Rocket replica 'Flying Crow with God's Fire'
Object No. 88/609
This replica military device highlights China’s connection with the ancient origin of rocketry. The 'Flying Crow with God's Fire' was a type of bomb invented in China around the 1300s. Resembling a crow, the weapon used firework-type rockets to give it a long range. The body of the crow was filled with gunpowder and sealed. The bird-shaped features stabilised the bomb’s flight and its aerodynamic design allowed it to fly great distances. Upon impact the gunpowder ignited, producing a flash that would be seen many kilometres away, and setting fire to enemy encampments or to ships at sea. The use of stabilising devices was introduced after 1300 and are first recorded in 1412 [1]. Rockets were beneficial to the military in ancient China. They increased the weapon's range and enabled each soldier to do more harm than several soldiers in hand-to-hand combat using conventional arms. Melissa Hulbert, Curatorial Assistant, and Andrew Jacob, Curator, 2020 Reference 1. Temple R, The Genius of China, 1991
Loading...
Summary
Object Statement
Rocket model, 'Flying Crow with God's Fire', Chinese firework, bamboo / paper / cardboard / string, Ministry of Aeronautics, China, 1987
Physical Description
Rocket model, 'Flying Crow with God's Fire', Chinese firework, bamboo / paper / cardboard / string, Ministry of Aeronautics, China, 1987
DIMENSIONS
Height
80 mm
Width
810 mm
Depth
455 mm
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Ministry Of Astronautics, People's Republic of China,1988
Acquisition Date
8 August 1988
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
Image Licensing Enquiry
Object Enquiry