3.25 inch Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2

During World War 2, the U.S. Army developed the 3.25 inch 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.

Photo: via Ordway/Wakeford

Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2

In the M2A1 night-time training variant, the nose cap was replaced by a flare assembly. This was eventually superseded by the M2A2, which also featured the flare in the nose, but had modified igniter and internal wiring.

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
[2] War Department: "Technical Manual TM9-1950, Rockets", July 1945
[3] Department of the Army: "Technical Manual TM9-1950, Rockets", June 1950

Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4

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Last Updated: 8 June 2024