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Unguided air-launched rockets of 2.75 in (70 mm) diameter were originally developed in the late 1940s by the NOTS (Naval Ordnance Test Station) at China Lake. The rockets were to be used as more powerful supplements and/or replacements for guns in both air-to-air and air-to-ground applications. Many millions of rocket rounds have been built so far, and the latest versions are still widely used by all U.S. armed services.

The 2.75-inch FFAR (Folding-Fin Aircraft Rocket) was originally developed by the NOTS as an air-to-air weapon to be used by interceptors against heavy bombers. A salvo of rockets was considered much more effective than a stream of cannon shells. The original rocket model was the MK 4, which was spin-stabilized and featured four flip-out fins around the nozzle. Fitted with a 2.7 kg (6 lb) HE warhead, it was widely used in the 1950s as the Mighty Mouse air-to-air rocket by USAF interceptors like the F-86D Sabre, F-89J Scorpion, F-94C Starfire and F-102A Delta Dagger. Total length of the MK 4 Mighty Mouse was 1.2 m (4 ft), and it weighed 8.4 kg (18.5 lb). Maximum range was around 6000 m (6500 yds), but effective range was more like 3400 m (3700 yds). The rocket's accuracy was relatively poor, because its speed and spin rate were too low to effectively counter gravity drop, cross winds and dispersion.

The 2.75-inch rocket was soon adapted for air-to-ground use, and a variety of warheads were developed. These included the heavier M151 and M229 HE fragmentation, the WDU-4/A flechette, and various smoke warheads for target spot marking and/or incendiary effects (for a list of 2.75-inch rocket warheads, see table in MK 66 section below). The 2.75-inch rocket was also adopted by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as a primary weapon for its armed helicopters. For better performance when launched from these slow platforms, the MK 40 motor was developed. It has a modified nozzle for a greater spin and therefore higher accuracy.

This was taken with a Pentax 35mm ME using a f/1.4 50mm lens and Kodak iso 400 color film. I shot in my private studio in Santa Cruz, California USA.
Just a joke, as my studio is a cramped 350 sq ft unit with a loft you have to duck down in. A chair with a jacket draped over and my wooden folding table did the job. No flash was used, as I opened the windows up for natural light for free. I was pleased to learn the camera passed the test here.