT
5 THEORY OF FLIGHT t^ 1 A.
a. Method of propulsion.— If, in A B
" LINE OF MOVEMENT
a system of forces acting against each
other, the forces are unbalanced (i.e., FIG. 2
one of the forces is greater than the acting as a force against the walls of
other), movement will proceed in the the tube, is now, for the sake of ex
direction of the greater force. If gas planation, e v e r y w h e r e equal). The
is placed under pressure in a tube forces acting against the walls cancel
closed at one end, a system of unbal each other as before. In addition, the
DECLASSIFIED -4
DECLASSIFIED ROCKETS
GENERAL
-5 DECLASSIFIED
ROCKETS
DECLASSIFIED
GENERAL
DECLASSIFIED -6
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKETS
GENERAL
-7-
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKETS
GENERAL DECLASSIFIED
i—
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
M6A1
ROCKET
-9 DECLASSIFIED
M6A1
ROCKET
-10-
DECLASSIFIED
M6A1
DECLASSIFIED ROCKET
BAR CONTACT
LOWER TRIGGER
BATTERY SPRING SWITCH CONTACT
FIGURE 7. - ROCKET LAUNCHER, M1A1
-11
DECLASSIFIED
M6A1
ROCKET DECLASSIFIED
(7) At the rear of the barrel is 13 BODY AND OGIVE ASSEMBLY
a spring-actuated tail-latch assembly. This assembly (see fig. 6) com
The function of the latch is to engage prises the head of the rocket. Taken
notches on the tail of the rocket and by itself, it has the general appearance
hold it in position for firing. T h e of a boattailed artillery projectile. It
breech guard at the breech end of the consists of a body, ogive, and body union.
barrel facilitates loading of the rocket,
protects the tail-latch assembly, pre a. Body.- This (see fig. 8) is
vents distortion of the end of the bar a steel cup, 4.11" long, with a diameter
rel, and prevents entry of dirt and of 2.23" at its forward open end and
foreign material when the end of the
launcher rests on the ground.
£. Electrical functioning (see
fig. 7)."^- (1) When the t r i g g e r i s
squeezed, it presses the bar contact n
against the lower trigger-swtich con
tact to complete the electric circuit.
JJ
(2) The battery spring in the FIG. 8 -BODY
base of the stock contacts the batteries
and is connected by wire to the stock
support to complete the electric circuit. with walls 0.087" thick. The rear half
From the rear of the stock to the in of the body is slightly tapered, and
sulated contact springs, the barrel is in the rear face is punched a hexa
wound with bracing wire. The two con gonal hole, 1.06" across the flats. Into
tact springs, one on each side of the this hole is fitted the body union. An
tube, serve as connecting points for the external longitudinal groove, 0.175"
contact wire leading from the rocket. wide and 0.037" deep, is pressed 0.385"
In this manner, the circuit is completed. to the rear of the forward end of the
The electric current passes through body.
the rocket and sets off an electric ig
niter which ignites the p r o p e l l i n g b. Ogive.— The ogive (see fig.
charge. 9) is a cone, 4-1/2" in height and
2.245" in diameter. The walls of the
(3) When the pressure on the cone are 0.031" thick and are bulged
trigger is released, the trigger spring out t o form a flange approximately
forces the trigger to the forward posi 1/2" wide at the base. This flange fits
tion and the electric circuit is broken. over the open end of the body and acts
as the forward bearing surface of the
12 ROCKET COMPONENTS rocket in its travel through the launcher.
The M6A1 rocket is 21.62" long The flange is clinched securely into
and consists of a body and ogive a s
sembly, complete with explosive com
ponents, and a stabilizer and fuze a s
sembly, complete with explosive and
propellant c o m p o n e n t s . The total
weight of the rocket is divided between
these two component assemblies, the
former weighing 1.57 lb., the latter, F I G . « -OGIVE
1.82 lb. In the following paragraphs
each component will be described. The
explosive components will be discussed the groove in the forward outer sur
separately. face of the body. Four depressions
-12
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED M6A1
ROCKET
are formed in the ogive just above the (a) Stabilizer tube.— This com
flange. These depressions rest on the ponent (see fig. 6) is made of steel
upper rim of the body. tubing 6.322"long and 1.060"in internal
diameter with walls 0.095" thick. The
c_. Body union.— The body union forward rim of the tube is chamfered;
(see fig. 10) is a cylindrical component the rear 0.44" of the tube is externally
open at both ends. It is 0.78" in height threaded.
and 1.25" in diameter. At the forward
end, the body union is reduced to 1.058" (b) Fuze body.— This component
in external diameter for a distance of (see fig. 11) is a thick-walled cup, cut
0.25" and is tapered internally. This away on its forward part to form a
allows the union to fit into the hexagonal
hole in the rear of the body, where,
M6A1
ROCKET
by the firing-pin spring. A circum shape shown in figure 12. In the upper
ferential groove, 0.045" deep, midway- edge of each fin is cut a notch 1-2/3"
down the length of the firing pin, r e
ceives the safety pin when the latter is
in place. The safety pin, when in this
groove, holds the firing pin securely in
a rearward position. When the safety
pin is removed, the firing pin is free to
move forward, restrained only by the
action of the firing-pin spring. Drop
ping the rocket as little as 4' will pro
vide sufficient impact for the firing pin
to overcome the tension of the spring /- '.V.'.
JECTION AA
and cause the rocket to be detonated.
Therefore, when the safety pin is r e
moved, it is necessary to take every F I C 12 -FIN ASSEMBLY
precaution not to drop the rocket.
from the leading edge. This notch is
2 Below and in line with the kept free of paint and is tinned with
firing pin and spring is the M18 detona solder. On the side surface of each
tor assembly and the explosive charge. fin, an area 1/8" in diameter is treated
The detonator assembly consists of an similarly. All external surfaces of the
aluminum detonator cup, 0.342" deep, fin assembly except the tinned sur
0.190" in diameter, and crimped at both faces of the fins, which are keptfree as
ends. It is housed in a brass detonator electric contacts, are coated with olive-
holder that screws into the internally drab lacquer enamel.
threaded opening of the fuze body. A
brassbooster cup, 0.480"deep, 0.530"in (b) The nozzle is a steel cup
diameter, and externally threaded on the internally threaded at the forward end.
rim, is screwed into place in the fuze The rear face of the cup narrows and
body after the detonator holder is fitted. continues t o t h e rear, forming the
The booster cup and the detonator nozzle proper. The internal surface of
holder are separated by an onionskin the rear half of the nozzle is curved
disk and a detonator-holder retaining smoothly, as illustrated in figure 13,
disk. The second disk is made of alu and is given a fine finish. The forward
minum and seals, in turn, the detonator
holder in place in the fuze body. The
lower or unthreaded external half of the
booster cup extends beyond the fuze
body, and, when the stabilizer assembly
is screwed into the rocket body, the
booster cup fits into a recess in the
explosive charge.
(2) Fin assembly.— The fin as half of the nozzle is 1.49" in diameter;
sembly, which guides the rocket in the rear half is 0.687"in diameter. In
flight, (see fig. 12) consists of six steel ternal surfaces of the nozzle are coated
fins and the nozzle. Each fin is attached with a light coat of priming paint.
to the nozzle by two spot welds on the
lower flange. (3) Electric wiring and attach
(a) The fins are made of sheet ments.— This component ignites the
steel 0.041" thick and 5-1/2" long. The propellant and is an electric squib with
fins are flanged at top and bottom in the two insulated lead wires of unequal
DECLASSIFIED -14
DECLASSIFIED M6A1
ROCKET
length. The squib is thrust up into the c. Assembly.— The fuze body is
stabilizer tube so that its forward end inserted" in t h e forward end of the
is approximately 5-1/2" forward of the stabilizer tube and is held in place by
rear end of the nozzle. Both lead wires, the tight fit required. A silver-solder
one 18-3/4" long, the other 6-3/4"long, ring is slipped down the tube and, upon
extend rearward out of the nozzle. The heating, melts and seals the internal
short length is stripped sufficiently at joint between fuze body and tube. Fol
its free end to allow it to be soldered to lowing this, a dome-shaped disk i s
a tinned spot on one of the fins. The slipped down the tube, convex side up,
longer length of wire is wrapped twice and pressed flat against the fuze body.
about the under projection of one of the The disk is a safety factor; it removes
fins. The last 6-1/2" of the wire are the possibility of propellant flames or
laid bare, and a 1/2" length is folded gases working through or around the
back twice upon itself. Over this node fuze body to cause premature function
of wire is wrapped a 6" length of 1/2" ing of the rocket. The firing pin is in
b l a c k tape. This taping facilitates serted and the safety pin run through
grasping the end of the wire. The wire the transverse hole and the firing-pin
is then spiraled to take up its slack, and groove. The detonator holder, with
the free end is reversed and taped detonator, i s screwed into the fuze
lightly (with cellulose tape) to the rear body, followed by disks and the booster
end of a fin (see fig. 6). When the cup. The propellant is inserted in the
rocket is loaded into the launcher, the tube. The trap assembly is screwed
wire is torn from the tape and its bared into the large opening of the nozzle,
length engaged in the launcher clips. where it rests on the rim just below
the internal threads. Then the fin a s
(4) Trap assembly.— The trap sembly is screwed onto the rear threads
assembly, which holds the propellant of the stabilizer tube. Pettman cement
in the best burning position, consists of is applied to the threads of the nozzle
a steel trap body and a trap ring, to waterproof the thread mesh. The
shaped as illustrated in figure 14, the rear end of the nozzle is closed with a
trap ring being staked to the trap body. chipboard disk, which is notched to
The assembly is either cadmium or provide for the passage of the lead
zinc plated. wires.
(a) The trap body is made of
steel and has eight equally spaced ribs. 15 EXPLOSIVE COMPONENTS
a. Propellant.— The propellant
(b) The trap ring is made of consists of five sticks of ballistite,
steel. each 0.36" in diameter and 4.15" long.
