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
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