M4A1 T34 "Calliope" Multiple Rocket Launcher
The name is derived from the calliope musical instrument, or steam organ, that has a similar arrangement of tubes.
The Calliope fired a barrage of 4.5 inch M8 rockets from 60 launch tubes.
The early versions had M10 plastic-fiber tubes that only lasted a few firings.
M4A1 T34 "Calliope" Multiple Rocket Launcher
Rendered with color textures removed
The Calliope fired a barrage of 4.5 inch M8 rockets from 60 launch tubes.
The early versions had M10 plastic-fiber tubes that only lasted a few firings.
The Calliope fired a barrage of 4.5 inch M8 rockets from 60 launch tubes.
The early versions had M10 plastic-fiber tubes that only lasted a few firings.
M4A1 T34 "Calliope" Multiple Rocket Launcher
The rocket launcher was elevated by raising and lowering the main gun via a bar attached to the barrel.
The rear end of the tubes had a release assembly and electrical contacts for igniting the rockets.
With initial version the elevator was attached to an articulated ring that surrounded the barrel. This made it impossible to fire the cannon since the recoil would be transmitted to the launcher.
To solve this deficiency a field modification introduced a welded plate over the lugs of the gun guard mantlet. On the plate was attached the ring that previously surrounded the barrel. This allowed for recoil of the cannon.
A close up of the release assembly, the two electrical contacts either side and wiring. When the rocket was in the tube the contacts were manually pivoted down to touch the base of the rocket.