The Anti-Aircraft Target Rocket M2 was a 3.25-inch (83 mm) rocket developed and used by the United States Army during World War II.
It was designed to serve as a training target for anti-aircraft guns, capable of simulating attacks by low-flying aircraft.
[1][2] The nosecone of the rocket was ogival,[1] and it was fitted with oversized fins to aid in tracking of the rocket by trainees.
[2] It consisted of a set of launching rails on a two-wheeled trailer and weighed 750 pounds (340 kg);[4] capable of being elevated to 60 degrees,[4] it allowed the rocket to be launched at random angles and directions to increase the effectiveness of the training exercises,[1] and could fire up to two rounds per minute.
[4] A modification of the basic rocket, designated as the Anti-Aircraft Training Rocket M2A1, replaced the basic M2 in service; it added a flare that ignited on launch to aid in visual tracking of the target that burned for approximately 30 seconds after launch.