Warheads are classified as either 2.75 inch or 5.0 inch
warheads. They may be further classified as high
explosive, flechette, smoke, flare, or practice.
Warheads for 2.75-inch rockets are normally received
with the fuzes installed.
There are many different warheads, fuzes, and
motor combinations available. Therefore, the following
discussion
is
general.
For
specific
component
information, you should refer to Aircraft Rocket
Systems 2.75-inch and 5.0-inch NAVAIR 11-75A-92.
High-explosive warheads contain high-explosive
material (generally comp-B) surrounded by a metal
case. An internally threaded nose fuze cavity permits
the installation of a nose fuze or an inert nose plug,
depending on tactical requirements. Some warhead
configurations require the use of a base fuze. Base fuzes
are installed at the factory and should never be
removed. High-explosive warheads are painted olive
drab and may have a narrow yellow band around the
nose.
There
are
several
types
of
high-explosive
warheads, and each is designed for a specific type of
target.
HE-FRAG WARHEADS.High-explosive frag-
mentation (HE-FRAG) warheads (fig. 2-6) are used
against personnel and light material targets, such as
trucks and parked aircraft. Upon detonation, a large
quantity of metal fragments accelerates to a high
velocity. This action damages the target. The types of
HE-FRAG warheads currently in use are listed in table
2-1.
REVIEW NUMBER 1 ANSWERS
A1.
The two rockets currently used by the Navy
are the 2.75-inch Mighty Mouse and the
5.0-inch Zuni.
A2.
If a rocket does not fire when the firing circuit
is energized, it is known as a misfire.
A3.
Thrust is the force exerted by the gases
produced by the burning of the rocket motor
propellant.
A4.
In rocket propulsion, the Venturi nozzle
decreases turbulence of escaping gases and
increases thrust. Gas pressure inside the
container provides about 70% of the force,
and the escaping gases provide about 30% of
the force to move the container forward.
A5.
The three components of a rocket are the
motor, warhead, and fuze.
A6.
The components of rocket motors include the
motor tube, propellant, inhibitors, stabilizing
rod, igniter, and nozzle and fin assembly.
A7.
The inhibitor restricts or controls burning on
the propellant.
2-6
Figure 2-6.High-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) warheads.