Multiple rocket launcher - Revision history

TeenaDease50: updated section per sources and updated info

2026-01-23T04:19:44Z

updated section per sources and updated info

Soldier: Created multiple rocket launcher

2023-09-13T18:45:54Z

Created multiple rocket launcher

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{{Short description|Rocket artillery system capable of launching multiple rockets in quick succession}}
{{Redirect|MLRS|the U.S. Army system known as "MLRS"|M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2014}}
[[File:HIMARS - missile launched.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|[[M142 HIMARS]] launching a GMLRS rocket at the White Sands Missile Range in 2005]]
A '''multiple rocket launcher''' ('''MRL''') or '''multiple launch rocket system''' ('''MLRS''') is a type of [[rocket artillery]] system that contains multiple [[rocket launcher|launcher]]s which are fixed to a single [[weapons platform|platform]], and shoots its [[rocket (weapon)|rocket ordnance]] in a fashion similar to a [[volley gun]]. Rockets are self-propelled in flight and have different capabilities than conventional [[artillery]] [[shell (projectile)|shell]]s, such as longer [[effective range]], lower [[recoil]], typically considerably higher [[payload]] than a similarly sized gun artillery platform, or even carrying multiple [[warhead]]s.

Unguided rocket artillery is notoriously inaccurate and slow to reload compared to gun artillery. A multiple rocket launcher helps compensate for this with its ability to launch multiple rockets in rapid succession, which, coupled with the large [[blast radius|kill zone]] of each warhead, can easily deliver [[saturation fire]] over a target area. However, modern rockets can use [[GPS]] or [[inertial guidance]] to combine the advantages of rockets with the higher accuracy of [[precision-guided munition]]s.

==History==
[[File:11th century basketry fire arrow rocket launcher.jpg|thumb|left|An illustration of a handheld multiple rocket launcher constructed of basketry, as depicted in the 11th century book [[Wujing Zongyao]] of the [[Song dynasty]]]]
[[Image:Hwacha.jpg|thumb|Korean [[Joseon]] ''[[hwacha]]'' multiple rocket launcher (designed in 1409) in a museum]]
The first multiple rocket launchers were invented during the medieval Chinese [[Song dynasty]], in which the Chinese [[fire lance]] was fixed backward on a pike or arrow and shot at an enemy as early as 1180.<ref name=James>{{Cite book |title=Ancient Inventions |last1=James |first1=Peter J. |last2=Thorpe |first2=Nick |last3=Thorpe |first3=I. J. |publisher=Ballantine Books |year=1995 |isbn=978-0345401021 |page=[https://archive.org/details/ancientinvention00jame/page/238 238] |url=https://archive.org/details/ancientinvention00jame/page/238 }}</ref> This form of rocket was used during the [[Mongol siege of Kaifeng]].<ref name=Gruntman>{{Cite book |title=Blazing the Trail: The Early History of Spacecraft and Rocketry |last=Gruntman |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Gruntman |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics |year=2005 |isbn=978-1563477058 |pages=5–6}}</ref>

Chinese militaries later created multiple rocket launchers that fired up to 100 small fire-arrow rockets simultaneously. The typical powder section of the arrow-rockets was 1/3 to 1/2 ft (10 to 15 cm) long. Bamboo arrow shafts varied from 1.5 ft (45 cm) to 2.5 ft (75 cm) long and the striking distance reached 300 to 400 paces. The Chinese also enhanced rocket tips with poison and made sure that the launchers were mobile. They designed a multiple rocket launcher to be carried and operated by a single soldier.<ref name=Gruntman /> Various forms of MRLs evolved, including a launcher mounted on a wheelbarrow.<ref name=James />

The [[Joseon dynasty]] of Korea used an expanded variant of such a launcher (called a ''[[hwacha]]'') made of 100 to 200 holes containing rocket arrows placed on a two-wheeled cart. The range of the fired arrows is estimated to have been 2,000 meters. The ''hwacha'' was used to great effect against invading armies during the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–98)|Japanese invasions of 1592–1598]], most notably the [[Battle of Haengju]],<ref>{{Cite book |title=What Life was Like in the Land of the Dragon |publisher=Time-Life |edition=1st |date=1998 |isbn=978-0783554587}}</ref> in which 40 hwachas were deployed to repel 30,000 Japanese soldiers.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Tools of War: History of Weapons in Early Modern Times |last=Ramsey |first=Syed |publisher=Alpha Edition |year=2016 |isbn=978-9386101679 |page=|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jkk5DAAAQBAJ&dq=%22hwacha%22+%22choi%22&pg=PT72 }}</ref>

