Multiple rocket launcher
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A multiple rocket launcher (MRL) is a type of unguided rocket artillery system. Like other rocket artillery, multiple rocket launchers are less accurate and have a much lower rate of fire than batteries of traditional artillery guns. However, they have the capability of simultaneously dropping many hundreds of kilograms of explosive, with devastating effect.
[edit] History
First developed in 1409, the Korean Hwacha is the most likely example of the first weapon system with a resemblance to the modern-day multiple rocket launcher. Though some Chinese argue that the Hwacha took its cue from the Chinese Huo Che, there is no clear evidence present that provides the exact year of the Huo Che's development, calling this claim into question. Also, unlike in the case of the Hwacha, historical references to Huo Che are very hard to find, whereas the use of the Hwacha to great effect was noted by all sides involved in Hideyoshi's failed invasions of Korea. There are some rough drawings of the Huo Che design in Huolongjing, and they bear little resemblance to the Korean Hwacha, whose distinct designs and blueprints can be found in Korean documents. Therefore, though the concept of rocket launcher may have spread from China to Korea, there is little relevance in stating that the development of the Hwacha was inspired by the Huo Che, also known as the Chinese fire cart.[citation needed]
One of the first modern multiple rocket launchers was the German Nebelwerfer of the 1930s, a small towed artillery piece. Only later in World War II did the Allies deploy similar weapons in the form of the Land Mattress.
The first self-propelled multiple rocket launchers — and arguably the most famous — were the Soviet Katyushas, known also as 'Stalin's organs', first used during World War II and exported to Soviet allies afterwards. They were simple systems in which a rack of launch rails was mounted on the back of a truck. This set the template for modern multiple rocket launchers.
Further developments followed the same design pattern, although larger systems with more sophisticated projectiles are seen. The Russian BM-30 Smerch multiple rocket launcher is one example of a modern system, in service with several countries, the U.S. M270, Brazilian Astros II, Indian Pinaka MRLS[1] and Russian TOS-1 Buratino are others. Many modern multiple rocket launchers have regular, extended-range, and guided ammunition available with anti-personnel, cluster, anti-tank, incendiary, and biological or chemical warheads.
Further examples are found in List of rocket artillery.
[edit] See also
- Artillery rockets, in the list of artillery by type
[edit] References
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