T34 Calliope

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Something was bugging me after my last post, so came back for a 2nd QA check. I noticed the last ref. was botched by me while trying to highlight the refs. and add the last picture showing the CALLIOPE with the 4.2 inch rockets that appeared to have served with the 5th U.S. ARMY in Italy if not mistaken.
http://www.theshermantank.com/sherma...t-as-high-res/

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Having a night - 4.5 inch, 4.5 inch and 4.5 inch rockets from my last NOT 4.2 inch!

Regards,
Pat

[Kiwikkiwik]

In the book the encyclopedia of weapons of WWII by Chris Bishop it says the Calliope was constructed of plywood as it was a one shot weapon for use against strong points.

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Here are the tech specs as sourced from II CORPS documents.


7.2 Inch T40 Rocket Launcher:
Weight of Launcher: 5,500lbs empty,6,700lbs
fully loaded
Tubes: (20) 90-inch tubes, 2 rows of 10
Tube Material: Sheet steel
Life of Tubes: Indefinite
Firing Method: Electrical, single-shot or ripple
fire
Maximum Firing Rate: 20 rounds in 10 seconds
(ripple fire)
Muzzle Velocity: 160 feet per second.
Maximum Range: 230 Yards
Effective Range: Typically 60-75 Yards
Rocket Type: 7.2 Inch High Explosive Rocket T37
Rocket Dimensions: 61 lbs, 35 inches long
with circular fins
Explosive Charge: 32 lbs of C2 plastic explosive
Laying on Target: By turret gun sight
Traverse and Elevation: Traverse by turret,
elevation by main gun.
Main Gun Operation: Can be fired with
launcher installed
Jettison Capability: Hydraulically .
jettisoned in seconds
Armor Plating: Will divert up to .30 caliber
bullet

4.5 Inch T34 Rocket Launcher (Standard 60-Tube Unit):
Weight of Launcher: 1840lbs empty, 4240lbs fully
loaded
Tubes: (60) 90-inch tubes, 2 rows of 18 on top,
launcher installed 2 rows of 12 on bottom
Tube Material: Plastic
Life of Tubes: Begin breaking up after 4 salvos,
average life 15 to 20 salvos
Firing Method: Electrical, single-shot or ripple
fire
Maximum Firing Rate: 60 rounds in 30 seconds
(ripple fire)
Muzzle Velocity: 850 feet per second
Maximum Range: 4,600 Yards
Effective Range: 3,900 Yards
Rocket Type: 4.5 Inch Aircraft Rocket with
(ripple fire)
Rocket Dimensions: 40 lbs, 33 inches long,
fin-stabilized
Weight of projectile in flight: 15.25 Lbs
Rocket Flame: 30 to 40 feet
Explosive Charge: 4.3 lbs of TNT explosive
Conventional Blast Equivalent: 105mm shell
Laying on Target: By turret gun sight
Traverse and Elevation: Traverse by turret,
elevation by main gun
Main Gun Operation: Cannot be fired until
launcher is jettisoned
Jettison Capability: Hydraulically
jettisoned in seconds
Armor plating: None

It took a crew of five up to two hours to reload and reconnect electrical wires. Also as shown above, they could launch single rockets or some combination (or all) of rockets for a sequenced or full "ripple launch". Most of these tubes actually came off combat aircraft.

The other key points I highlighted. Previous references from earlier posts might help, to include the War Dept. film from the You Tube ref.
http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/M4_Sherman.php

Regards,
Pat

[Kiwikkiwik]

Maybe the Calliope doesn't have a panoramic sight and so can't fire indirect?

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

For both rocket types they say it used the tanks turret sight or "commanders sight" in the earlier posts it shows by picture and description the smaller rockets where used as indirect/artillery and appears to be fairly accurate. The larger rocket could be used in the same fashion however, it appears it was generally used as a direct fire weapon against strong points.

Regards,
Pat