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Add authentic WWII-era British air-to-ground rockets to your 1/48 scale aircraft models with this detailed 3D printed RP-3 rocket projectile set from MPM Hobbies. As Britain's primary air-to-ground rocket weapon during World War II, the RP-3 "60-pound rocket" proved devastatingly effective against tanks, trains, ships, and U-boats—and now you can recreate that capability with museum-quality detail on your Hawker Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, and other RAF fighter-bomber aircraft.
The RP-3 (Rocket Projectile 3 inch) holds a distinguished place in WWII aviation history as a British air-to-ground rocket projectile introduced during the Second World War. The "3 inch" designation referred to the nominal diameter of the rocket motor tube, while the use of a 60-pound (27 kg) warhead gave rise to the alternative name of the "60-pound rocket." Though primarily an air-to-ground weapon, it saw limited use in other roles including air-to-air combat. The RP-3 was generally used by British fighter-bomber aircraft against targets such as tanks, trains, motor transport and buildings, as well as by Coastal Command and Royal Navy aircraft against U-boats and ships. The weapon proved particularly effective during the Normandy invasion and subsequent European campaigns, where Typhoon squadrons armed with RP-3s wreaked havoc on German armor and transport.
The RP-3 could be fitted with various warhead types depending on the mission requirements. The 60-pound semi-armor-piercing head was effective against armored vehicles and ships, while the 25-pound solid shot head provided enhanced armor penetration for attacking tanks. High-explosive heads were used against soft targets and personnel. The rockets were typically carried in pairs under each wing on launching rails, with Typhoons commonly carrying eight rockets for maximum firepower. The weapon's relatively simple design and reliable performance made it highly popular with pilots, who appreciated its devastating effect on ground targets.
Use continued post-war, with the last known major operational use being during the Aden Emergency in 1964, where Hawker Hunters flew 642 sorties and fired 2,508 RP-3s in support of Radforce. Use continued until the withdrawal from Aden in November 1967, at which point the RP-3 was withdrawn from service in favour of the newer SNEB rocket. Concerned about the possibility of shipboard radar setting off the SNEB's electrical ignition, the Royal Navy replaced their RP-3s with a new design, sometimes known as the 2-inch RP, extending the operational life of rocket projectile technology developed during WWII.
The RP-3 was carried by numerous RAF and Royal Navy aircraft. This rocket set is ideal for detailing the following 1/48 scale aircraft:
Item(s) is/are LCD-based SLA printed using UV cured resin and will be shipped unpainted and with 3D print supports attached. Item can be primed with acrylic, lacquer or enamel type paint. Lightly sand and/or prime any horizontal striations due to the printing process. Remove supports starting from the tip down and start by freeing those supports connected to small and fragile details. Recommend using CA for attaching item to model or filling any imperfections. Item(s) will have features that are brittle or extremely delicate and prone to breaking if not properly handled. 3D print support configurations may be different than the ones in the photos if applicable. Photos may include the CAD rendered file used for printing to highlight details that do not stand out well in regular photos. Not intended for small children due to choking hazard and should only be purchased by experienced modelers due fine details and printer support removal. The number of items in your order is calculated by multiplying the quantity you selected by the number of items per set if applicable. All items are printed in the order they are purchased.
For best results, clean any support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit the rockets to your aircraft's wing rails before final assembly. Prime the resin with a quality primer designed for resin parts, then paint according to your chosen scheme. Most RP-3 rockets were finished with dark green or brown rocket motors and various warhead colors depending on type—60-pound heads were typically dark gray or black, while 25-pound heads were often painted red. Reference photos will help ensure accurate finish and markings for your specific aircraft and time period.
MPM Hobbies specializes in precision 3D printed resin upgrades and accessories for scale aircraft, armor, and ship models. Every product is designed using historical references and technical documentation to ensure maximum accuracy and detail. Our commitment to quality and authenticity has made us a trusted source for serious modelers seeking to elevate their builds beyond kit standards. For additional information about the RP-3 rocket, visit the RP-3 Wikipedia page as a way to find information about their products.
Bring RAF ground-attack capability to life with the authentic British RP-3 rocket projectile from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.
