Rocket launcher

A rocket launcher is a device, most often a weapon, that launches an unguided, rocket-propelled projectile. The projectile contains at least one component of what is called a warhead, which is usually explosive.

The purpose of the projectile launched, the "rocket", depends on the situation. For example, there are rockets with warheads designed specifically to explode and pierce through heavy vehicle armor such as those of tanks (HEAT warheads), and are hence anti-tank explosive weapons. Rockets may contain a guidance system and an ability to steer towards targets, these guided rockets are called "missiles"; however this article will be focusing on the launchers of unguided rockets. The launcher itself is usually a tube or multiple tubes containing the rockets and can be carried by a crew or be attached to a vehicle.

Early examples appeared in imperial China as arrow-mounted rocket motors and organized multi-tube launchers, and the technology later spread worldwide, producing forms such as the Congreve rockets used in the early 19th century and experimental systems used in the American Civil War. In the 20th century, rocket launchers became a major class of military weapons. During and after World War II, vehicle-mounted multiple rocket launchers were developed, along with a variety of shipborne, ground and air launch systems, while the postwar era saw the introduction of widely used shoulder-fired anti-tank systems, and aircraft rocket pods for close air support.