Rocket, Solid Fuel, H.E. (High Explosive), 7.2in.

This is the 7.2 inch solid fuel rocket used by the U.S. Navy during World War II. It consisted of a standard 2.25 inch or 3.25 inch rocket motor fitted with a much larger warhead filled containing high explosive (H.E.). It was thus a powerful demolition rocket capable of destroying concrete enemy bunkers and other strong targets.

The rockets were produced by the thousands by the California Institute of Technology. Similar rockets had chemical instead of high explosive warheads. In addition, there were 7.2 inch Retro-Bombing Aircraft Rockets used from PBY, B-18, TBF, and B-24 aircraft. The rocket's range was up to several hundred yards. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1989 by the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum.