Engineering:Heller (antitank rocket)

From HandWiki
Heller Anti-tank Rocket Luncher
Heller Manuel 3.jpg
TypeRecoilless Rocket Anti-Tank Weapon
Place of originCanada
Service history
In service1954-1967
Used byCanadian Armed Forces
Production history
DesignerPlaceholder
DesignedPlaceholder
Produced1954-1967
Specifications
Mass15.2kg (33.5 lb)
Length137.2cm (54 inches)

Rate of fire~5 rpm
Muzzle velocity715 ft/s
Effective firing range450 yards
Maximum firing range2,860 yards

The Heller was a Canadian antitank rocket launcher produced and fielded in 1954, replaced by M20 "Super Bazooka" and Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle after 1967.

Description

The Heller was in production from 1954[1] and remained in service until 1967.[2] The Heller fired a 3.2-inch (81 mm) high explosive anti-tank projectile that was capable of penetrating 11 inches (280 mm) of rolled homogeneous armor when struck at a 90-degree angle of impact.[3] It replaced the US Bazooka, providing both longer range and greatly increased penetration. It was in turn replaced by the US M20 "Super Bazooka" which had even higher performance and a somewhat simpler setup, and these were in turn replaced by the 84-mm MAW.

Manual view

Heller Manuel 1.jpg

From manual:[4]
Length of launcher: 54 inches
Weight of launcher tube and tripod: approx. 28.5lbs
Weight of rangefinder sight: approx. 5 lbs
HE A tk rocket penetration (homogeneous armour): over 11 inches at 90 degrees, Approx. 5 Inches at 64 degrees angle of strike.


Max range: 2,860 yards
Opening range (first round hit): 300 yards
Maximum effective range: 450 yards
Muzzle velocity: 715 feet per second.
Max rate of fire: 5 rounds per minute.

Citations and sources

  1. Ottawa Citizen, September 29, 1955, p. 39.
  2. Weeks, p. 124.
  3. regimentalrogue.tripod.com
  4. Canadian Army Manual Of Training, Launcher Rocket A tk 3.2 inch, CDN Provisional 1956
  • Weeks, John. Men against tanks: a history of anti-tank warfare, Newton Abbot : David and Charles, 1975. ISBN:0715369091.