armored targets. These warheads contain a large
number of small arrow-shaped projectiles. A small
explosive charge in the base fuze of the warhead
dispenses the flechettes through the nose of the
warhead after rocket motor burnout. Target damage is
caused by impact of the high-velocity flechettes.
SMOKE WARHEADS.—Smoke warheads (fig.
2-10) are used to produce a volume of heavy smoke for
target marking. The warhead contains a burster tube of
explosives, usually comp-B, which bursts the walls of
the warhead, dispersing the smoke. These warheads are
designated SMOKE, followed by the abbreviation for
the smoke producing agent it contains. For example,
WP for white phosphorus, or PWP for plasticized white
phosphorus. The types of smoke warheads currently in
use are listed in table 2-1.
FLARE WARHEADS.—Flare warheads (fig.
2-11) are used to illuminate tactical operations. They
consist of a delay-action fuze, an illuminating candle,
and a parachute assembly. The fuze ignites the
expelling charge, which separates the case from the
candle and parachute assembly. The wind stream forces
the parachute open, suspending the burning candle. The
only flare warhead currently in use is the Mk 33 Mod 1.
PRACTICE WARHEADS.—Practice warheads
are either dummy configurations or inert-loaded
service warheads. In the inert-loaded service warheads,
the weight and placement of the filler gives the practice
warhead the same ballistic characteristics as the
explosive-loaded service warhead. A steel nose plug is
assembled in the practice heads in place of the nose
fuze. The entire surface, except for the stenciled
marking, is painted blue. The practice warheads
currently in use are listed in table 2-2.
Table 2-2.—Practice Warheads
2.75-INCH
5.0-INCH
WTU1/B
M230
Mk 6 Mod 7
Mk 32 Mod 1
Mk 24 Mod 0
WTU-11/B
REVIEW NUMBER 2
Q1.
What color are high-explosive rocket war-
heads?
Q2.
What type of targets are HE-FRAG warheads
used against?
Q3.
The AT/APERS warhead is an effective
combination of what other warheads?
Q4.
What warhead contains a large number of
small, arrow-shaped projectiles?
Q5.
Smoke warheads produce a volume of heavy
smoke for ___________.
Q6.
What warhead is used to illuminate tactical
operations?
Fuzes
Rocket fuzes are primarily classified by their
location in the warhead; for example, nose fuze or base
fuze. They are further classified by mode of operation,
such as impact-firing, mechanical-time, acceleration
and deceleration, or proximity. All fuzes contain
safety/arming devices to prevent detonation during
normal transporting, handling, and launching of the
complete rocket.
2-9
Figure 2-11.—Mk 33 Mod 1 flare warhead.
