Does anyone know what this is?

[Sasquach]

Diameter - 65mm, 2 5/8". Length 215mm, 8 1/2". Markings on the side of the canister read "RETURN TO NEAREST LOADING FACILITY". Thanks for the help.

Information

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[Paul S.]

It looks like the arse end of a 2.75 inch rocket used by the FACs we had in Vietnam.

[Sasquach]

Can you tell me what was its use and how it was deployed. Thanks, Mike.

[mmppres]

Glad you got info on that
i was close just not sure what type
mike

[Paul S.]

The 2.75 inch rockets were (I assume still are) fired from pods on the UH1C Huey and AH1 Cobra gunships as well as the FACs during my time in RVN. The gunships used them offensively while the FACs used them for target marking for Close Air Support (CAS).

Let's just say I've had occasion to be on the ground and see them employed close by.

A google or youtube search will find you videos of them in use.

[Peter Laidler]

Isn't it amazing the stuff you learn on this site......?

[Tom in N.J.]

Back in the 1950s we fired 24 of those 2.75" Folding Fin Aircraft Rockets from a retractable pod on the North American F-86D Interceptor. The later Convair F-102A carried 6 Falcon air to air guided missiles on internal rails and 24 2.75" FFAR in tubes in the armament bay doors. They all had U.S. Navy markings (?). They have been around a long time!..

[Sasquach]

There are no military designations that I can see. The fins have a # 655955-F printed on all four. Thanks , Mike.

[Tom in N.J.]

The Navy markings were on the body of the rocket motor, the long tube between the tail fin and the warhead, you only have the fin assembly with the rocket exhaust nozzles and the shipping cover.