Mousetrap (weapon) explained

Mousetrap (anti-Submarine Projector, Marks 20 and 22) was an anti-submarine rocket launcher used mainly during World War II by the United States Navy^[1] and Coast Guard.^[2] Its development began in 1941 as a replacement for Hedgehog. Those were spigot-launched, which placed considerable strain on the launching vessel's deck, whereas Mousetrap was rocket-propelled. As a result, Mousetrap's four or eight rails for 7.20NaN0 rockets saved weight and were easier to install.

The rockets weighed 65lb each, with a 33lb Torpex warhead and contact pistol, exactly like Hedgehog.

By the end of the war, over 100 Mark 22 Mousetraps were mounted in U.S. Navy ships, including three each on 12 destroyers, and submarine chasers (usually two sets of rails).^[3]

Statistics

• Round weight:
• Warhead:
• Range: about
• Firing speed: one round every 3 seconds (maximum)
• No. of rails:
  • Mark 20: 4
  • Mark 22: 8

Bibliography

• Encyclopedia: Fitzsimons . Bernard . 1978 . Mousetrap . The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Weapons and Warfare . 18 . London . Phoebus Publishing . 1946–1947 . 271437802.

External links

• ASW Weapons of the United States of America at NavWeaps
• ASW Weapons of World War II of Russia / USSR at NavWeaps

Notes and References

1. Web site: Anti-Submarine Projector Mk 20 & 22 (Mousetrap) . The Pacific War: The U.S. Navy. 2013-12-12. MicroWorks.
2. Web site: 2008-03-13 . CUYAHOGA, 1927 WIX / WMEC / WSC-157 . United States Coast Guard . 2008-10-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080525095608/http://www.uscg.mil/tcyorktown/info/cuyhistspecs.asp . 2008-05-25 . dead.
3. Web site: Priolo . Gary P.. Submarine Chaser SC-718 . NavSource Naval History . 2022-11-03.