Duds and Blinds Galore
In the early '70's I was around for the retirement of the 3.5"RL.
The rocket range at CFB Borden was used and you were given the opportunity to fire HEAT rds until you were sick of firing. I have no idea how many rounds I crewed on but I'm sure it was well into the 50's. There were LOTS of misfires (particularly sphincter tightening for the #2 who had to reach into the back of the tube, partially slide the round out, rotate it 360 deg, and reinsert it. Hoping not to generate any static as the rocket motor was electrically fired), and there were LOTS of blinds from rockets' tail fin assemblies which did not deploy correctly causing speed wobbles and cork screws to the sound of WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP to everybody's delight.
Range Control had no interest in in how many blinds or misfires we produced, they just wanted the Korean War vintage war stocks gone.
Cheers
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.50 Cal Ammo Can
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