By U.S. ArmyJune 13, 2019
The T88 was an experimental rocket launcher built in 1942. The 7.2-inch system was used extensively during World War II, with launchers mounted on tanks, trucks, amphibious vehicles, landing craft, and lightweight towed carriages. Rocket launchers were light, easy to maneuver, and could put down a devastating volume of fire in a very short time.
5x3 7.2 Inch Rocket Launcher, T88
The T88 rocket launcher was an experimental weapon that was designed in 1941 and built in 1942. The intent was to increase the destructive power of field-deployed rocket artillery with a larger payload and a larger rocket. The T88 itself was never put into production. However, research and development on the T88 system likely aided in the development of tank-mounted rocket systems such as the T40 "Whizbang."
Tank-mounted launchers were produced in larger quantities by 1944, with the T34 Calliope fulfilling the role of the 4.5 inch design. Both the T40 and T34 were mounted onto M4 Sherman tanks. The majority of the configurations included a 75MM gun turret with a 180-degree turning radius.
Multiple types of rockets were produced for the 7.2 inch launchers. These included the T37HE high explosive rocket and the T21 chemical rocket. The combination of heavy rocket fire with the use of a heavy cannon meant the entire weapon system was capable of putting down a devastating amount of fire in a short period of time. The mobile nature of the mount meant that the vulnerability of the launcher was also less than other towed systems.
Other applications of the T88 launchers included towed mounts, amphibious assault vehicles, trucks, and other landing craft. The mount displayed at Memorial Field is a towed mount design.