The -rocket is not loaded by weight but
by length of powder stick — the purpose
TRAP BODY being to keep the pressure for various
rounds at a relatively constant value.
On the average, however, the propellant
weighs approximately 61-1/2 grams.
TRAP RING The propellant and its components are
loaded as follows: A spacer tube, made
of kraft paper, 1" in diameter and 3/4"
long, is slipped into the stabilizer tube,
coming to rest against the flattened
disk. The five propellant sticks are
slipped into the tube, coming to rest
FIG. 14 TRAP ASSEMBLY
upon the rim of the spacer. When the
-15 DEGUVSSIFIED
M6A1
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
nozzle is screwed onto the stabilizer After the round is inserted in the con
tube, the propellant sticks rest on the tainer, the cover is sealed in place by
rim of the trap ring and are held se means of a strip of 2" adhesive tape
curely in place. 20-1/2" long. This strip is olive drab
in color and has the designation of the
b. O t h e r e x p l o s i v e compo
rocket (Rocket, H.E., A.T., 2.36", M6A1)
nents.— The body contains the explosive
marked on it in yellow figures and
charge, and in the fuze body are the
letters.
M18 detonator and the booster. The
detonator consists of an upper detona b. Packing box— (1) The packing
tor charge of 0.98 grains of lead azide box (see fig. 15) is 18-2/3" x 13-1/2" x
and a detonator pellet of 1.26 grains of 24-1/2" and is sturdily constructed of
tetryl. The booster charge is a pellet 3/4" lumber reinforced by end and top
of tetryl weighing 1.86 grains. cleats. Two 16" lengths of manila rope
are securely attached to opposite sides
16 PAINTING AND MARKING
of the box and serve as carrying handles.
a. Painting.— All external sur
The box is stained a light brown, and all
faces of the complete rocket are coated
the exposed metal parts are painted
with o l i v e - d r a b ammunition paint.
with light-brown lusterless enamel.
Those surfaces previously mentioned as
The box has identifying marking (see
being unpainted remain so.
fig. 15) in black paint.
b. Marking.— Just below the
(2) The 20 loaded containers
joint of ogive and body, the name of
are i n s e r t e d in the compartments
the round, the lot number, the manu
(formed in the box by fiberboard di
facturer's initials, and the month and
viders) so that adjacent containers are
year of loading are marked circum
tail end up and nose end up, respec
ferentially with yellow marking ink.
tively.
All the letters and figures are 3/8"
high. Sample marking: 18 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
a. The safety pin should be re
ROCKET, H.E., A.T., M6A1
moved only after the nose of the rocket
Lot 1234-56, P.A. 9-43 is placed in the launcher.
17 PACKING b. The rocket is sensitive and
T h e M6A1 rocket i s packed will function if dropped on its nose upon
one per individual fiber container, M87 a hard surface from a height of 4'. Do
(see fig. 15). Twenty such loaded con not remove the safety pin except as ex
tainers are packed in a wooden packing plained above. Even when still in the
box. The box, complete with contents, packing containers the rockets must not
weighs approximately 136 lb. and is be subjected to rough handling.
equipped with two rope handles to facil
itate its handling. c. Rockets which have been un
packed but not fired should be returned
a. Container, M87.— This con to their original packing containers.
tainer follows the standard design for The safety pin and the nozzle disk must
fiber containers, consisting of a cylin be in place. The fiber container should
drical tube and cover of laminated be resealed with the adhesive tape.
asphalt-filled c h i p b o a r d . The con
d. Rockets should be stored in
tainer is 22-1/2" long and 2-3/4" in
a dry, cool place. They should not be
diameter. The tube and cover are each
stored where temperatures exceed 120
closed at one end with a terneplate end
F., and they should not be exposed to
plate. A plywood support ring rests on
the direct rays of the sun.
a chipboard spacer at the lower end of
the tube. It prevents the nose of the e. Face guard and gloves must
rocket from touching the end plate. be worn when the rocket is fired.
DECLASSIFIED -16
M6A1
DECLASSIFIED ROCKET
YJ '[3.
Q.
O
-j
Ul
—1
W—
g
r<
ID
ROC
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2.36
05
^ ^
L k
-17-
DECLASSIFIED
M7A1
ROCKET DECLASSIFIED
SECTION II
DECLASSIFIED -18
M7A1
DECLASSIFIED ROCKET
-19
DECLASSIFIED
M6A3
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
SECTION III
b. Change in tail a s s e m b l y
With the contemplated addition of a
hemispherical ogive it was realized
that the center of pressure of the rocket tration has been uniformly improved.
would be moved forward and that the The improvements in functioning and
rocket would have a definite wobble penetration are due to the even trans
through its trajectory unless the tail mission of impact force through the
assembly were improved. For this straight sides of t h e hemispherical
reason it was decided to redesign the ogive. On angle impacts, the M6A3 has
tail assembly. A circular assembly resisted shearing and has maintained
was the design finally accepted. a fast fuze action and uniformly high
penetration.
c. Redesignationof model num
ber.— The North African theater has
renovated the M6A1 and M7A1 rockets 22 TAIL ASSEMBLY
and assigned the model number M6A2 a. Description of fin.— The new
to the renovated rounds. Although the type of fin used on the M6A3 rocket has
Ordnance Department did not officially the shape illustrated in figure 18. Each
recognize this designation, it was felt of the four fins required in the complete
that the M6A2 designation should not be assembly is made of .025" sheet steel.
applied to any new ammunition because The broad blade of the fin is 2-5/16"
of possible confusion and misunder long and curved over an arc of 90°.
standing. For this reason the designa
tion M6A3 and M7A3 (see section IV) b. A s s e m b l y - Each fin is joined
have been applied. to the other by welding with an overlap
DECLASSIFIED -20 -
M6A3
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIEDffectlveness.— The M6A3
of approximately 1/2". lne oases 01 c. Efi
the fins are spot welded to the nozzle. rocket with the circular fin has slightly
rough the upright section of one of better ballistic qualities than the M6A1
Jfour fins is a small hole. This hole rocket had with the old-style tall as
(for insertion of one qf the ignition sembly. Considering that the center of
|es. In the blade of each fin is a pressure has been moved forward, this
lsverse groove which is continuous is a marked improvement.
the grooves in the other three fins
le complete assembly. This groove 23 OTHER CHANGES
is tinned and serves as a contact point There are no other changes in
with the electrical s y s t e m of the the M6A3 rocket. In all other respects
launcher. it is similar to the M6A1 rocket.
1
1 1
SLOT
TAIL ASSEMBLY
-21 DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
M6A3
SOCKET DECLASSIFIED
DETAIL OF MARKING
1 a
Q H
-22-
DECLASSIFIED
M7A3
ROCKET
-23-
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED M7A3
ROCKET
DECLASSiFKO
DECLASSIFIED M7A3
ROCKET
T12
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED
SECTION V
-24
DECLASSIFIED
T12 T12
DECLASSIFIED ROCKET ROCKET
-25
DECLASSIFIED DECLASSIFIED
T12
ROCKET DECLASSIFIED T 1 2
ROCKET
"* • - •
ameter. Through each stick runs an ing pin, disengaged from the slider, to
axial hole .125" in diameter. The rocket be forced out by the compression of the
isgROt loaded by weight, as is explained arming-pin spring until the arming-pin
ii^paragraph 15, but it weighs approxi cup strikes the wall of the launcher.
mately 63 gm.
(3) As long as the rocket r e
(2) Fin assembly.— This a s mains in the launcher, the arming pin is
sembly consists of six fins, six fin held partly in the firing pin, holding the
brackets (one of which is slightly dif latter in position.
ferent from the other five), rivets, and
a fin ring. The six brackets are spot (4) When the rocket has cleared
welded onto the tail surface of the the launcher, the arming pin with its
motor. The fins are held in place be attached cup and the arming-pin spring
tween the brackets by rivets passing are expelled. The firing pin is now free
through the holes in the brackets and to move. The firing-pin spring is an
the fin hole. The fin is free to rotate "anti-creep11 factor, preventing the fir
120° and is checked from further move ing pin from contacting-the detonator
ment by a slanted surface on the back except on impact.
of the fin. The fins are held in place
along the motor by a fin ring. This (5) On impact, the firing pin,
ring is a circular band and is removed is driven into the detonator by inertia,
when the rocket is placed in the launcher. exploding it. The detonation passes
through the booster, where it is ampli
27 FUZE, ROCKET, 2.36% T7 fied, and the function of the fuze is
a. General.— The T7 fuze was complete.
developed to meet the need for a safer,
faster functioning fuze. (See fig. 21.) c. Explosive components.
Shortly to be standardized, it will be (1) Detonator, M18.— This is the same
used in the T12 and the T23 rockets'. detonator as that assembled with the
The major difference between the T7 M6A3 rocket.
fuze and the fuze used in the M6A1 rocket
is that the T7 is of the "bore-riding" pin (2) Booster.— This is the same
type similar to the M52 mortar fuze. booster as that used with the M6A3
Because of this bore-riding feature, the rocket.
T7 fuze is bore safe and yet suffers no
reductipn in effectiveness. d. Safety devices.— This fuze
has several safety devices, most of
which have been mentioned above. They
b. Action.— (1) The safety pin
are as follows:
passing through the firing pin holds the
latter securely in place. The slider (1) Safety pin.— This component
spring presses 'forward against t h e holds the firing pin firmly in place and
shoulder of the slider. The slider, makes the fuze safe up to the shear
which is slotted on its forward rim, point of the safety pin. This shear point
hooks into a groove in the inner end of will rarely be exceeded.
the arming pin, holding the arming pin
in position. (2) Slider. — T h i s component,
under tension of the slider spring,, holds
(2) When the safety pin is with the arming pin in place. The slider may
drawn, the firing pin is still held se be forced to the rear if sufficient ac
curely in place by the arming pin. Upon celeration could be simulated. Even in
set-back, however, the slider is forced a free fall of l f to 2* this accelera
to the rear against the tension of the tion would not be approximated and the
slider spring. This permits the arm slider would stay in its forward position.
