The definition of an airborne rocket is an unguided missile fired from an aircraft, propelled by the sustained reaction of a discharging jet of gas.

There are two basic rockets used in the Navy/Marine Corps.

The 2.75 inch folding fin aircraft rocket (FFAR) also known as the "mighty mouse".

The 5.00 inch folding fin aircraft rocket (FFAR) also known as ZUNI.

An airborne rocket consists of three main components. The motor, warhead, and fuze.

Rocket launchers

The airborne rocket launchers are a combination shipping container and rocket launcher. They are used for shipping, storing, and launching airborne rockets.


The number of tubes will vary according to the launcher. Launchers for the 5.00 inch ZUNI rocket can have 4 tubes.Launchers for the 2.75 inch Mighty Mouse rocket can have 7 or 19 tubes.

Frangible fairings fit over the forward and aft end of the launchers. They provide a streamlined aerodynamic shape for reducing drag and are destroyed by the rockets at launching.

2.75 inch rocket launchers

LAU-61 series - A nineteen shot rocket launcher, that uses 14 inch suspension.

LAU-68 series - A seven shot rocket launcher, That uses 14 inch suspension.

5.0 inch rocket launchers

LAU-10 series - A four shot rocket launcher, That can use either 14 or 30 inch suspension.

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