Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2
During World War 2, the U.S. Army developed the Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2 to provide anti-aircraft gunners a training target which could simulate low-flying high-speed aircraft. The M2 was fired from a mobile launcher, and in exercises many rockets could be quickly fired in different directions for more realistic combat training. The solid-propellant rocket was fitted with three especially large plywood fins to facilitate optical spotting of the target.
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| Photo: via Ordway/Wakeford |
| Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2 |
Specifications
Data for Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2:
| Length | 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) |
| Diameter | 8.3 cm (3.25 in) |
| Weight | 16 kg (35 lb) |
| Speed | 580 km/h (360 mph) |
| Range | 1.6 km (1 mile) |
| Propulsion | Solid-fueled rocket |
Main Sources
[1] Frederick I. Ordway III, Ronald C. Wakeford: "International Missile and Spacecraft Guide", McGraw-Hill, 1960
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4
Last Updated: 13 July 2004