Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2

M2
Type	Anti-aircraft target rocket
Place of origin	United States
Service history
Used by	United States Army
Specifications (M2)
Mass	35.1 lb (15.9 kg)
Length	4 ft 11.1 in (150.1 cm)
Diameter	3.25 in (83 mm)
Engine	Solid-fuel rocket
Propellant	solvent extruded double base powder
Operational range	1,700 yd (0.97 mi; 1.6 km)
Boost time	0.25 sec
Maximum speed	560 ft/s (380 mph; 610 km/h)
Guidance system	None

The Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2 was a 3.25-inch (83 mm) rocket developed and used by the United States Army during World War II. It was designed to serve as a training target for anti-aircraft guns, capable of simulating attacks by low-flying aircraft.[1][2] The nosecone of the rocket was ogival,[1] and it was fitted with oversized fins to aid in tracking of the rocket by trainees.[1][3]

Shipped with two to three rockets in a package, the Target Rocket Projector M1 was used for the rocket's launching platform.[2] It consisted of a set of launching rails on a two-wheeled trailer and weighed 750 pounds (340 kg);[4] capable of being elevated to 60 degrees,[4] it allowed the rocket to be launched at random angles and directions to increase the effectiveness of the training exercises,[1] and could fire up to two rounds per minute.[4] A modification of the basic rocket, designated as the Anti-Aircraft Training Rocket M2A1, replaced the basic M2 in service; it added a flare that ignited on launch to aid in visual tracking of the target that burned for approximately 30 seconds after launch.[5]

References

1. Ordway and Wakeford 1960, p.167
2. Hogg 2001, p.373
3. Parsch 2024
4. Hogg 2001, p.380
5. Hogg 2001, p.374

Bibliography

• Hogg, Ian V. (2001). The American Arsenal. London: Greenhill Books. ISBN 978-1853674709.
• Ordway, Frederick Ira; Ronald C. Wakeford (1960). International Missile and Spacecraft Guide. New York: McGraw-Hill. ASIN B000MAEGVC.
• Parsch, Andreas (2024). "Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2". Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles Appendix 4: Undesignated Vehicles. designation-systems.net. Retrieved 11 June 2024.