European armies preferred relatively large single-launch rockets prior to World War II. Napoleonic armies of both sides followed the British adoption of [[Mysorean rockets]] as the [[Congreve rocket]]. These were explosive steel-cased bombardment rockets with minimal launchers. European navies developed naval multiple launcher mounts with steadily improving explosive rockets for light and coastal vessels. These weapons were largely replaced by conventional light artillery during the late nineteenth century.

===World War II===
[[Image:Katjuscha 1938 Moscow.jpg|thumb|BM-13 [[Katyusha rocket launcher|Katyusha]] (in service from 1939)]]
[[Image:T-34-rocket-launcher-France.jpg|thumb|American [[T34 Calliope]] (designed in 1943) in action]]
[[File:The British Army in Normandy 1944 B9593.jpg|thumb|A German Panzerwerfer [[Sd.Kfz. 4]] captured by the British during the [[Invasion of Normandy]] in 1944]]
[[File:385th Guards Artillery Brigade's 9K57 Uragan firing at the Totsky training ground (23-08-2018).webm|300px|thumb|Video of firing [[BM-27 Uragan]] in Russian service, 23 August 2018]]

The first [[self-propelled artillery|self-propelled]] MRLs—and arguably the most famous—was the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Katyusha rocket launcher|BM-13 Katyusha]], 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 MRLs. The Americans mounted tubular launchers atop [[M4 Sherman]] tanks to create the [[T34 Calliope]] rocket launching tank, only used in small numbers, as their closest equivalent to the Katyusha. The Germans began using a towed six-tube multiple rocket launcher during World War II, the [[15 cm Nebelwerfer 41|Nebelwerfer]], called the "Screaming Mimi" by the Allies. The system was developed before the war to skirt the limitations of the Treaty of Versailles. Later in the war, 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41s were mounted on modified Opel Maultier "Mule" halftracks, becoming [[Panzerwerfer]] 42 4/1s. Another version produced in limited numbers towards the end of the war was a conversion of the [[Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper]] ("heavy military transport", sWS) halftrack to a configuration similar to the Panzerwerfer 42 4/1, mounting the 10-barreled 15 cm Nebelwerfer.

Another German halftrack MRL system was inspired by the Russian BM-13. Keeping the Soviet 82 mm rocket caliber as well as the launch and rocket stabilisation designs, it was developed into a system of two rows of 12 guide rails mounted to a [[Maultier]] chassis, each row providing the capacity for 24 rockets, underslung as well as on top of the rails, for 48 rockets total. This vehicle was designated [[8 cm Raketen-Vielfachwerfer]] (8 cm multiple rocket launcher). As the launch system was inspired by and looked similar to the BM-13, which the Germans had nicknamed "''Stalin-Orgel''" or "Stalin-Organ", the Vielfachwerfer soon became known as the "''Himmler-Orgel''", or "Himmler-Organ".

==Types==

There are two main types of MRLs:
* With tubes or pipes, usually made of steel, non-removable from launcher, with options to be reloaded in on the battlefield with rockets loaded manually or semi-automatically. This was the most usual type until the 21st century. It is more convenient for battlefield usage because it does not require special tools to reload modules and test them before using them on launchers as with other types.
* With containers, pods or modules that can be removed from the launcher and quickly replaced with same or different types of rockets and calibers. They are usually reloaded at a factory or within specially-equipped army workshops. These are more modern types of weapons as they are not necessarily related to just one type of rocket and give more options to commanders in the field to deal with different tactical situations using different types of rockets or to quickly reload. They are also easier to upgrade for different types of rockets.