-26 DECLASSIFIED
T12
ROCKET
(3) Arming pin.— This compo month and year of manufacture and the
nent makes the fuze bore safe, since it initials of the manufacturer.
does not permit the firing pin to move
forward until the rocket is clear of the 30 PACKING
launcher and the arming-pin assembly- One T12 rocket is packed in a
expelled. fiber container, T l . Twenty loaded
containers are packed in a wooden pack
(4) Firing-pin spring.— T h i s ing box (see fig. 22).
spring prevents premature detonation
of the rocket. Without the spring, the a. Fiber container, Tl.— This
firing pin could move forward by creep container is generally similar to all
action and set off the detonator. fiber containers. It is 18-3/8"long and
2-15/16" in diameter. The cover fits
28 BALLISTICS over the inner wall of the body and is
a. Range.— The rocket has the held in place by a strip of yellow ad
same range as the M6A3, but its effec hesive tape. The yellow sealing strip
tive range has been slightly increased is 2" x 20-3/4" and is marked with 1/4"
by the new fin assembly. black characters as follows:
-27
DECLASSIFIED
T12
ROCKET DECLASSIFIED
DESIGNATION COLOR OF
SEALING STRIP
ROCKET, AT. YELLOW
FIBER CONTAINER, T| 2.36, TI2
ROCKET, PRACTICE LIGHT BLUE
A.T.,2.36,T23
DECLASSIFIED -28
__ NOTES
DECLASSIFIED
-29-
DECLASSIFIED
NOTES D E C L A S S I F I E D
DECLASSIFIED
-OCKET
SECTION VI
ROCKET, PRACTICE, 2 3 6 % T 2 3
b. General data.—• The practice All letters and figures are 3/8" high
rocket, T23, has the same weight and and are stenciled with white marking
dimensions as the T12. (See par. 26b, ink.
section V.)
35 PACKING
c. Components.— With the ex
The T23 rocket is packed in
ception of the two components listed
much the same manner as the T13 (see
below, the T23 is identical to the T12. fig. 22). There are obvious differences
in nomenclature, and the adhesive seal
(!) Weight rod.— This compo ing strip on the container is blue instead
nent is a steel cylinder 1.150" long and of yellow. A 3" blue band is painted
.495" in diameter. A transverse hole ground the packing box to identify the
.080' in diameter is drilled through contents as practice ammunition.
the rod .935" from one end. The two
rims of the rod are slightly chamfered
to insure a tight fit of the rod in the fuze 36 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
body. The rod is positioned so that the Safely precautions similar to
transverse hole is inline with the holes those exercised with the T12 H.E. AT
in the fuze body, thus permitting easy rocket must be enforced during handling
insertion of the safely pin. of the T23 practice rocket. This will
familiarize personnel with -the proper
(2) Charge (inert).— Approxi handling of the T12 when they are called
mately .49 1b. of filler is poured into upon to handle and fire it.
-31 DECLASSIFIED
T23
DECLASSIFIED T23 DECLASSIFIED'
ROCKET ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED -32
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED T26
ROCKET
SECTION VII
-33 DECHASSfBED
T26
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
ui
ROI
CO
CVi , ,
U
dARK ING
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ig
0
u.
O
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i : f%
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<
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a
DECLASSIFIED -34
DECLASSIFIED T26
ROCKET
It is drawnfrom steel 0.49" thick and ameter and .125" deep. It is inserted
is curved at the forward end on a radius in the well, open end up.
of .8". The rear end of the container,
where curved, curves on a radius of f_. Chemical charge. — W h i t e
17/32". The center hole at the rear of phosphorus is poured hot into the con
the container i s 9.37" in diameter. tainer so that when the burster well is
inserted there is a 1/2" dead space at
b. Collar.— The collar is il bottom of the container.
lustrated in figure 26. It is threaded
as shown and is 1-1/4" in greatest di g. Fuze body.— The fuze body-
ameter. It is made to seat in the cen assembled with the M6A1 motor used
tral hole of the container. The collar with the T26 smoke rocket has the shape
illustrated infigure27. It is a cylinder
-35 DECLASSIFIED
T26
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED
is made of brass and is .60" in di e. The bursting charge defla
ameter. The central hole, the primer grates, rupturing the head and igniting
seat, is .24" in diameter. The holder and scattering the chemical charge.
is 5/16" thick and the firing-pin spring The action of the rocket is completed.
guide is approximately 3/64" above the
adjacent surface. In the lower surface 4 1 BALLISTICS
of the holder are two positioning holes
for screwing the holder into the fuze Range, effective 300 yd.
body. Effective area covered
by smoke
i_. Primer,— The primer is il Launcher employed M1A1 and M9
lustrated in figure 29. It is held in
place in the primer holder by staking 42 PAINTING AND MARKING
the rim of the primer body on the upper a. Painting.— (1) Motor.— The
rim of the primer holder. The as- motor is painted olive drab in t h e
standard manner.
DECLASSIFIED -36 -
NOTES
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
-37
NOTES DECLASSIFIED
-38
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED T27
ROCKET
c. Face guards and gloves must packed but not fired should be returned
be worn when the rocket is fired. to their original packing containers.
The safety pin and nozzle disk must be
d. Burning particles of white in place.
phosphorus landing on the skin inilict
serious burns. Personnel should ap f_. Rockets should be stored in a
proach burning rockets with extreme cool, dry place. They should not be
care. s t o r e d where temperatures exceed
120° F., and they should not be exposed
e. Rockets which have been un to the direct rays of the sun.
SECTION VIII
•p*.-'
CM
2 X ^^^ [I.]
a
ARKI
z
vO
as
u.
O 00
cvi
COS
DETAI
1
LJ Ufe
(J
o
a:
CD
DECLASSIFIED -40
DECLASSIFIED
T27
ROCKET
a. Container.— The steel con- to the collar in the M26 rocket. It is 1"
tainer is illustrated unassembled in in diameter and 3/4" thick. The central
figure 31. The forward end is curved hole is 7/16" in diameter. The cham
^\—ri
\ T"
Hs -1
ir
\T~
7
0
I i
>
1
"1
I
J "— i —
,
2
3
6
FIG. 3 2 COLLAR
FIG. 31 CONTAINER
-41 DECLASSIFIED
T27 DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
b. At the end of its trajectory, (3/8" figures) ROCKET, 2.36 INCH, T27
or upon striking the target, the firing (3/4" figures) HC - SMOKE
pin continues forward, overcoming the (3/8" figures) LOT 0000-0.0-00
resistance of the firing-pin spring by-
inertia. 51 PACKING
No packing has yet been devel
c. The firing pin drives into the oped for this rocket, although the as
primer, causing it to explode. sumed packing of the T26 outlined in
section VII is applicable.
d. The flame of the primer ig
nites the first-fire charge. 52 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
a. Do not remove the safety pin
e. The burning first-fire charge until the round is to be fired.
ignites the HC mixture. The first smoke
generated escapes through the holes in b. After the wire has been r e
the closure plates. As the whole charge moved, a fall of 1' can function the fuze.
begins to burn, the container melts Do not drop the rocket after the safety
and the smoke escapes freely. The pin has been removed.
action of the rocket is completed.
c. F ac e guard s and gl ove s must
50 PAINTING AND MARKING be worn when the rocket is fired.
a. Painting.— (1) Motor.— The
motor is coated with olive-drab lacquer. d. Rockets which have been un
packed but not fired should be returned
(2) Head assembly. — All ex to their original packing containers.
ternal surfaces of the head assembly The safety pin and nozzle disk must be
are coated with blue-gray lacquer. in place.
DECLASSIFIED -42
N0TES
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
-43
NOTES D E C L A S S I F I E D
DECLASSIFIED
-44
DECLASSIFIED
T31
ROCKET
SECTION IX
-45 DECLASSIFIED
T31
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
MANUFACTURER'S INITIALS
z o
^-MONTH
YEAR
DETAIL OF MARKING
V
U—— r
\
V
\
\
UJ UJ U
PZc:
UJ—i"
CJ-J-G
O|_.
a.
o
<
DECLASSIFIED -46
DECLASSIFIED T31
ROCKET
60 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
57 ACTION a. Do not remove the safety pin
a. The rocket propels itself until the round is to" be fired.
from the launcher upon ignition of the
propellant. b. After the pin has been r e
moved, a fall of I 1 can function the fuze.
b. When the rocket reaches the Do not drop the rocket after the safety
end of its trajectory, or strikes the pin has been removed.
target, the firing pin continues for
ward, overcoming the resistance of the c. Face guards and gloves must
firing-pin spring by inertia. be worn when the rocket is fired.
-47 DECLASSIFIED
NOTES
DECLASSIFIED
-48
DECLASSIFIED NOTES
DECLASSIFIED
-49
3.25"
ROCKETS
DECLASSIFIED
Black powder ignition charge © Inflating wether, (§) Igniter bag @ N°£Z'e. . . .
w
• \SJ/ » v (Note: Drawing show* only the mote
© Cap © Tub* body combustion chamber.)
