This is a full sized model of a 17th century Fire Arrow Rocket of Sweden, the oldest known extant rocket specimen in the world. The original, dating to about 1600, is in the Royal Army Museum (Kungl. Armémuseum) in Stockholm. The specimen contains a bundle of three gunpowder rocket tubes wrapped in a fabric material. Around the fabric was contained an incendiary composition.
The three rockets propelled the arrow toward a target. The barbed arrowhead insured that it stuck to its wooden or other inflammable target. At the end of the rockets, fuses or powder ignited the incendiary composition so that the whole burst into flame and burned the target. The model was donated to the Smithsonian in 1976 by the George Marsden Design Company.
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 States of America
Type
MODELS-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
George Marsden Design
Dimensions
3-D: 215.3 × 17.1 × 15.6cm (84 3/4 × 6 3/4 × 6 1/8 in.)
Materials
Wood
Natural Fabric
Cardboard
Steel
Varnish
Paint
Adhesive
Inventory Number
A19762058000
Credit Line
George Marsden Design
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.