T37 | |
Origin: | United States |
Type: | Surface-to-surface rocket |
Is Missile: | yes |
Used By: | United States Army, United States Navy |
Designer: | Caltech |
Design Date: | 1943 |
Production Date: | 1944–1945 |
Weight: | 61lb |
Length: | 35inches |
Diameter: | 7.2inches |
Filling: | C2 explosive[1] |
Filling Weight: | 32lb |
Engine: | Solid-fuel rocket |
Vehicle Range: | Minimum: 300yd Maximum: 3400yd |
Speed: | 110mph |
Guidance: | None |
The 7.2-Inch Demolition Rocket, also known as the T37, was a 7.2inch 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 the Physical Chemical Problems branch of the National Defense Research Committee, located at Caltech,[3] in late 1943 as a modification of the existing 7.2inches 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 2.25inches rocket motor, fitted with a larger-diameter warhead; a longer-ranged version utilizing a 3.5inches 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]