2.75" 70mm Mark 1 High Explosive Warhead for FFAR and WAFAR Rockets
$725.00
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2.75" 70mm Mark 1 High Explosive Warhead
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Add an important early chapter of U.S. 70mm rocket development to your collection with this inert restored 2.75" / 70mm Mark 1 High Explosive warhead, correctly representing one of the original explosive heads used in the 2.75-inch rocket family. This warhead is from the early Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR) era and also fits naturally into broader 70mm rocket displays that trace the evolution into later WAFAR/Hydra systems.
Professionally restored for display, this piece offers the look and historical presence of a live-service warhead while remaining completely inert and safe for static presentation.
The Mark 1 High Explosive Warhead
The Mark 1 HE warhead was one of the earliest explosive heads fielded for the U.S. 2.75-inch Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket, the rocket family better known as the “Mighty Mouse.” Developed in the late 1940s and 1950s, the 2.75-inch FFAR began life as an air-to-air rocket for interceptor aircraft, but it quickly proved effective in the air-to-ground role as well. The Mk 1 HE head belongs to the first generation of 2.75-inch rocket warheads, alongside other early heads such as the Mk 5 HEAT.
Period ordnance documentation notes that the Mk 1 head was issued in both inert and explosive-loaded configurations, with the type of filler identified by stenciling on the head. These warheads may or may not have inert filler.
In service, the Mk 1 HE warhead gave aircraft a compact, general-purpose explosive option for attacking:
- Troops in the open
- Light vehicles
- Field positions
- Soft targets and area targets
As the 2.75-inch rocket family matured, later warheads such as the M151 and M229 would become more famous, but the Mk 1 remains one of the original building blocks of the U.S. 70mm rocket system.
Fuzing and Service Configuration
Historical ordnance references document the Mk 1 HE warhead as being used with Mk 176 and Mk 178 impact fuzes. These were the early fuze options associated with the Mk 1 head and were part of the original FFAR explosive-warhead system. Depending on configuration, the fuze arrangement gave the rocket a direct-impact high-explosive function appropriate for air-to-ground use.
FFAR to WAFAR / Hydra Context
This warhead is described here for FFAR and WAFAR rockets because the 2.75" / 70mm family evolved continuously from the early FFAR period into the later Mk 40 low-spin motors and eventually the Hydra 70 / Mk 66 wrap-around-fin (WAFAR) system. While the Mk 1 HE warhead is historically an early FFAR-era head, it makes an excellent reference piece in any broader 70mm collection because it shows where the family began before later HE, HEAT, flechette, smoke, illumination, and cargo warheads were introduced.
For collectors, that makes the Mk 1 especially important: it represents the earliest stage of the lineage that ultimately became the modern 70mm Hydra rocket family.
About This Restored Mark 1 HE Warhead
Authentic Early 2.75" Rocket Warhead Body
- Built from a genuine 2.75" / 70mm Mark 1 High Explosive warhead
- Correct early FFAR profile and proportions
- An important reference piece for collectors focused on the first generation of U.S. 70mm aerial rockets.
Historically Correct Display Piece
- Ideal for pairing with early Mark 4 or later Mark 40 motor displays when illustrating the evolution of the 2.75-inch rocket family
- Excellent as a stand-alone shelf display, pylon exhibit, or museum teaching piece
- A strong visual fit in collections covering Mighty Mouse, FFAR, Vietnam-era rockets, and Hydra lineage displays
Completely Inert Assembly
This restored Mk 1 HE warhead is sold strictly as an inert display and educational item.
- No explosive filler
- No live fuze
- No detonating components
- Safe for static display only
Ideal For
- Early 2.75-inch FFAR / Mighty Mouse rocket displays
- Vietnam and Cold War aviation ordnance collections
- Museum exhibits showing the development of U.S. 70mm rockets from FFAR to Hydra
- Collectors seeking an original early HE warhead rather than the more common later M151 or M229 types
Approx length 9", Approx width 2.75", Approx height 2.75", Approx weight 5lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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