Zuni 5-inch Folding-Fin Aircraft Rocket

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	Weapon: Zuni 5-inch Folding-Fin Aircraft Rocket Type: Air-to-Air Rocket Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1957 Overall Length (mm): 2000.0 Overall Length (in): 78.74 Weight (kg): 36.00 Weight (pounds): 79.37

The Zuni 5-inch Folding-Fin Aircraft Rocket (FFAR) was developed in the mid-1950s by the United States Navy as a versatile, unguided rocket system capable of being deployed against both air and ground targets. It was designed to bridge the gap between smaller 2.75-inch rockets and heavier guided missiles, offering a balance of explosive power and portability. The rocket incorporated folding fins that deployed after launch to stabilize its flight, making it suitable for use on a wide range of aircraft including fighters, bombers, and helicopters.

Production of the Zuni began in the late 1950s, and hundreds of thousands were manufactured during its long service life. Its modular design allowed for a variety of warheads, including high-explosive, armor-piercing, and practice versions, providing flexibility across combat missions. Zunis were carried in launch pods holding up to four rockets, enabling aircraft to fire multiple salvos in quick succession. Their relatively low cost and adaptability ensured that they remained a mainstay of U.S. and allied arsenals for decades.

In service, the Zuni rocket was employed extensively during the Vietnam War for air-to-ground strikes and suppression missions, earning a reputation for both effectiveness and, at times, danger. Several notable accidents-including the 1967 USS Forrestal fire, which was triggered by a Zuni rocket misfire-added to its notoriety. Despite such incidents, the Zuni proved to be a rugged and reliable weapon, remaining in service into the 21st century and highlighting the enduring value of unguided rockets in modern combined-arms operations.

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