-50
DECLASSIFIED
NOTES
DECLASSIFIED
-51-
DECLASSIFIED
M8 DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED -52
M4
FUZE
-53 - DECLASSIFIED
FUZE DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
114 DECLASSIFIED
FUZE
^SLIDER SPRING
COTTER PIN
RING EVE
SET-BACK PIN
BOOSTERrCUP
SET-BACK-PIN SPRING
CHARGE*
rBOOSTER DISK \ ^SLIDER SET-BACK-PIN & SPRING HOLE
I. NO. 26 PRMER
STRIKER 2. PRIMER HOUSING
aLEADAZlOE
5- RELAY DISK
6. RELAY WASHER
7 FIRING-PIN ENTRYWAY
a CORK CUSHION
9. PRMER COVER
10. DELAY-ELEMENT HOUSING DELAY ARMING PIN
SET SCREW 11. COMPRESSION CHAMBER
12. DELAY CHARGE
13. DELAY-ELEMENT PLUG ARMING-PIN SPRING BOOY
14. DELAY-RELAY CUP
I S WASHER
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED M4
FUZE
DELAY ELEMENT
SUPERQUICK ELEMENT
DELAY ARMING PIN
LOCKING BALL
& SPRING
SET-BACK PIN
DELAY-ARMING-PIN
SPRING
SET-BACK-PIN SPRING
SETTING PIN
FUNCTIONING HOLES
RETAINING-PIN
GROOVE
LOCK PIN
LOCK-PIN SPRING
CLOSING-CUP CHARGE
MI7 DETONATOR
SLIDER PLUG
FIGURE 38. - POSITION AND NOMENCLATURE
leading ifi^*ti$NtiJttthg-pin hole. This ameter and 2-1/4" deep, fits the slider.
fourth hole is 0.645" from the longitu This hole is called the slider recess.
dinal axis of the body and is 0.250" in
diameter. Both the locking-ball-and (2) The body consists of an ob
spring hole and the retaining-pin hole long portion with a dome-shaped por
open on the body ledge, and both are tion at one end. (See fig. 37.) The
radially alined. Diametrically oppo narrow faces of the oblong fit solidly
site these two holes and opening on the against the sides of the dome, but be
body ledge is the fifth hole, paralleling tween the wide faces of the oblong and
the flash holes. This hole is 0.185" in the inner sides of the dome there are
diameter for the lowest third of its two open recesses. All the holes men
length, opens sharply to 0.310", and is tioned in the preceding paragraph are
0.373" for the upper half of its length. contained in the oblong portion. Leading
This hole houses the delay arming pin, at an angle of 45° from the wall of the
which prevents movement of the slider. upper end of the delay-arming-pin hole
The delay-arming-pin hole opens into a is a hole 0.195" in diameter that opens
second transverse hole, which is paral at its lower end into one of the recesses
lel to and bel ow the setting-pin hole. Into mentioned above as being between ob
this second horizontal hole, 0.5" in di long and dome. This hole is referred to
-55 DECLASSIFIED
114
FUZE DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
M4
FUZE DECLASSIFIED
as the ball escape hole and is the only the closing-cup channel and opens into
hole not formed at right angles. The the slider recess. It houses the lock pin
ball escape hole intersects a sixth hole, and lock-pin spring. After insertion of
parallel to the flash holes. This sixth the pin and spring, the hole is closed at
hole, the set-back-pin-and-springhole, the bottom with a steel closing disk,
is 0.151" in diameter and extends down 0.245" in diameter and 0.0329" thick.
ward from the ledge formed on the upper
FIGURE 39. - PARTIAL ARMING OF M4 FUZE side of the body. The set-back-pin-and (4) The body is a malleable -iron
springhole intersects none of the trans casting given a good machine finish and
verse holes and is approximately 1-3/4" cadmium plating. It weighs 1.7 lb. and
deep. has a maximum height of 2.51" and a
maximum width of 3.21".
(3) In the bottom surface of the
fuze body there is a single central flash b. Head.— The head is made of
hole, or booster-closing-cup channel, aluminum alloy and weighs 575 grains.
0.2" in diameter. A second hole, the It is cast to a shape which allows it to
lock-pin hole, is located 0.34" from fit over the body projection and rest on
DECLASSIFIED
-56-
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
M4
FUZE
the body ledge. The central hole, which from the body ledge.
fits over the body projection, is 0.998"
in diameter. Immediately above this
hole there is a shoulder which narrows c_. Booster.— The booster as
the hole to 0.7". This upper hole houses sembly consists of a booster cup and a
the firing-pin assembly. The bottom of booster disk. The cup is aluminum al
the head is a flat base that fits on the loy, weighs 261 grains, and is 1.123" in
body ledge. Through the sides of the internal diameter and 1.288"in external
head are two holes, each threaded to diameter. The upper 0.3" of the inner
take a commercial setscrew. These wall is threaded to fit the lower projec
cone-pointed setscrews engage two tion of the fuze body, where, after being
holes, 5/32" wide and .1" deep, in the screwed on, it is secured by staking.
walls of the body projection and tighten The booster disk is onionskin paper that
the head onto the body. The base of the fits into the bottom of the cup and is
head, where it rests on the body ledge, inserted prior to loading of the booster
closes the h o l e s leading downward pellet.
-57- DECLASSIFIED
M4
FUZE
DECLASSIFIED
d. Firing-pin assembly.— This the end of the slider and is held in
assembly consists of the striker, two place by the slider plug. The plug is a
firing pins, and a shear wire. The threaded steel cap which screws into
striker i s an aluminum-alloy disk, the open end of the slider recess and
0.695" in diameter and 0.20" thick. holds the slider assembly in place.
Two holes pass through the faces of The outer face of the plug is slotted to
the disk, each hole shaped to seat a take a screwdriver, and the opposite
firing pin. The two holes are 0.220" end is recessed in the same manner as
apart and equidistant from the center the slider to seat the slider spring. The
of the striker. A diametric hole is lock pin and lock-pin spring are housed
drilled through the striker to house the in the lock-pin-spring hole described
shear wire. The shear wire, which is in a(3) above. Two-thirds of the way
1.15" long, 0.04" in diameter, and made along its length, the lock pin has a 0.5"
of brass, passes through the shear-wire shoulder, 0.05" thick. This shoulder
hole and through the walls of the firing- fits into the lock-spring hole. Below
pin recess in the head. The wire keeps the shoulder, the pin is 0.120" in di
the striker in place under the normal ameter and 0.07" long to hold the lock-
shocks incidental to handling. Each of pin spring in place. Above the shoulder,
the firing pins is nipple shaped and the pin is 0.20" long and 0.08" in di
made of cadmium-plated steel. They ameter. It is this longer and more
extend 0.08" below the surface of the slender portion of the pin that engages
striker and are held in place in the the keyway of the slider and under the
striker by a 340° crimp of the striker tension of the spring moves into the
metal. lock-pin recess, locking the slider in
position. The lock-pin spring is made
e. Slider assembly.— The a s of steel music wire, has three free
sembly consists of the slider, slider coils, and is held in place in the lock-
spring, slider plug, lock pin, lock- pin hole by the closing disk. The latter,
pin spring, and closing disk. The slider described in a(3) above, is secured by
is a cadmium-plated steel rod, 0.408" crimping.
in diameter, 1.47° long, and weighing
490 grains. One end is recessed to a i. Related p a r t s . - (1) Dowel
depth of 0.15"to seat the slider spring. pin.— This steel pin, 0.20" long and
The wall of thg^o^gpsite end is key 0.125" in diameter, fits into matching
wayed on a curve1 (radius of 1.75") to holes drilled into the surfaces of the
provide a camming surface. This key body ledge and the base of the head.
way extends a little more than half the It prevents rotary motion of either
length of the slider. It is interrupted part in the same manner as the set
near the inner end by a hole, the lock- screws prevent vertical motion of the
pin recess, 0.093" in diameter. In this parts.
keyway the lock pin rides until it slips
into the lock-pin recess. At a dis (2) Ring and pin.— A cotter pin,
tance of 0.94" from the spring-recess ring engaged, passes through a trans
end of the slider are drilled two con verse hole in the side of the body that
centric holes. The lower hole, 0.374" intersects the set-back-pin hole. The
deep and 0.242" in diameter, houses cotter pin is fitted through an eye in the
the detonator assembly and is beveled set-back pin when the latter is in its
outward at the bottom. Above it is a most forward position. The cotter pin
hole 0.152" in diameter drilled through then engages the hole in the opposite wall
the remaining thickness of the slider. of the set-back-pin hole and enters an
This upper hole is the detonator flash other shallow and narrow hole, opening
hole. The slider spring, made of steel on the body ledge. Prior to assembly
music wire, is seated in the recess at of the head, a tool is inserted in this
DECLASSIFIED -58
M4
FUZE
hole and the ends of the cotter pin are pin to contact the primer. The relay
bent down, so that the pin is secured assembly, pink side up, is fitted into
in place. the flash hole and rested on a disk-
shaped compressed-cork relay cushion
that has been previously inserted and
(3) Setting pin.— In addition to
rests on the inner shoulder of the flash
the circumferential groove and notches
hole. The primer housing is then in
described in a(l) above, there is a
serted, located on the upper shoulder,
set of holes drilled through the setting
and secured by staking.
pin. These holes determine the func
tioning of the fuze. The holes, three
in all, are drilled through the pin at (2) Delay-flash-hole c o m p o
different angles and have the appear n e n t s . - The explosive components of
ance, in cross section, of a letter X the delay flash hole are all parts of the
with an additional leg, X \ . Each hole delay-element assembly. The two ma
is 0.14" in diameter, and the two holes jor metal parts of this assembly are
forming the X are approximately 1/16" the primer cover and the delay-element
apart at the surface of the pin. The housing. The former is similar to the
parallel leg intersecting one leg of the primer housing in the instantaneous
X forms a common opening with the flash hole except that the walls are
leg at the surface. The arrangement higher and are internally threaded at
of the holes and their location beneath the rim. The primer cover is 0.44"
the instantaneous and delay flash holes in diameter and 0.395" high and is in
permits selective functioning of the ternally formed to seat the No. 26
fuze by 180° rotation of the setting pin. primer and allow contact of the primer
and firing pin. The delay-element hous
i n g i s a brass member, internally
g. Explosive components of in shaped to seat several components of
stantaneous and delay flash h o l e s . varying diameters. It is 0.835" long
(1) Instantaneous -flash -hole c o m p o and 0.44" in diameter and is externally
n e n t s . - The explosive components in threaded to screw into t h e primer
the instantaneous flash hole consist of a cover. The two metal components when
No. 26 primer and a relay, both of which screwed together slip readily into the
are held in place in the flash hole by a flash hole, the exterior of the housing
primer housing. The No. 26 primer, being shaped to match the internal shape
discussed in volume 1, is the standard of the lower flash hole. When the two
cal..3O primer. The relay assembly components are fitted together, there is
consists of a charge of 1.54 grains of an internal void space between them
lead azide pressed into an aluminum that forms a compression chamber.
