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This is a replica of the Congreve 32-pounder war rocket, a gunpowder-propelled war rocket of the early 19th century. The rocket was developed by the Englishman, William Congreve. The specimen shown here is of the central stick mounted pattern with an explosive warhead. Incendiary warheads could also be attached. The maximum range of the 32-pounder was about 3,000 yards.

The rockets were usually fired from tubes mounted on tripods but could also be discharged from ladder-like frames from boats or from special launchers from the sides of ships. Congreve rockets first appeared during the Napoleonic wars and were also used in such conflicts as the War of 1812. This model was donated to the Smithsonian in 1976 by The Science Museum of London, England.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United Kingdom Type MODELS-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer Royal Arsenal
 Dimensions 3-D: 320 × 8.3 × 8.3cm, 105.2kg (10 ft. 6 in. × 3 1/4 in. × 3 1/4 in., 232lb.)
3-D: 164.5 × 6.3 × 3.8cm (5 ft. 4 3/4 in. × 2 1/2 in. × 1 1/2 in.)
 Materials Non-Magnetic Metal
Wood
Bamboo
Ferrous Alloy
Leather
Plastic
Paper
Paint
 Inventory Number A19760023000 Credit Line Gift of The Science Museum, London Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.