{"product_id":"original-u-s-vietnam-war-era-hydra-70-2-75-long-aerial-practice-rocket-with-mk-66-mod-3-motor-inert","title":"Original U.S. Vietnam War Era Hydra 70 2.75\" Long Aerial Practice Rocket with Mk 66 Mod 3 Motor - Inert","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an extremely impressive original U.S. Hydra 70 2.75-inch aerial practice rocket fitted with a long inert training warhead and a Mk 66 Mod 3 rocket motor. The entire rocket is finished in blue to indicate its inert training purpose and measures approximately 66 1\/2\" long, making it an exceptional centerpiece for a modern U.S. military aviation or inert ordnance display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis rocket and motor have been demilitarized for training purposes and are represented as completely inert, with no explosive filler, functioning fuze, propellant, or other energetic material present. Unloaded or dummy grenades, artillery shell casings, and similar devices, which are cut or drilled in an BATF-approved manner so that they cannot be used as ammunition components for destructive devices, are not considered NFA weapons. This example is in total compliance and is NOT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example appears to have been manufactured specifically as a full-weight practice or test round. The long blue training head was designed to reproduce the general weight, balance, and aerodynamic characteristics of an operational rocket without containing a live explosive warhead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe training head is stenciled:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTORQUE HEAD TO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e55 + 20 FT. LBS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-0\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional markings read:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGCP97G014-016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH \/ 30003-233AS107\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small wire projects from an opening near the tip. Its exact purpose has not been confirmed, but it may relate to the internal instrumentation, assembly, or test configuration of the practice head. It should not be pulled, cut, or otherwise disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rocket motor is clearly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMOTOR, ROCKET, 2.75 INCH, MARK 66 MOD 3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDO NOT USE IF DROPPED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLOT NO. ITH97H300-024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lot number contains the date code “97,” indicating 1997 manufacture or loading. This firmly places the motor in the post-Vietnam period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mk 66 was the improved low-spin motor developed for the Hydra 70 family. Compared with earlier Vietnam-era Mk 40 motors, the Mk 66 provided increased velocity and range and used three wraparound stabilization fins rather than the four folding fins found on earlier 2.75-inch rockets. The Mk 66 Mod 3 was an Army version incorporating protection against accidental ignition from electromagnetic radiation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original three spring-loaded wraparound fins remain fitted to the motor. They are held tightly against the motor body before firing and are designed to spring outward once the rocket leaves the launcher tube. The fins and rear motor assembly remain in excellent condition and give the rocket a particularly complete appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the earlier 2.75-inch Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket was used extensively by UH-1 Huey and AH-1 Cobra gunships during the Vietnam War, the improved Hydra 70 designation was officially adopted in 1983. The Mk 66 motor and 1997 lot number establish that this particular example was manufactured well after the Vietnam conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydra 70 rockets can be fitted with a wide variety of operational and training warheads for high-explosive, smoke, illumination, flechette, anti-materiel, and practice roles. The M230 practice warhead, for example, was manufactured with inert filler to duplicate the configuration, weight, and center of gravity of the operational M151 high-explosive warhead. The exact designation of this unusually long practice head has not been confirmed from the supplied markings alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe complete assembly weighs approximately 26 pounds and measures approximately 66 1\/2\" in overall length. The blue painted finish remains especially attractive, with clear military stenciling and only expected age, handling, and storage wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo attempt should be made to disassemble, modify, fire, test, or energize any portion of this rocket. It is sold strictly as a historical collectible and display piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its unusually long blue practice head, clearly dated Mk 66 Mod 3 motor, complete wraparound fin assembly, and extensive original military markings, this is a striking example of the post-Vietnam Hydra 70 training system and an outstanding centerpiece for a U.S. Army aviation, helicopter armament, or inert ordnance collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44655630057541,"sku":"ONJR25APBE024","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25APBE024.jpg?v=1771449945","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-vietnam-war-era-hydra-70-2-75-long-aerial-practice-rocket-with-mk-66-mod-3-motor-inert","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}