cup under apressureof 5,000 lb./sq.in. Below this chamber in the housing is a
long, narrow hole 0.425" deep andO.124"
The relay cup is 0.193" in diameter
in diameter. At the bottom it narrows
and 0.120" deep and has a slight rim.
to a small concentric hole 0.045" long
The charge fills the cup to a depth of
and0.051" in diameter. Loaded into this
0.095". A relay disk of pink onionskin long hole successively are a delay-relay
paper, 0.002" thick, is placed on the assembly, a delay charge, and a delay-
charge and covered with an aluminum element plug. The delay-element plug,
relay washer of the same thickness. which is nearest the compression cham
The cup is then closed with a 360° ber, is a brass plug, 0.123" in diameter
crimp, which exposes the pink disk. and 0.102" thick, having a conical hole
The primer is fitted into the primer of minimum diameter (on the lower face)
housing, which is a brass cup, 0.313" of 0.027" and opening outward and up
in diameter, recessed to fit tightly over ward with a taper of 0.3" diameter per
the primer and drilled at the bottom inch of length. This conical hole col
with a 0.10" hole to permit the firing
-59-
DECLASSIFIED
M4 DECLASSIFIED
FUZE
lects the flame of the primer from the in diameter, and 0.343" deep. Into the
compression chamber and presents it cup is pressed 3.25 grains of tetryl
to the delay element as a concentrated under a pressure of 10,000 lb./sq.in.
spit of fire. The delay charge, below the The assembly is fitted into its recess
delay-element plug, is approximately in the bottom of the head and secured
1.23 grains of grade "A-5" Army black with a 360° crimp.
powder, compressed under a pressure
of 60,000 lb./sq.in. The powder i s j_. B o o s t e r charge.— The
varied in quantity to give a 0.1-second booster assembly consists of a booster
delay. Below the delay charge is the cup, booster-cup charge, and booster
delay-relay assembly. This assembly disk. The cup, made of aluminum alloy,
consists of an 0.77-grain charge of lead is 1.288" in diameter, 1.17" deep, and
azide pressed into a delay-relay cup threaded internally at the rim to screw
under a pressure of 25,000 lb./sq.in. onto the fuze body. The booster disk,
The cup is 0.122" in diameter and0.155" onionskin paper 0.002" thick, is inserted
deep and has an inward bulge in the in the bottom of the cup, and the booster
base. After insertion of the lead azide, charge of 329 grains of tetryl, in pellet
the walls are crimped inward at an form, is loaded into the cup.
angle of 45°. The flat portion of the k. Auxiliary booster.— In order
bottom of the cup is coated with red to make certain that a high-order deto
N.R.C. compound, and the assembly is nation of the explosive charge takes
placed in the bottom of the long hole place, an auxiliary booster is fitted into
and compressed under a pressure of the fuze-well cup. The auxiliary booster
60,000 lb./sq.in. before the compound assembly fits readily into the cup and
is dry. This compression flattens the is held in place by the booster cup of
crimped walls of the cup. The delay- the fuze when the fuze is screwed into
element plug, and all the components the shell.
under it are held in place by means of a
45° circular crimp of t h e adjacent (1) Components.— The Ml aux
walls. To seal the joint between hous iliary booster consists of a tube as
ing and primer cover, a copper washer sembly, a bottom, and a charge. The
is inserted. tube assembly consists of a waterproof
chipboard tube, 3-5/8" long, 2.65" in
h. Slider explosive c o m p o diameter, and having walls 0.15" thick;
nents. — The Ml7 detonator i s a s and an end plate, which is a steel disk
sembled in the slider. This is the same grooved at the rim to allow it to be
detonator assembled in the M53 P.D. crimped over the rim of t h e tube.
fuze (see vol. 3). The detonator is in The bottom is a chipboard disk shaped
serted into the slider-detonator recess, like the nose plug and having a diameter
coming to rest on a washer-shaped across the rim of 2.50" and a smaller
compressed-cork detonator c u s h i o n diameter of 2.10". The charge is 0.871b.
which has already been inserted and of cast TNT or 0.84 lb. of flake TNT.
located on the inner shoulder of the
recess. The colored end of the deto (2) Assembly.— The end plate
nator is flush with the counterboring is crimped over one rim of the tube,
at the large end of the detonator r e and the charge is loaded. The bottom
is fitted into the open end of the tube
cess, and it is secured in place by
and the rim of the tube is roll-crimped
crimping.
to hold the bottom in place. The bottom
i. Booster-closing-cup a s is fitted with its rim against the charge.
sembly7— T h i s explosive component
consists of a booster closing cup and a (3) Marking. — Stenciled in white
booster-closing-cup charge. The cup 1/8" letters circumferentially about the
is gilding metal, slightly rimmed, 0.19" end plate are the nomenclature and use
DECLASSIFIED -60 -
DECLASSIFIED
M4
FUZE
of the booster -"AUXILIARY BOOSTER, side the body and closely interfitting
Ml, FOR FUZE, ROCKET, P.D., M4." are two chipboard tubes, both of whose
Across the middle of the end plate a r e lower rims are flush with the end plate.
stenciled i n white 3/16" letters the The intermediate tube is 5-25/32"high,
WQ.rds "THIS END UP," and below these and its upper rim is crimped into a
words is the lot number of the booster. steel ring. It is on this ring that the
M4 fuze r e s t s . The second of the two
(4) Packing.— The Ml auxiliary tubes, the inner tube, which fits in
booster is packed with the M4 fuze. side the intermediate tube, is 1-9/16"
high. Into this tube fits the base of the
(5) Weight.— T h e a u x i l i a r y - auxiliary booster. Between the bottom
booster weighs 0.971b. The fuze weighs surface of the auxiliary booster and
2.1 lb. The fuze and auxiliary booster the end plate is inserted a hair-felt
together have a weight of 3.07 lb. disk, 1/4" thick, that protects the booster
from sudden shock. Slipping easily in
the intermediate tube is a spacer tube
L Marking and painting.— C i r and disk. The spacer tube is 1 -1/2" high
cumferentially about the fuze and just and is of a diameter to fit the lower fuze
above the shoulder are stamped in 1/8" body. The disk is chipboard, 0.142"
letters and figures the name and model thick, and separates the fuze in the upper
number of the fuze, the date (year and end of the container and the booster in
month) of loading, the loader's initials,, the lower end of the container. Secured
and the lot number. "FUZE, ROCKET, to the inside of the cover tube and in
P.D., M4. 5-43, LOT P.A.-1-123" is a contact with the end plate is a disk of
sample stamping. On either side of the plywood called the support. A central
setting-pin hole are stamped two a r r o w hole in the support is 5/8" in diameter
heads pointing toward the hole. These at the top and 1-1/2" in diameter at the
arrowheads are coated with red lacquer bottom. The smaller end of the hole is
enamel. A circular depression to one located just below the center bulge of
side of the screwdriver slot in the ex the end plate, and the nose of the fuze
posed end of the setting pin is coated is inserted in the hole in the support.
similarly. Rotation of the pin through
180° places the red ball opposite one of
(3) Marking of container. — Em
the arrowheads, the latter being marked
bossed circumferentially on the cover
either "SQ" or "DELAY."
end plate is the nomenclature of the
container - " C O N T A I N E R , M 1 0 6 . "
m. Packing.— (1) General.—The Stenciled in white letters and figures
M4 fuze and the Ml auxiliary booster 1/4" high are the l o t number, t h e
are packed together in the M106 fiber packer's initials, and the month and
container. Fifteen such containers a r e year of packing.
packed in a wooden packing box.
(4) Sealing strip for container.
(2) C o n t a i n e r , fiber, M106. A strip of black adhesive tape, 2" x
Assembled, the container is 8-3/8"long 25-1/2", is usedto seal the joint between
and approximately 3-3/4" in diameter. the cover and the body of the container.
It consists of a cylindrical body closed In addition, the strip is lettered to a s
at one end by a steel end plate and at sist in the identification of the container.
the other end by a cylindrical cover. On the sealing strip for the M106 fiber
The cover is closed at the free end by container, the nomenclature of the con
a steel end plate which, like the end tents (see fig. 42), their lot numbers,
plate for the body, bulges outward at the packer's initials, and the month and
the center. The walls of the body and year of packing appear in white letters
cover are waterproofed chipboard. In and figures 1/4" high. *
-61 DECLASSIFIED
M4
FUZE DECLASSIFIED
LJ
11
- •:
:-^btnu
NJ x
-1 ~Ir
DECLASSIFIED -62
DECLASSIFIED M4
FUZE
(5) Packing box. —Into the wood (5) When the lower end of the
en packing box are loaded 15 fiber con delay arming pin clears the inner end
tainers in vertical position. The box is of the slider, the slider is moved by
sturdily constructed of heavy lumber, the tension of the slider spring.
reinforced by end and top cleats. As in
all boxes containing fuzes, the nails in (6) The lock pin rides in the
this box are cement coated. Between slider keyway and springs up into the
each set of end cleats, a length of jute lock-pin recess under tension of the
rope is fastened to facilitate the hand lock-pin spring. The slider is thus
ling of the box.* The box is 22-3/16" x locked into a position where the deto
12-11/16" x 9-7/8", and the cover is nator is in line with the booster closing
closed by means of toggles. Complete cup below and the body flash hole above.
with contents, the box weighs 72.45 lb. The fuze is now armed.
