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 until 1955. Largely fired by Navy airplanes, such as the F4U Corsair, the HVAR was however first used by the Army Air Forces against German targets near Lo, France in July 1944. About a million HVARs were. 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. It reached a velocity of 1530 km/h (950 mph), and had a range of about 5 km (3 mi).
The U.S. Marine Corps transferred this rocket to the Smithsonian.
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
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
National Defense Research Committee
Dimensions
Approximate: 173.4 × 27 × 27.6cm (68 1/4 × 10 5/8 × 10 7/8 in.)
Storage: 184.2 × 39.1 × 41.9cm (72 1/2 × 15 3/8 × 16 1/2 in.)
Materials
Steel
Paint
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Inventory Number
A19820118000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Marine Corps
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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