Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The rocket launcher is a late World War II Japanese experimental anti-tank rocket launcher, based probably on the American bazooka and the German Panzerfaust. The launcher its very basic and lightweight but probably effective enough at short ranges. It came in two sections for easier transport. The firing mechanism consisted of a spring-activated, hammer-type percussion lock. When ready to fire, the small solid fuel rocket was simply thrust down the tube, the lock was cocked, the sight on the side used to sight the target and the adjustable legs steadied accordingly, and the steel lanyard pulled. The lock came down, punctured the rocket firing fuze or pin, and the rocket shot off through the tube towards its target. The bipod at front was adjustable to steady the launcher on uneven terrain.

The U.S. Army Ordnance Museum transferred this artifact to the Smithsonian in 1989.

 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 Japan Type CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts Dimensions Length, 5 feet; diameter, 3 inches; width, across rail type guard at front, 4.25 inches; height, when mounted on bipods, 17 inches; width, between bipods, 14.5 inches; length, burlap sleeve, 12.5 inches
 Materials Overall, steel; burlap sleeve along portion of firing end of tube.
 Inventory Number A19890592000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.