200 MM Navy Rocket Launcher
The display reads:
200 MM Navy Rocket Launcher
Japan WWII
Although crudely constructed and employing the same firing mechanism as that used with the frame or trough types, this was the first Japanese attempt to produce a launcher similar to those used by the Germans.
The tube had a maximum elevation of 75 degrees and used a percussion-hammer type of firing mechanism. Incorporated into the breech end of the barrel is a plunger, which is cammed down when the rocket shell is loaded, causing the plunger to rise at the rear of the rocket which was held in place for firing. The main disadvantage of this launcher was that the tube quickly became overheated. After 3 or 4 rounds, almost an hour was required to cool the tube.
The Navy 20 cm projectile was actually an improvisation, consisting of a rocket motor attached to the tail end of a cut-down, 8 inch Japanese naval shell. They were first discovered on Iwo Jima and Luzon, and revealed that the Japanese had turned to spin stabilization. These projectiles had inclined jets, imparting spin during flight. The warhead and motor were integrated so that the projectiles did not have the appearance of improvisation so common among the earlier rocket bombs.
Caliber: 210 mm (8.3 in)
Weight: 236 kg (520 lbs)
Shell Weight: 90 kg (198 lbs)
Range: 1,800 m (1,970 yds)
Elevation: -90 mils to 1,335 mils (-5 degrees + 75 degrees)
Museum Acc. # 88.92.3
Taken December 26th, 2010.
200 MM Navy Rocket Launcher
The display reads:
200 MM Navy Rocket Launcher
Japan WWII
Although crudely constructed and employing the same firing mechanism as that used with the frame or trough types, this was the first Japanese attempt to produce a launcher similar to those used by the Germans.
The tube had a maximum elevation of 75 degrees and used a percussion-hammer type of firing mechanism. Incorporated into the breech end of the barrel is a plunger, which is cammed down when the rocket shell is loaded, causing the plunger to rise at the rear of the rocket which was held in place for firing. The main disadvantage of this launcher was that the tube quickly became overheated. After 3 or 4 rounds, almost an hour was required to cool the tube.
The Navy 20 cm projectile was actually an improvisation, consisting of a rocket motor attached to the tail end of a cut-down, 8 inch Japanese naval shell. They were first discovered on Iwo Jima and Luzon, and revealed that the Japanese had turned to spin stabilization. These projectiles had inclined jets, imparting spin during flight. The warhead and motor were integrated so that the projectiles did not have the appearance of improvisation so common among the earlier rocket bombs.
Caliber: 210 mm (8.3 in)
Weight: 236 kg (520 lbs)
Shell Weight: 90 kg (198 lbs)
Range: 1,800 m (1,970 yds)
Elevation: -90 mils to 1,335 mils (-5 degrees + 75 degrees)
Museum Acc. # 88.92.3
Taken December 26th, 2010.