Description
3.5-Inch Rocket Practice Mk29A2 – Super Bazooka Training Round (Inert)
3.5″ Rocket Practice Mk29A2 (Inert)
This original 3.5-inch Rocket Practice Mk29A2 is the ballistic-match training round developed for the U.S. M20 Super Bazooka system. These practice rockets were designed to duplicate the weight, external dimensions, and flight characteristics of the live HEAT service round while remaining completely inert for safe instruction and training use.
The rocket retains its correct bright blue paint, the standard U.S. military identification color used to denote inert or training ordnance. This visual marking allowed instructors and troops to immediately distinguish practice munitions from live anti-armor rockets during field exercises and classroom instruction.
Markings present on the rocket body include:
Rocket prac 3.5 in MK29A2
NOP-1-634 1-54
Temp Limit .30°F to 120°F
Stampings present on the warhead include:
ILE 5 26 4 54
These markings correspond with early Cold War production and handling specifications for the rocket motor and training configuration.
Construction and Components
The Mk29A2 follows the same external architecture as operational 3.5-inch Super Bazooka rockets. This ensured that soldiers training with the practice round experienced nearly identical loading, balance, and flight behavior compared to the service ammunition.
Key components include:
-
Dummy practice nose assembly
-
Ballasted inert warhead body
-
Rocket motor section
-
Fin stabilization assembly
-
Spring cap retainer
-
Original shorting pin with identification tag
-
FUZE, Rocket Dummy, M405
The fuze installed on this example is the dummy M405, used strictly for training rockets. Because the warhead is inert and contains no explosive filler, the fuze functions purely as a realistic component rather than an active detonating device.
Condition
This example remains in excellent overall condition. The rocket body shows only light handling marks consistent with training or instructional use rather than extended field service. Importantly, the original blue paint remains intact and well preserved.
All major components are present and complete, including the spring cap retainer, shorting pin, and original fuze assembly. The rocket retains its correct configuration without missing hardware or replacement parts.
The original cardboard storage and transport husk is also included. The husk remains in excellent condition, showing minimal wear and retaining strong structural integrity. Surviving tubes are often damaged or missing, making complete examples like this significantly more desirable.
Practice Round vs. Service HEAT Round
The Mk29A2 practice rocket was specifically engineered to replicate the ballistic performance of the live anti-armor round used by the Super Bazooka.
Warhead Construction
M28A1 HEAT Round:
-
Live shaped-charge liner
-
Filled with high explosive (commonly Comp B)
-
Designed to defeat armored vehicles
Mk29A2 Practice Round:
-
Completely inert warhead body
-
Solid or ballasted construction
-
Matches the mass and external geometry of the live round
Fuzing and Effects
Live HEAT Rocket:
-
Point-initiating, base-detonating fuze
-
Produces a shaped-charge jet on impact
Practice Rocket:
-
Dummy fuze assembly
-
No explosive filler
-
No shaped-charge capability
Some practice lots incorporated small spotting or tracer elements to help instructors observe rocket impact points during training exercises.
Motor and Flight Characteristics
Both practice and service rockets share the same external layout and stabilization fins. Because of this, they could be fired from the M20 Super Bazooka launcher with nearly identical ballistic performance.
This allowed troops to train realistically while conserving live anti-armor ammunition.
Collectibility
Training rockets from the Super Bazooka system represent an important part of early Cold War U.S. anti-armor development. Complete examples with original paint, fuze components, and the cardboard storage husk are increasingly difficult to find intact.
Because this example retains its original accessories and exhibits minimal wear, it makes an excellent display piece for collectors of U.S. ordnance, Cold War training munitions, or bazooka-related militaria.
Explore More from Old Steel Guns
Militaria
Field Gear
Miscellaneous Equipment
Follow us on Instagram:
Old Steel Guns on Instagram
