Mousetrap (weapon)
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Mousetrap (anti-Submarine Projector, Marks 20 and 22) was an anti-submarine rocket launcher used mainly during World War II by the United States Navy[1] and Coast Guard.[2] Its development began in 1941 as a replacement for Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar. Hedgehogs were spigot-launched, which placed considerable strain on the launching vessel's deck, whereas Mousetrap was rocket-propelled. As a result, Mousetrap's four or eight rails for 7.2-inch (183 mm) rockets saved weight and were easier to install.
The rockets weighed 65 pounds (29 kg) each, with a 33-pound (15 kg) Torpex warhead and contact pistol, exactly like Hedgehog.[citation needed]
By the end of the war, over 100 Mark 22 Mousetraps were mounted in US Navy ships, including three each on 12 destroyers,[1] and submarine chasers (usually two sets of rails).[3]
Statistics
[edit | edit source]- Round weight: 65 lb (29 kg)
- Warhead: 33 lb (15 kg)
- Range: about 280 m (920 ft)
- Firing speed: one round every 3 seconds (maximum)
- No. of rails:
- Mark 20: 4
- Mark 22: 8
Citations
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Bibliography
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External links
[edit | edit source]
- ASW Weapons of the United States of America at NavWeaps
- ASW Weapons of World War II of Russia / USSR at NavWeaps