3.5-Inch FFAR

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	Weapon: 3.5-Inch FFAR Type: Air-to-Ground Rocket Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1943 Overall Length (mm): 1400.0 Overall Length (in): 55.12 Weight (kg): 24.00 Weight (pounds): 52.91

The 3.5-Inch Forward Firing Aircraft Rocket (FFAR), sometimes referred to simply as the "3.5-Inch FFAR," was developed by the United States during World War II to provide aircraft with a powerful air-to-ground and anti-shipping weapon. The rocket utilized a solid-fuel propellant and was typically equipped with a high-explosive warhead designed to penetrate lightly armored targets and deliver effective blast damage. It was part of a broader family of FFAR designs, offering American aircraft increased stand-off capability and attack flexibility against a range of battlefield targets.

The 3.5-Inch FFAR was produced in substantial quantities during the later stages of World War II and into the early Cold War period. While exact production figures are difficult to determine due to overlapping FFAR models and variants, tens of thousands were manufactured to equip various fighter-bombers and naval aircraft. Among the aircraft that used the 3.5-Inch FFAR were the F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, and later the F-84 Thunderjet and F-86 Sabre during early Cold War conflicts, where the rockets provided effective firepower for ground attack missions.

Though eventually supplanted by more advanced guided munitions and rockets like the Mighty Mouse (2.75-inch FFAR) and later Hydra series, the 3.5-Inch FFAR marked a significant step in the evolution of air-to-ground rocket technology. Its simplicity, adaptability, and destructive potential made it a valuable asset in tactical air operations. While not as iconic as other munitions, it was part of the foundation upon which postwar close air support and interdiction doctrine was built.