Brimstone EOD Engineers encounter a WWII Anti-Aircraft Rocket

Since 2018, Brimstone UXO teams have been conducting surveys and UXO clearance on a residential development site in Staffordshire. Over the years, a variety of unexploded ordnance (UXO) has been discovered and safely removed. However, the latest find stands out as one of the more unusual types – an intact section of a British 3-inch Unrotated Projectile (UP) rocket.

What is an unrotated projectile rocket?

The Unrotated Projectile (UP) rocket was an early anti-aircraft (AA) weapon developed by the British military during World War II. Unlike traditional anti-aircraft guns, which fired spin-stabilised shells through rifled barrels, UP rockets were fin-stabilised – hence the term Unrotated.

The system saw limited deployment both on land and at sea. The Royal Navy used a larger 7-inch variant aboard warships, while the land-based version was installed in defensive positions across the UK. These Z Batteries, active between 1941 and 1945, consisted of up to 64 rocket launchers designed to create dense airborne barrages against incoming enemy aircraft.

Variations of the UP rocket

The land-based UP rockets were manufactured in two sizes: 2-inch and 3-inch calibres. They were designed to carry one of two different payloads:

• High-Explosive Fragmentation Warhead – Intended to detonate near enemy aircraft, causing structural damage.
• Miniature Parachute Mine (Small Yellow Bombs) – Designed to float down via parachute and detonate at a later stage, creating additional hazards for low-flying aircraft.

Details of the discovery

The fragment found in Staffordshire consists of only the top two sections of the projectile – the pointed nose and high-explosive charge. The rocket motor and tail fins were not present, likely lost or destroyed over time.

Why are UXO finds like this important?

Discoveries like the unrotated projectile highlight the ongoing presence of UXO hazards in the UK. Many sites, particularly former military installations, airfields, or areas subjected to wartime bombardment, still contain buried ordnance that can pose significant risks to construction projects, infrastructure development, and public safety.

Mitigating UXO risks on development sites

Identifying potential UXO hazards before construction begins is crucial to ensuring safety and preventing costly project delays. Brimstone UXO provides comprehensive UXO risk management services, including:

• UXO Risk Assessments – Analysing historical data to determine the likelihood of UXO contamination on your site.
• UXO Surveys – Detecting buried anomalies using advanced technology.
• Investigations & Clearance – Confirming and removing UXO when necessary to ensure safe groundworks.

By addressing UXO risks early, we help clients navigate potential hazards efficiently and safely.

Need a UXO risk assessment for your site? Contact Brimstone UXO today to discuss how we can support your project.

Brimstone UXO is dedicated to raising awareness about unexploded ordnance risks and providing industry-leading solutions. Keep up to date with our latest discoveries, safety updates, and expert insights by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.