Description
2.75-Inch Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket Warhead Cutaway
This inert 2.75-Inch Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket Warhead Cutaway gives collectors an inside view of aircraft ordnance construction. Its sectioned body makes the interior accessible for display and technical study. The warhead belongs to a rocket family that spans early Cold War jet interceptors, Vietnam-era helicopter gunships, and the development of later 70mm aircraft rockets.
Identification and Features
The 2.75-inch measurement describes the rocket's nominal diameter, commonly called 70mm. FFAR stands for Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket. The folding fins were part of the complete rocket's tail assembly; the warhead carried its mission payload at the front.
- Caliber: 2.75 inches / 70mm
- Rocket family: Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR)
- Component: Warhead
- Configuration: Inert cutaway
- Display feature: Sectioned body with an exposed interior
Function
In a complete rocket, the warhead carried the payload while the motor supplied propulsion. Different warhead designs supported different missions, from attacking targets to marking their location. This cutaway allows viewers to study the warhead's physical construction and compare it with military reference drawings. It helps explain the payload section's place within the larger rocket assembly.
Documented Applications
The FFAR family served on both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The F-86D Sabre carried 24 Mighty Mouse rockets in a retractable tray beneath its fuselage. Army histories document 2.75-inch FFAR use on UH-1 Iroquois gunship variants and the AH-1G Cobra in Vietnam. These applications establish the rocket family's service history rather than a specific aircraft assignment for this cutaway.
Product History
Warhead development expanded the missions available to the 2.75-inch rocket family. Military references describe high-explosive, antitank, smoke, illumination, and practice designs. The Army's December 1992 Identification of Ammunition course illustrates the M151 high-explosive and M247 dual-purpose warheads as distinct examples. These period records show why warhead shape and model markings matter when studying the family's development.
Equipment History
The earlier Mk 4 and Mk 40 rocket motors used folding fins. The Mk 40 design improved flight stability when launched from helicopters and other low-speed aircraft. Later Hydra 70 rockets used the Mk 66 motor with wrap-around fins while retaining the same nominal caliber. The later family used seven- and 19-tube launchers, continuing the aircraft rocket concept with updated equipment.
Weapon-System Background
The U.S. Navy developed the 2.75-inch rocket at China Lake, California, during the late 1940s. Known as Mighty Mouse, the early FFAR was an unguided weapon intended for use against enemy aircraft. Folding fins allowed rockets to fit inside compact launch tubes and then open after launch. As military needs changed, the system became an important air-to-ground weapon with several payload choices.
History of Use
During the Cold War, rocket-armed interceptors used the FFAR system as part of their air-defense mission. In Vietnam, aircraft rockets supported ground attacks, helicopter gunship operations, and target marking. One documented example occurred on December 22, 1965, when an F-100F Wild Weasel attacked a North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile site with 2.75-inch rockets and cannon fire. Later 70mm systems continued the aircraft rocket's role in military aviation.
Condition
This warhead is in inert cutaway form for display and study. The opened section is an intentional feature that exposes the interior for inspection. Its condition should be viewed as that of a sectioned ordnance collectible, with the cutaway opening forming part of the display.
Ideal For
The cutaway suits displays that explain aircraft rocket components and their development. Pair it with period manuals, rocket photographs, or launcher exhibits to help visitors connect the warhead's construction with the complete weapon system.
- Aircraft ordnance collectors
- Cold War and Vietnam-era displays
- Museum and educational exhibits
- Rocket construction studies
Approx length 26", Approx width 2.75", Approx height 2.75", Approx weight 15lbs.
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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