The wooden exterior surfaces of the
box are stained a light brown, and all (7) On impact, the head of the
hardware is coated with a lusterless fuze is crushed. The firing-pin a s
light-brown enamel. Stenciled on the sembly is driven to the rear, shearing
box in white is all the information shown the shear wire a n d initiating b o t h
in figure 42. primers. It is important to note that,
no matter what action of the fuze is pro
n. Action.- (1) The first step vided, both the instantaneous and delay
in the action is the adjustment of the elements are exploded.
setting pin to provide for superquick
*or delay action. This is accomplished
(a) If the fuze has been set for
by rotating the setting pin 180° to match
instantaneous (SQ), both primers func
up the red ball with the desired red
tion. The relay charge is initiated, and
arrowhead marked "SQ" or "DELAY."
its flame is transmitted down the in
(2) The cotter pin and ring are stantaneous flash hole, through the par
removed by pulling. When the cotter allel leg of the >Cs in the setting pin, and
pin is withdrawn, the pin is free to move through the body flash hole, where it
rearward and is held in its forward po initiates the M17 detonator in the slider-
sition only by the action of the set-back detonator recess. This travel of the
spring. flame is, to all intents and purposes,
instantaneous. While this process oc
(3) When the rocket is fired, curs, the delay element has been func
acceleration causes the set-back pin to tioning, and in the event that a mal
move to the r e a r . The spring offers function occurs in the instantaneous
sufficient resistance to the rearward element, the Ml7 detonator will function
motion of the pin so that the pin reaches 0.1 sec. later.
its most rearward position only after
the rocket has cleared the launcher. (b) If the fuze has been set for
In this feature lies the bore safety of delay action, both primers function as
the fuze. in (a) above, but, since the setting pin
(4) Upon the completion of the has been rotated 180°, there is no way
rearward movement of the set-back pin, to transmit the relay flame through the
the escape ball (which is made of steel setting pin. The flame from the primer
and is 0.187" in diameter) rolls r e a r in the delay element passes through
ward in the ball escape hole, permitting the compression chamber and the delay
the delay arming pin to be moved for element plug, causing the delay charge
ward by the tension of the arming-pin to begin to burn. This charge burns
spring. The arming pin moves forward for 0.1 sec. and then ignites the de
only when the forward acceleration of lay charge, w h i c h detonates. T h e
the rocket has been completed. detonating wave and the flame from
-63
DECLASSIFIED
M8
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
this explosion pass through the hole in ing on an 8" radius. The base is 0.52"
the setting pin and initiate the Ml 7 thick, and a central hole 1.5" in di
detonator. ameter is drilled and countersunk to a
diameter of 1.74". The walls thicken
(8) Initiation of the M17 deto at an angle of 15° from the base to a
nator causes detonation of the booster point 1.250" above. This makes the in
closing-cup charge. terior surface of the shell entirely
smooth and adds support to the base of
(9) The d e t o n a t i o n of t h e the shell casing. The lower 0.81" of
booster-closing-cup charge detonates the outer walls is threaded to fit the
the booster charge, and the function of rocket body. Above the threads is an
the fuze is completed. unthreaded portion, 0.15" wide. In the
face of the base is an annular groove
o. Safety measure. —Anaccele whose diameter is 3.00". The groove
ration of 100 gravities (1 gravity in is approximately 0.20" in width and
terms of acceleration is 32 ft./sec./sec.; depth.
100 gravities = 3,200 ft./sec./sec.) of
short duration must be attained in the (2) Burster tube.— The burster
flight of the rocket to initiate arming tube is steel tubing, 15-1/2" long and
of the fuze. Forward acceleration of 1-3/4" in external diameter, with a wall
the rocket has ceased at a point ap thickness of 0.120". The bottom of the
proximately 85'from the launcher, and tube is smoothly rounded. The burster
at this point the fuze is armed and the tube fits snugly and is brazed in place
rocket is ready to detonate upon impact. in the countersunk lower central shell
hole.
68 SHELL ASSEMBLY
a. Component parts. — The shell (3) Shell adapter.—The adapter
assembly (see fig. 45) consists of the is a malleable-iron ring of a size to fit
shell, burster tube, shell adapter, set halfway into the shell nose. The upper
screw, fuze well cup, and shell plug. outer surface1 of the adapter is curved
In the following subparagraphs these to follow the contour of the shell body.
components will be described. The inner surface of the adapter is
threaded to seat the fuze. In the wall
(1) Shell.- The shell is either of the adapter is a threaded hole, 0.25"
forged or made from tubing in the shape
of a flat-based cup, curved in slightly
DECLASSIFIED -64
DECLASSIFIED M8
ROCKET
-65 PECLASSIFIED
M8
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED
(5) Fuze well cup.— This cup is b. The forward end is as fol
made of thin steel (0.012" thick) in the lows: At a point, 0.187" from the inner
shape of a cylinder. It is 2.83" in di edge of the rim, is a series of internal
ameter, 4.67" deep, and is rimmed with threads that fit the body to the shell as
a single thread at the open end. The sembly. In the rear of the threads is
single thread screws into the threading an external groove and an internal bulge,
of the adapter and holds the cup in place. the groove being approximately 1/2"
deep. The internal bulge acts as a rest
(6) Shell plug.- This plug is to hold the trap assembly in place. Two
made of cast iron, plastic, or sheet inches to the rear of the external groove
metal. It is rimmed, slotted on the up is a second external groove, approxi
per face, and threaded beneath the rim mately 0.06" deep. This second groove
is a safety device, for the body will
shear at this point if excessive propel
lant pressures develop.
DECLASSIFIED 66
DECLASSIFIED
M8
ROCKET
71 FIN ASSEMBLY
a. General.— The fin assembly
for the M8 rocket is a unique arrange
ment that opens and guides the rocket
central diameter of 2.47". The trap in flight only after the rocket has cleared
wires a r e run through the 10 equally the launcher. The fins of the assembly
spaced 0.16"-diameter holes. are held in place by a component that is
expelled by the blast of the escaping gas.
(2) Trap wires.— Each of the 10 The fins continue to be held in place by
trap wires is identical. E a c h i s abright the walls of the launcher, and, after
basic-steel wire, 0.162" in diameter, clearing the bore, snap to their out
with a small head on each end. Each stretched position.
head is 0.19" long. The wire from the
base of one head to the base of the other b. Components. - The fin as
is 16.88" long. One head is formed prior sembly consists of a fin collar, six fins,
to insertion of the wire in the trap ring. a fin retaining ring, and a fin retainer.
The second is formed after insertion in
the ring. (1) Fin collar.— This collar,
(3) Trap plate.— This compo 0.094" thick and made of cadmium- or
nent (see fig. 49) is 4.24" in diameter zinc-plated steel, fits into the notched
-67 DECLASSIFIED
M8
ROCKET
outer edge of the nozzle. The section after the fins have been fitted into the
of the collar that fits over the nozzle fin collar slots. The ring is then welded
notch is 2.630' in diameter and 0.706" in six places to the internal ridge of the
deep. The collar then widens abruptly fin collar.
to a diameter of 3.500". Above the ledge
thus formed are collar walls 0.562" high. (4) Fin retainer.— This compo
A rim, 4.25" in diameter, extends out nent is a thin cadmium- or zinc-plated
ward from the top of these walls. Six steel washer having a maximum radius
equally spaced slots, 0.085" wide, are of 1-11/16". The central hole of the
cut from the ledge and wall in the upper washer is 2-1/4" in diameter. The fin
section of the collar. Into these six retainer has the shape illustrated in
slots the holed ends of the six fins are figure 52. There are six points A on
fitted. When the fins are in their r e
tained position, they rest against the
external portion of the collar wall that
fits over the nozzle notch. In their flight
position, they are forced back against
the rim of the collar.
(2) Fins. — There are six fins in
the fin assembly, all identical, all made
of zinc- or cadmium-plated steel, and
all having the shape illustrated in figure
51. The fin is 4-1/8" long and 0.078"
the perimeter of the retainer. Between
each two points is a cam surface B.
The fin retainer is inserted in the rear
end of the fin collar, with the fins in
their retained position. The points are
placed next to the edges of the fins, and
the retainer is rotated by engaging the
notch C. This rotation cams the upper
ends of the fins outward, locking them
thick and has a maximum width of 13/16". into position. They remain in this po
When the fin is in the retained position, sition until the retainer is expelled by
the sloped end A rests against the outer the blast of the propellant gases and the
wall of the nozzle, the flat surface D rocket clears the bore of the projector.
rests on the lower outer wall of the fin
collar, and the fin retaining ring passes
through the hole B. In the flight posi 72 IGNITER ASSEMBLY
tion, the fin has rotated 90° and the a. General.— The igniter as
notch C fits against the upper rim of sembly~consists of an open fiber tube
the collar. The end E of each fin is fitted into a plastic base. The base
fitted through a slot in the fin collar houses a primer for percussion igni
and is held in place by the fin retaining tion of the igniter and a ring that pro
ring. vides electrical contact for electrical
ignition of the igniter. Either method
(3) Fin retaining ring.— The fin of ignition can be used. The igniter
retaining ring is a length of 0.135" steel fits into the open end of the nozzle,
wire bent into a circle 3-1/2" in di where it is secured with cement. When
ameter. The ring is not completely the igniter is initiated, it ignites the
closed, a 1/2" arc remaining open. The propellant, the gases of the latter blow
ring is run through the hole in each fin ing the igniter from the nozzle.
-68 -
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED M8
ROCKET
(5) P r i m e r - h o l d e r assembly.
The primer holder is a steel cup with
a wide rim. It is 0.24" deep and 0.3" in
diameter. The rim is 0.8"in diameter. FIG. S 3 - IGNITER ASSEMBLY
Equally spaced about the undersurface
of the rim are welded three studs, contact-ring assembly is fitted into the
normal to the r i m . The studs are each annular groove of the cup so that the
0.19" long and 0.09" thick. studs slip through the outer set of holes
in the cup. One terminal is engaged on
(6) Cup. — The plastic cup seats one of the contact-ring studs; the second
all the other components of the igniter terminal of the squib assembly is en
assembly, and the rim of the cup is c e gaged on one of the primer -holder studs.
mented to the nozzle. The cup is shaped All studs are then riveted so that all
as illustrated in figure 53. The central parts are up tight. The squib is held
hole seats the primer holder assembly; upright by the stiffness of the lead
the shallow annular groove seats the wires. The tube is slipped into the
contact ring. The sleeve is slotted at sleeve of the cup and secured with ce
one point to permit the terminal of one ment. The opening between cup and
lead wire to be engaged in one of the tube, where the terminal and lead wires
contact-ring studs. The rim of the cup exit, is securely sealed with cement.
is chamfered to allow a close fit in the The igniter charge is poured into the
nozzle. In the base of the cup are six tube, and the closing cup, its outer wall
holes, each 0.006" in diameter a n d coated with cement, is pressed into
place against the charge. The No. 28
spaced as shown in figure 53. The studs
primer is seated, and t h e annular
fit through these holes.
