RP-3
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The RP-3 (for "Rocket Projectile 3"), was a British air to ground rocket used in the Second World War. The use of a 60 lb (27 kg) warhead gave it the alternatively name of the "60 lb rocket".
History
The 3 inch (76 mm) Rocket Projectile was a development of the 2 inch (51 mm) rocket which was developed for anti-aircraft barrages in defence of the British Isles.Design
The rocket body was a cast iron tube 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter, hence the name. The tube was filled with 11 pounds (5 kg) of cordite which was the motive power. A warhead was screwed into the forward end, usually either a 60 lb high explosive charge or a 25 lb armour piercing shot but several warheads were available
It had 4 small tailfins which gave enough spin to stabilize the rocket, though it was unguided and targeting was a matter of judgment and experience. The rocket suffered badly from trajectory drop, making aiming difficult unless in a steep dive. The launch rails were a fixture and could not be jettisoned, and had a detrimental effect on the aircraft's performance while fitted.
The accuracy of the rocket projectiles was poor as a result, though the effects if it did strike the target were satisfactory. Against slow moving large targets like shipping the rocket was a formidable weapon, and it was on anti-shipping operations that the RP-3 was first used in 1942.
Combat usage
The RP-3 were fitted to British fighter bomber aircraft such as the Hawker Typhoon and Bristol Beaufighter. A typical installation was 4 projectiles on launching rails under each wing. they would be fired in pairs, one left, one right toward the target on the ground.
In 1945, some British Sherman tanks were fitted with two rails, one either side of the turret, to carry two 60 lb (27 kg) headed rockets. These were used at the Rhine Crossing by tanks of the 1st Coldstream Guards. The tanks were called Sherman Tulips.
Specification
- Length: 55 in (1397 mm)
- Propelling charge: 11 lb (5 kg) cordite, electrically ignited.
- Max speed 1,000 mph (480 m/s)
- Range: 1 mile (1600 m)
- Weight: 47 lb (21 kg) with 25 lb (11 kg) AP head
- Warhead
- *60 lb Shell, HE/SAP (Semi-armour piercing)(27 kg)
- *60 lb Shell, HE/GP, Hollow Charge
- *18 lb Shell, HE (8 kg)
- *25 lb Shot, AP (11 kg)
- *25 lb Head, Solid, A/S (anti-submarine) (11 kg)
- *60 lb Shell, Practice (training only) (27 kg)
- *12 lb Head, Practice (training only)(5 kg)
See also
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