3.25-Inch Target Rockets
3.25-Inch Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2 (Army)
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.
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| 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 This was eventually superseded by the M2A2, which also featured the flare in the nose, but had modified igniter and internal wiring.
3.25-Inch Target Rocket (Navy)
The U.S. Navy also used ground-launched 3.25-inch target rockets for anti-aircraft training. No details about their configuration are available, but the dimensions and weights indicate, that they were slightly larger than the Army's M2. The 3.25" targets were eventually superseded by the MK 27 MOD 0 5-inch Smoke Rocket.
The following table lists the 3.25" Target Rocket MARK/MOD designations for complete rounds:
| Designation | 3.25" Motor | Fins |
|---|---|---|
| MK 1 MOD 0 | MK 8 MOD 0 | MK 1 MOD 0 |
| MK 1 MOD 1 | MK 10 MOD 0 | MK 2 MOD 0 |
| MK 2 MOD 0 | MK 9 MOD 0 | MK 1 MOD 0 |
| MK 2 MOD 1 | MK 11 MOD 0 | MK 2 MOD 0 |
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for 3.25" Rockets M2, MK 1 MOD 0, MK 2 MOD 0:
| M2 | MK 1 MOD 0 | MK 2 MOD 0 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) | 1.83 m (6 ft) | 1.83 m (6 ft) |
| Diameter | 8.3 cm (3.25 in) | ||
| Weight | 16 kg (35 lb) | 19.0 kg (42 lb) | 18.6 kg (41 lb) |
| Speed | 580 km/h (360 mph) | 685 km/h (425 mph) | 480 km/h (300 mph) |
| Range | 1550 m (1700 yd) | 1370 m (1500 yd) | 915 m (1000 yd) |
| Propulsion | Solid-fueled rocket | MK 8 Solid-fueled rocket | MK 9 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
[4] Department of the Navy: "OP 1415: Rocket Assemblies, Complete Rounds and Components Data", 11 May 1955
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4
Last Updated: 11 December 2025