-69 DECLASSIFIED
M8 DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
groove between primer and primer before being fired. To remove the r e
holder is sealed with red N.R.C. com quired amount of propellant, the shell
pound. assembly is unscrewed from the body.
The body is then set upright on a sturdy,
73 PROPELLANT level, surface. Because of the presence
of the black-powder igniter bags, the re
a. The propellant for the M8
moval of the trap assembly must be
rocket consists of 30 sticks of ballistite
undertaken with care. When the trap
w h i c h i s a double -base propellant
assembly has b e e n removed, three
powder. Each stick is 5" long and 7/8"
equidistant trap wires are unsprung
in diameter and has an axial hole 1/4"
from the trap plate after the propelling-
in diameter. Three sticks are on each
charge holder has been unwound. (Do
trap wire, and there is sufficient clear
not remove sticks from those wires that
ance between stick and wire to allow
hold the igniter-bag assemblies.) Re
the burning of the inner stick wall
place trap wires and reassemble the
simultaneously with the burning of the
round.
outer wall. The three sticks which run
onto each trap wire do not occupy all
74 EXPLOSIVE CHARGE
the length of the wire. Motion is pre
vented by an adhesive strip, the pro a. The bursting charge for the
pelling-charge holder, 1" x 30", that is M8 rocket is approximately 4.3 lb. of
bound about the wires of the trap a s cast TNT. The charge is poured into
sembly with one edge against the sticks. the shell assembly, completely filling
the burster tube. In the casting opera
tion a fuze well is formed in the shell
b. Two igniter-bag assemblies
charge. This well is 2.88" in diameter
are bound on two opposite columns of
and 4.38" deep.
propellant. The bags assist the ignition
of the propellant by catching the flame
of the igniter and igniting themselves. b. To protect the b u r s t i n g
This ignites the upper propellant sticks charge in the burster tube from the high
which otherwise might fail to ignite im temperatures generated by the propel
mediately. The igniter-bag assembly lant gases, an insulator tube is inserted
consists of an igniter-bag charge of and fire clay poured into the burster
333 grains of grade A-l black powder tube. The insulator tube, made of chip
inclosed in a cotton bag sewn together board, is 15-3/16" long and 1.49" in di
from a 7-1/2" x 1-1/8"cloth. The ends ameter. The wall thickness is 0.08".
of the bag are closed by 10" lengths of After the inner and outer surfaces have
tying cord. This cord is also used to been coated with acidproof black paint,
tie the bags to the propellant. the insulator tube is slipped into the
burster tube, where it seats on the
burster-tube bottom. The end of the
c. When the rocket is fired in insulator tube, extending above t h e
a temperature range of 20° to 90° F., a burster tube, is pressed flat against the
full propellant charge is used. When the shell body. The fire clay is pressed into
rocket is fired in a temperature range the burster-tube bottom to a depth of
of 50° to 130°F., three sticks of propel 1.28"under a pressure of 2501b./sq.in.
lant must be removed to avoid a danger
ously excessive propellant pressure. 75 PAINTING AND MARKING
This temperature overlap makes pos a. Following the loading of the
sible firings at the same range with explosive into the shell assembly, the
either a full or a reduced charge. This lot number, loader's initials or symbol,
i s advantageous in instances when and the year and month of loading of the
rockets are prepared for firing then are shell assembly are stenciled in 1/4"
subjected to a change in temperature letters and figures on the shell. This
-70 -
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED M8
ROCKET
-71 PECLASSIFIED
M8
ROCKET
-72
DECLASSIFIED
COLOR OF
DESIGNATION
SEALING STRIP
ROCKET, H.E.,
&
O
4 5 INCH, MB.
ROCKET PRACTICl
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED M9
ROCKET
SECTION II
-73 DECLASSIFIED
M9
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED
•NOSE PLUG SETSCREW
SHELL ADAPTER
INERT FILLER
SHELL
PROPELLING-CHARGE
ROCKET,
HOLDER
LOTaunil •[Hj[;-nt!
• SHELL TUBE
PROPELLANT
IGNITER BAG
TRAP ASSEMBLY
NOZZLE
FIN
IGNITER CHARGE -
SQUIB
FIN RETAINER
SECTION III
DECLASSIFIED
4.5"
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKET
Standard charge (4.6 lb.) for Low charge (4.2 lb.) for
normal temperature high temperature
Range,
At 70° F . At 100° F.
yd.
Elevation, Area of impact, Elevation, Area of impact,
mils yd. mils yd.
500 39 46
750 58 69
1,000 80 94
1,200 98 116
1,400 116 140
1,600 136 167
1,800 157 193
2,000 180 222
2,200 204 253
2,400 228 210 x 450 287
2,600 256 325 125 x 200
2,800 286 369
3,000 318
3,200 356
3,400 365 250 x 400
3,600
3,800
4,000 550
DECLASSIFIED -76
DECLASSIFIED 4.5"
ROCKET
the temperatures of 90° and 120° F. in will give a greater range than the re
order to remain within the safe operat duced charge as indicated by the firing
ing pressure. Below 50° F. the re table given in figure 56. The overlap
duced charge will give pressures below in temperature range gives a versatility
the minimum operating value. Between in charges that is valuable tactically
50° and 90° F., either charge will work and provides a wide margin of safety
satisfactorily. However, the full charge in relation to operating pressured.
SECTION IV
-77 DECLASSIFIED
NOTES
-78
NOTES
-79
M4A1
DECLASSIFIED
FUZE
SECTION V
hole, at a 25° angle, is fitted the delay c. The slider for t h e M4A2
element. The flash from the delay fuze is made of aluminum, affecting a
element is thus certain to pass un considerable reduction in weight. At
obstructed through the body flash hole the same time, the lockingpinhas been
and set off the slider detonator no strengthened (see fig. 60). The combina
matter whether the setting pin is set tion of these two changes has done
correctly or not. much to prevent malfunctions of the
fuze during ricochet. In the M4 and
b. The new setting pin is 1.33" M4A1 fuzes, the heavy slider occa
long and has a single diagonal flash sionally sheared the weaker locking pin
hole passing through the unslotted end. and slid back into the unarmed position.
This flash hole is .218" in diameter Such a malfunction is unlikely to occur
and is set at angle of 28°. now.
-81 DECLASSIFIED
M4A2
FUZE
-82 DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED 4.5*
LAUNCHERS
SECTION VI
-83 DECLASSIFIED
T36
DECkASSIBED
LAUNCHER
DECLASSIFIED -84
DECLASSIFIED T27
LAUNCHER
-85 DECLASSIFIED
T27
LAUNCHER
DECLASSIFIED
-86-
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED T34
LAUNCHER
-87 DECLASSIFIED
NOTES
NOTES
-89
7.2"
ROCKETS
DECLASSIFIED
CHAPTER 5-7.2" ROCKETS AND LAUNCHERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
95 ROCKET, CHEMICAL, 7.2", T15 H.E. head used with the T14. The T15
weighs approximately 701b. The mini-
The T15 rocket is similar to the mum range for this projectile is 500 yd.
T14 rocket except for substitution of a The Tl and Mk. 137 (Navy) fuzes are
chemical-loaded head in place of the used.
SECTION III
96 ROCKET, H.E., AT, 7.21, T 17 T14 rocket except that it has a high
This rocket is the same as the explosive antitank head.
SECTION IV
97 ROCKET, PRACTICE, 7.2", T 17 inert head substituted for the H.E. head
This is the T14 rocket with an on the T14.
DECLASSIFIED -90
NOTES
-91
NOTES
-92
DECLASSIFIED T
ROCKET
SECTION V
§8 REASON FOR DEVELOPMENT the rocket. The head, motor, tail as
Military requirements exist for sembly, and fuze will be discussed in the
a methodof projecting a large-capacity following paragraphs.
chemical shell from a light, mobile,
and portable mount or gun. The T21 100 HEAD
rocket, capable of carrying a heavy The head consists of the con
chemical charge, is the first of the tainer, adapter, burster tube, burster
7.2" series of rockets to approach stand charge, chemical charge, shipping plug,
ardization. The T24 7.2" H.E. rocket and connector. These components are
has been virtually dropped from de described in the following paragraphs.
velopment; the modified Navy rocket,
T37, is now serving as an interim type. a. Container.— The container
is «. bulb-shaped steel tube, open at
99 GENERAL both ends.
a. Appearance.— See figure 64 b. Adapter.— The adapter fits
and 65. inside the flange on the forward end of
the container and is brazed thereto.
b. General data.—
The wide, forward end of the adapter
Length, over-all (w/o fuze; 45.4" is internally threaded to seat the fuze.
Length, over-all (w/fuze) 47.127"
Length of head 17-3/8" c. Burster tube.— The burster
Length of motor, including tube is made of steel, fits inside the
tail vanes 29.91" adapter, and extends downward into the
Diameter of motor 3.25" container. The flange on the upper rim
Diameter of head - - - 7.2" of the tube rests on the internal flange
Weight of head (w/charge) - - 29.46 lb. of the adapter. The tube and the adapter
Chemical charge 20.00 lb. are held together by a press fit and
Weight of motor sealed with white lead paste. The rear
(w/propellant) 20.54 lb. end of the tube is closed.
Propellant (approx.) 5.74 lb.
Total weight of rocket 50.00 lb. d. Burster charge.— The only
Fuze Mk. 147 information available concerning the
Muzzle velocity 600 ft./sec. burster charge is that it weighs 0.35 lb.
