uglyfatbloke | 16 Jun 2019 7:25 a.m. PST |
Once again I look to the hive…..Any suggestions about effectiveness of rockets for Bolt Action games? Any thoughts about smoke rockets and were they used much? |
SouthernPhantom | 16 Jun 2019 8:39 a.m. PST |
Very effective, on par with artillery, especially with the heavier 17lb rockets (compared to normal 10lb rockets; if I remember correctly, the weight is the warhead weight). I don't recall hearing much of smoke rockets being used – WP was generally used in place of smoke to mark targets, and had additional incendiary effects. Flechette rockets ("nails") were quite common. |
uglyfatbloke | 16 Jun 2019 9:05 a.m. PST |
Cheers. I was particularly wondering if smoke/WP was a common proportion of the rockets loaded. I had n't thought of 'nails'..yet…. |
Legion 4 | 16 Jun 2019 10:54 a.m. PST |
Yes, even the ARMY called some of their Huey units equipped with weapons mounts – Aerial Rocket Artillery … Flechette rockets Yes, very deadly … |
Lion in the Stars | 17 Jun 2019 1:05 p.m. PST |
I don't know that there was a system set up to allow selection of which rockets in the pod were fired during Vietnam. I mean, not even all Whiskey Cobras have that system installed today! But if a Cobra had both 7-shot and 19-shot rocket pods on it, you could have WP in the small pods and something else in the large pods. |
Mobius | 17 Jun 2019 1:41 p.m. PST |
The 2.75" unguided rockets worked as well as one might expect unguided rockets to work. And that is not very good. |
uglyfatbloke | 17 Jun 2019 2:34 p.m. PST |
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Legion 4 | 17 Jun 2019 3:17 p.m. PST |
And that is not very good. Well that is why they were in pods packing multiple rockets. An area fire weapon, not designed for pin point accuracy. |
ScoutJock | 17 Jun 2019 6:58 p.m. PST |
Google M147 Rocket Management System – this allowed the pilot to control which zone of the tube was fired, how many rockets and at what interval. Assuming the pilot knew what warhead was where in the tube… Also allowed pilot to set range or time for detonation depending on the warhead. Also Google Mk 40 and Mk 66 rockets. US Army Cobras usually carried point detonating HE and nails. Also illumination if operating at night. A skilled pilot could place the impact of the unguided rockets close enough for government work. It is quite a sight to watch a cobra launch illum rockets at night wearing NVGs. They have to pitch the bird about 30 degrees nose up and then let fly. It's pretty exciting for the crew because it produces a heck of a lot of sparks and then when the warhead bursts, you have to look away or risk having your goggles shut down, |
uglyfatbloke | 18 Jun 2019 1:29 a.m. PST |
This is all very helpful – I'm most obliged. |
Legion 4 | 18 Jun 2019 3:59 p.m. PST |
Scout ! |
Thresher01 | 18 Jun 2019 7:43 p.m. PST |
I've seen video footage from Vietnam of these being fired in pairs, to attack, and/or mark targets. I agree, it seems as if the "smoke" rockets were white phosphorous ones. |
Legion 4 | 19 Jun 2019 7:19 a.m. PST |
Yes, IIRC they were WP. Which not only mark targets, but burns very hot. |