Failure of the unrotated projectile did not end the Royal Navy's interest in rockets. The service explored rocket-assisted takeoff and improvised RP-3 installations on Hunt-class escort destroyers and smaller craft operating in the English Channel. Reports that dog boats tried the rockets leave it unclear whether crews wanted a weapon, a speed booster, or both. Aircraft also used rockets to strike German flak barges from beyond the most dangerous part of their defensive envelope. A cast-iron-headed anti-submarine version acted as a rocket spear, allowing a Swordfish attack to pierce the hull of surfaced U-752 in May 1943. A flawed air-defense concept thus fed a more successful family of weapons when matched to different targets.
Chapter · 20:58-25:10
The RP-3 finds useful naval and anti-submarine roles
The Royal Navy retained interest in rockets for surface attack, assisted takeoff, small craft, and aircraft attacks on surfaced U-boats.