Mousetrap (weapon)

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The Mousetrap (ASW Marks 20 and 22) was an anti-submarine rocket used mainly during the Second World War by the U.S. Navy. Its development was ordered in 1942 as a replacement for the Hedgehog, a British-made projector, which was the first "ahead-thrown" depth charge. These, however, were spigot-launched, whereas the Mousetrap had a propelling rocket, and stabilising fins. By the end of the war, over 100 Mousetrap Mark 22s were being carried by the US Navy, including 3 each on 13 destroyers. One of these, the USS Turner, was blown up by a faulty Mousetrap.

[edit] Statistics

• Warhead: 65lb (29.5kg).
• Range: about 280m.
• Firing speed: one mortar every 3 seconds.
• No. of rails:
  1. Mark 20: 4.
  2. Mark 22: 8.

[edit] Sources

• http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WAMUS_ASW.htm
• http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WAMRussian_ASW.htm
• http://www.microworks.net/pacific/armament/mk20&22_mousetrap.htm