OVERVIEW: The SNORA is an Unguided, medium-caliber, air-to-ground rocket designed for precision strikes against soft and lightly armored targets. It uses fin-stabilization and is fired from pods mounted on helicopters and aircraft.

DETAILS: SNORA stands for Swiss Non-rotating Aircraft Rocket, developed by Oerlikon-Contraves in the mid-20th century as part of Switzerland’s air-to-ground armament programs. It is an 81mm rocket with a solid-fuel motor, and features a non-spinning design that enhances accuracy. SNORA rockets were fitted with different warhead types including HE, HEAT, and smoke, tailored for various tactical roles. The system used modular pods (typically 6 or 12 rounds) and was mounted on fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

The SNORA system was characterized by a unique sliding fin-stabilization and modular launcher system, and offered longer range and accuracy than many rockets of similar size. It was later complemented by the more compact SURA-D rocket for lighter aircraft.

It was intended to be fired from Oerlikon 6-round or 12-round pods, aimed using fixed aircraft sights or HUD, and operated by pilots manually or via fire control systems. Launch was typically conducted in dive or level attack profiles for area or precision target suppression.

NOTE:
IOC: 1960s
Operators: Switzerland, South Africa, Belgium
Platforms: Alouette III, Mirage III, Hunter F.58, Cheetah E, F+W N-20 Aiguillon
Conflict used in: South African Border War (1966–1989)

SOURCE:
Jane’s Air-Launched Weapons ; Swiss Air Force Historical Office ; Oerlikon Contraves Technical Manuals ; National Defence Force of South Africa Publications ; Bundesarchiv Switzerland