Range (approx.) 3,500 yd.
e. C h e m i c a l charge.— The
c. Use.— The T21 rocket car chemical charge is 20 lb.of FS smoke.
ries a 20-lb. charge of FS smoke. It
is used for laying down heavy smoke f_. Shipping plug.— The only in
screens in tactical situations. Fired formation available concerning t h i s
from a multiple launcher, the rockets component is that it is screwed into
will cover a large area as a result of the adapter after the chemical charge
normal dispersion. is loaded into the container and is r e
moved only to fit the fuze.
d. C o m p o n e n t s . — The T21
chemical rocket consists of a chem g_. Connector.— The connector
ical head, a motor, and a tail assembly. is a cylindrical steel plug which fits
The Mk. 147 fuze is assembled with inside the rear end of the container and
-93 DECLASSIFIED
T21
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED
-94-
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED T21
ROCKET
-95 DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
T21
ROCKET
is brazed thereto. The rear portion of (3) Venturi tube.— The venturi
the connector is threaded internally to tube is shown in figure 67. It is slipped
seat the forward end of the motor body. down through the large, open end of the
motor body, and the end B is welded to
101 MOTOR the inner edge of the motor-body rim.
a. A p p e a r a n c e . — Figure 64 The tube is steel and has the shape and
gives a cross section of the riaotor and dimensions illustrated in figure 67.
its components. The hole C is .125" in diameter and
allows gas to escape into the space be
b. Components. — T h e m o t o r tween tube and motor body. Gas in this
consists of a motor body, shipping cap, cavity tends to equalize the pressure
venturi tube, grid, and the propellant on both sides of the venturi tube and
assembly. In the following subpara prevent its distortion.
graphs the first four of these compo
nents will be described. The propel
lant assembly will be discussed in a
separate paragraph.
cap. I
\
B
1 A
c •A
—2gMAX- -\
FIG.68 GRID
L
h-2.75 ROUC
1
-96
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED
T21
ROCKET
a. Propellant-powder assembly.
This assembly consists of four sticks of
propellant powder and four propellant-
1 /
;
FIG. 70 SPRING
(1) Propellant powder. —A stick
of propellant powder is 20.5" long and d. Igniter assembly.— The ig
has a 1" axial hole. The view in figure niter assembly consists of an igniter
69 shows the three longitudinal ridges c a p , igniter holder, electric squib,
on the surface of the stick. There are and igniter charge. These igniter com
eight sets of three holes each in each ponents will be described in the fol
stick. Figure 69 shows the relative lowing subparagraphs.
position of one set of holes. These
holes make the propellant stick burn (1) Igniter cap. — The igniter
more evenly. cap is 2.375"in diameter and3/8"deep.
It is made of steel .0179" thick.
-97 DECLASSIFIED
T21
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED
two plastic-coated lead wires, each 24" and sets off the igniter charge. The
long. The free ends of the lead wires flame of the igniter charge starts the
are stripped for a distance of 1". To inside and outside of the upper half of
each stripped end, 12" of insulated lead each propellant stick burning. The
wire is bound with friction tape. The rapid burning of the sticks results in a
free ends and tha taped ends of each high gas pressure that provides the
of these second lengths of wire are motive power for the rocket.
stripped for 3/4". One wire is attached
to the terminal on the front shroud of 103 TAIL ASSEMBLY
the tail assembly, and the other is at The tail assembly serves to
tached to the rear-shroud terminal. stabilize the rocket in flight and as a
contact point for the electric current
(4) Igniter charge.— The ig that explodes the igniter. The tail as
niter charge is black powder. sembly consists of two tail vanes, a
front and rear shroud, and four fins.
e. Desiccant assembly. — The The components a r e described a s
desiccant assembly consists of three follows:
5" squares of cheesecloth bound into a
bag. The bag contains 30 to 35 grains a. Tail vanes.— Each vane is
of silica gel. This assembly absorbs made of steel and is shaped roughly like
moisture and prevents the moisture a W. The curved middle portion A (see
content of the propellant from becom fig. 72) is welded to the rear outer sur
ing too high. face of the motor body. The feet of the
vanes, labeled B, support the front and
f_. Tail plug.— The tail plug is rear shrouds. The rear shroud is
black, hard fiber, 1/8" thick and 2.25" welded to end B", and the front shroud
in diameter. Opposite each other on is riveted to end B' through the holes C.
the rim of the plug are two small
notches.
g. Assembly and functioning.
(l) Assembly.— The four propellant
sticks with washers attached are in
serted in the threaded end of the motor
body, washer ends first, and rest on
the grid. The igniter assembly is then
inserted in the same end; the wires are
drawn through the venturi tube. The
projection on the igniter holder spaces
the propellant sticks. The closure disk b. Front shroud.— The front
is fitted into the motor body, pressed shroud is a steel ring 7.20" in diameter
down upon the spring, and cemented in and 1.94" high. Equally spaced about
place. The tension of the spring holds the ring are four pairs of holes. The
the igniter firmly against the propellant front shroud is slipped over the feet of
sticks, holding the latter in place. The the vanes, and the holes in the shroud
desiccant assembly is placed in the and in the feet are alined. Shroud and
venturi tube. The tail plug is inserted vanes are fastened by means of insu
in the rear of the venturi tube with one lated rivets. A terminal for one of the
igniter lead wire in eachnotch. The tail igniter lead wires is attached to the
plug is cemented in place. inner surface of the shroud.
(2) Functioning. — When electric c. Rear shroud. — The r e a r
current is turned on, the squib explodes shroud is identical to the front shroud
-98 -
DECLASSIFIED
T21
ROCKET
except that it has no holes and is welded guard and body in such a manner as to
at three points to each vane foot. The extend over and completely cover the
rear shroud is assembled with a .12" body shoulder.
gap between it and the front shroud. A
t e r m i n i for the other igniter lead wire (b) The shipping guard is r e
is attached to the inner surface of the moved. This is a brass cup with a
shroud. rounded bottom that fits over the pro
peller assembly and is held in place on
vid. Fin. — The steel fins a r e the body shoulder by the shipping-guard
welded to the outside of the motor body tape. The removal of t h e shipping
just forward of the taper. Area A is guard exposes the propeller assembly
welded to the motor body, and end B is and the upper half of the body.
welded to blade C of an adjacent fin (see
fig. 73). End D extends rearward along (c) The safety wire is removed.
the motor body, and the edge E is welded On the safety wire is a white tag, 3"x 1".
to the outer surface of the rear shroud In black letters appears the following
information:
over
(obverse)
-99
DECLASSIFIED
T21
ROCKET DECLASSIFIED
z
0.
Q CO
^ X
D
O cc <r
LU UJ
O _J i
z i
LU
Iddl
LU
a. Q.
O O
X en oc
to a.
-100
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED T21
ROCKET
(5) On impact, the propeller (4) The firing pin must with
assembly is driven rearward and the draw completely before the shutter can
firing-pin threads shear t h e b o d y snap over.
threads. The firing pin drives into the
detonator assembly, causing it to ex 105 PAINTING AND MARKING
plode. This explosion is carried through a. Head. — The head is painted
the tetryl lead and the tetryl burster gray. About the nose of the head is
charge. The action of the fuze is com painted a narrow yellow band, a n d
plete. stenciled on the head in yellow is the
nomenclature of the rocket.
c. Explosive c o m p o n e n t s .
(1) Detonator assembly.— The compo b. Motor and t a i l assembly.
nents of the detonator are an upper All external surfaces of motor and tail
charge of .052 gm.of lead-azide prim assembly (except contact points in the
ing mixture, an intermediate charge of latter) are painted olive drab with no-
.110 gm. of lead azide, and a lower nomenclature stenciled in yellow.
charge of .070 gm. of tetryl. The up
per end of the detonator is identified
by a green disk; the lower end by a c. Note.— Detailed information
red disk. on a and b above is not available.
DECLASSIFIED
-101
T24
ROCKET
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED T37
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED
-103
MK.146
DECLASSIFIED
FUZE
INLET SCREW
INLET CUP
INLET SCREEN
PLUG
ORIFICE
HEAD
GASKET
DIAPHRAGM
SHEAR WIRE
ARMING PLUNGER
BODY
SHUTTER SPRING
FIRING PIN
SPACER SLEEVE
SHUTTER
MAGAZINE
. SHUTTER N
FIRING PIN
(UNARMED posmoN)
DETENT DETONATOR
SECTION X - X
DECLASSIFIED
-104
DECLASSIFIED T37
ROCKET
DECLASSIFIED
-105
NOTES
-106
NOTES
-107
T40
LAUNCHER
DECLASSIFIED
SECTION VIII
NOTES
DECLASSIFIED
-108
NOTES
-109
NOTES
-no
DECLASSIFIED
ROCKETS
113 GENERAL
T h e 8" rocket consists of a M8 tail assembly. A standard bomb
100-lb. bomb assembled by means of fuze, slightly modified so that it will
an adapter to an M8, 4.5" motor. The arm at the slow rocket velocity, will
fin assembly of the bomb replaces the be used.
NOTES
DECLASSIFIED
-ill
10"
ROCKETS
DECLASSIFIED
CHAPTER 7 - 1 0 " ROCKETS
SECTION I
SECTION II
116 GENERAL
This rocket differs from the T10 Weight of head (w/filler) 68 lb.
in the following specifications. Filler (TNT) 40 1b.
Head- 28 1b.
Total weight 190 1b. Fuze M4
Muzzle velocity 1,050 ft./sec. Propellant (double-base)
Maximum range 5,000 yd. powder) 162 sticks'
SECTION III
117 GENERAL
Rocket T10E2, differs from the hollow-charge principle. T h e head,
T10 only in its weight (180 lb.) and the ^wi|hotit filler, weighs 40 lb. The weight
use of an H.E. AT head employing'the oYfnT TNT'filler is 35 lb.
-112 DECLASSIFIED
NOTES
-113
NOTES
-114
NOTES
-115
DECLASSIFIED
DECLASSIFIED