Mousetrap (weapon)

4-missile Mark 20 anti-Submarine Projector

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 anti-submarine mortar. 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 7.2-inch (183 mm) rockets saved weight and were easier to install.

The rockets weighed 65 pounds (29 kg) each, with a 33-pound (15 kg) Torpex warhead and contact pistol, exactly like Hedgehog.[citation needed]

By the end of the war, over 100 Mark 22 Mousetraps were mounted in U.S. Navy ships, including three each on 12 destroyers,[1] and submarine chasers (usually two sets of rails).[3]

  1. ^ a b "Anti-Submarine Projector Mk 20 & 22 (Mousetrap)". The Pacific War: The U.S. Navy. Retrieved 12 December 2013 – via MicroWorks.
  2. ^ "CUYAHOGA, 1927 WIX / WMEC / WSC-157". United States Coast Guard. 13 March 2008. Archived from the original on 25 May 2008. Retrieved 8 October 2008.
  3. ^ Priolo, Gary P. "Submarine Chaser SC-718". NavSource Naval History. Retrieved 3 November 2022.