Heller (antitank rocket)
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.
| Heller Anti-tank Rocket Luncher | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Recoilless Rocket Anti-Tank Weapon |
| Place of origin | Canada |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1954-1967 |
| Used by | Canadian Armed Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Placeholder |
| Designed | Placeholder |
| Produced | 1954-1967 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 15.2kg (33.5 lb) |
| Length | 137.2cm (54 inches) |
| Rate of fire | ~5 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 715 ft/s |
| Effective firing range | 450 yards |
| Maximum firing range | 2,860 yards |
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
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
- Ottawa Citizen, September 29, 1955, p. 39.
- Weeks, p. 124.
- regimentalrogue.tripod.com
- 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.