The 4.5-Inch Beach Barrage Rocket, also known as "Old Faithful",[1] was a 4.5-inch (110 mm) rocket developed and used by the United States Navy during World War II. Originally developed from the "Mousetrap" anti-submarine rocket, it saw widespread use during the war, being replaced by more powerful rockets toward the end of the conflict.
"Old Faithful" | |
---|---|
Type | Surface-to-surface rocket |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
Used by | United States Navy |
Production history | |
Designer | Caltech |
Designed | 1942 |
Produced | 1942–1945 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 29 lb (13 kg) |
Length | 30 in (760 mm) |
Diameter | 4.5 in (110 mm) |
Warhead | High explosive |
Warhead weight | 6.5 lb (2.9 kg) |
Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 1,100 yd (1.0 km) |
Maximum speed | 242 mph (389 km/h) |
Guidance system | None |
Developed during 1942 by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), under the direction of Charles Christian Lauritsen,[2] in response to a requirement by the United States Navy for a rocket capable of being launched from landing craft to provide fire support during amphibious landings, the 4.5-Inch BBR was an improved version of the Mousetrap anti-submarine rocket system, using the Mousetrap's Mk 3 rocket motor mated to a 20-pound (9.1 kg) general purpose aerial bomb.[3] An impact fuse was mounted in the nose of the rocket, with an annular fin assembly providing stability.[4] A modified, larger version of the Beach Barrage Rocket, using the Mk 9 rocket motor, was also produced, being introduced into service in late 1944.[3][4]
First test fired on June 24, 1942, further tests in August proved sufficiently successful for the Navy Bureau of Ordnance to place an initial order for 3,000 Beach Barrage Rockets;[5] the weapon was introduced into combat service that November, during the invasion of northern Africa.[3] Fired from 12-round launchers[6] and capable of being fitted with either the standard high explosive or a white phosphorus warhead,[3] approximately 1,600,000 examples of the BBR were built;[7] although the rocket proved inaccurate in service, it was widely used, and was highly regarded by members of the amphibious forces.[8] The effect on the target of the Beach Barrage Rocket was described as being equivalent to that of a barrage from heavy mortars.[9]
The 4.5-Inch BBR also saw use as an improvised ship-to-ship weapon, as well as being launched from ground-based launchers; it is credited with the first ship to be sunk by another purely by rocket attack, occurring near Ormoc in December 1944.[10] Toward the end of the war, the Beach Barrage Rocket was replaced in service by the 5 in (130 mm) High Velocity Spinner Rocket.[3]