Q&A · 56:54-59:25

Småland's rockets and sustained anti-aircraft firepower

A follow-up on Småland considers smoke, chaff, illumination, and incendiary rocket loads, then notes her speed and unusually large stock of spare Bofors barrels.

Question

What kinds of rounds could Småland's smoke and chaff rocket launchers carry?

Short answer

Possible loads included smoke, chaff, illumination, and incendiary effects, though the exact wartime fit remains uncertain.

Notes

The destroyer's numerous rocket rails may have supported more than one type of flare. Possible loads included smoke, chaff, illumination, and incendiary effects, though the exact wartime fit remains uncertain. Firm ship details include a recorded 37-knot speed and six single 40 mm Bofors mountings. Eight surviving spare barrels suggest an expectation of intense sustained anti-aircraft fire.