Gyrojet
| Gyrojet | |
|---|---|
| Type | Small arms (rocket launcher) |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group |
| Wars | Vietnam War |
| Production history | |
| Designer |
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| Manufacturer | MB Associates |
| Unit cost |
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| Produced | 1962 - 1975 |
| No. built | less than 2000 globally |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 0.88 lb (0.40 kg) |
| Length | 10.88 in (27.6 cm) |
| Barrel length | 5 in (13 cm) |
| Cartridge |
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| Caliber |
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| Action | Blowback |
| Rate of fire |
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| Muzzle velocity | Very low, but increasing over trajectory to about 1250 fps |
| Effective firing range | 55 yards (50 m) |
| Feed system | 6-round internal box magazine (main variants) |
| Sights | Iron sights |
The Gyrojet is a family of unique firearms developed in the 1960s named for the method of gyroscopically stabilizing its projectiles. Rather than inert bullets, Gyrojets fire small rockets called Microjets which have little recoil and do not require a heavy barrel or chamber to resist the pressure of the combustion gases. Velocity on leaving the tube was very low, but increased to around 1,250 feet per second (380 m/s) at 30 feet (9.1 m). The result is a very lightweight and transportable weapon.
Long out of production, today they are a coveted collector's item with prices for even the most common model ranging above $1,000. They are rarely fired; ammunition is scarce and can cost over $200 per round.