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 5-inch caliber HVAR (High Velocity Aircraft Rocket), also called the Holy Moses, was a very effective U.S. Navy air-to-surface rocket. It began service in World War II and continued in use until 1955. The HVAR was largely fired by Navy airplanes, such as the F4U Corsair, but the HVAR was first used by the Army Air Forces against German targets near Lo, France, in July 1944. About a million HVARs were manufactured and they were launched against both sea and land targets.

The loaded weight of the rocket was 61 kg (134 lb) including 11 kg (24 lb) of propellant and a 20 kg (45 lb) payload with 3.5 kg (7.8 lb) of high explosive. The velocity was 1530 km/h (950 mph), and the range was about 5 km (3 mi). This particular artifact was found in the Smithsonian collections.

 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
Date ca. 1944-1955 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets Dimensions 3-D: 171.5 × 28.6 × 28.6cm (67 1/2 × 11 1/4 × 11 1/4 in.)
Storage: 180.3 × 39.4 × 38.1cm (71 × 15 1/2 × 15 in.)
 Materials Steel
Paint
Cadmium Plating
Paper
Adhesive
 Inventory Number A19660373000 Credit Line Donor Unknown Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.