==Current usage==
[[File:Bangladesh Army WS-22 MLRS (30871693973).jpg|thumb|122 mm guided MLRS [[Weishi Rockets#WS-22|WS-22]] of the [[Bangladesh Army]]]]

Like all artillery, MRLs have a reputation of devastating morale on ill-disciplined or already-shaken troops.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Prenatt |first1=Jamie |title=Katyusha Russian Multiple Rocket Launchers 1941-Present |date=2016 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |pages=4}}</ref> The material effect depends on circumstances, as well-covered field fortifications may provide reasonable protection.

MRLs are still unable to properly engage reverse slope positions in [[mountain warfare]] because it is more difficult to determine the trajectory compared to that of a [[howitzer]] by adding or removing propellant increments. Simple MRL rocket types have a rather long minimum firing range for the same reason. An approach to lessen this limit is the addition of drag rings to the rocket nose. The increased drag slows the rocket down relative to a clean configuration and creates a less flat trajectory. Pre-packaged MRL munitions do not offer this option but some MRL types with individually loaded rockets do.<ref>Jane's Armour and Artillery 2011-2012 data sheets</ref>

Improvised MRLs based on helicopter or aircraft-mounted rocket pods (typically of 57–80{{spaces}}mm caliber) especially on light trucks and pickups (so-called "[[Technical (vehicle)|technical]]s") are often seen in civil wars when rebels make use of captured launchers and munitions.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.armamentresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ARES-Research-Report-No.-1-S-5-Rockets-in-Land-Warfare.pdf |title=Improvised Employment of S-5 Air-to-Surface Rockets in Land Warfare: A brief history and technical appraisal |date=2014 |publisher=Armament Research Services |access-date=2014-08-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924204548/http://www.armamentresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ARES-Research-Report-No.-1-S-5-Rockets-in-Land-Warfare.pdf |archive-date=2014-09-24 }}</ref>

Modern MRL systems can use modern land navigation (especially satellite navigation such as GPS) for quick and accurate positioning. The accurate determination of the battery position previously required such effort that making a dispersed operation of the battery was at times impractical. MRL systems with GPS can have their MRLs dispersed and fire from various positions at a single target, just as previously multiple batteries were often united on one target area.

Radar may be used to track [[weather balloon]]s to determine winds or to track special rockets that self-destruct in the air. The tracking allows determination of the influence of winds and propellant temperatures on the rockets' flight paths. These observations can then be factored into the firing solution for the rocket salvo for effect. Such tracking radars can also be used to predict the range error of individual rockets. Trajectory-correcting munitions may then benefit from this, as a directional radio may send a coded message to the rocket to deploy air brakes at just the right time to correct most of the range error. This requires that the rockets were originally aimed too far, as the range can only be shortened by the air brakes, not extended.

A more sophisticated system makes use of radar data and a one-way radio datalink to initiate a two dimensional (range and [[azimuth]]) correction of the rocket's flight path with steering by fins or nose thrusters. The latter is more common with systems which can be used to upgrade old rockets and the IMI [[ACCULAR]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Richardson |first=Doug |url=http://www.imi-israel.com/vault/documents/accular.pdf |title=Israel Military Industries exhibits reborn Accular guided rocket |access-date=2014-08-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715052614/http://www.imi-israel.com/vault/documents/accular.pdf |archive-date=2015-07-15 }}</ref> is an example.

[[File:Tactical exercises of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops units at Shikhani training ground (410-1).jpg|thumb|Heavy flamethrower system [[TOS-1|TOS-1A]] MRL capable of using thermobaric warheads, mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, in action]]

Fin-stabilised rockets also allow for easy course corrections using rudders or minute charges. [[Precision-guided munitions]] have been introduced to exploit this. Guidance principles such as GPS satellite navigation, inertial navigation systems and semi-active laser seekers are used for this. This improves dispersion from a [[Circular error probability|CEP]] of hundreds of meters at dozens of kilometers' range to just a few meters and largely independent of the range of the round (except for INS, as INS navigation creates a small dispersion that is about proportional to range). This in turn made great increases of rocket (or missile) ranges useful; previously dispersion had made rockets too inefficient and often too dangerous to friendly troops at long ranges.
Long-range MRL missiles often fly a higher quasi-ballistic trajectory than shorter-ranged rockets and thus pose a de-confliction challenge, as they might collide with friendly aircraft in the air.

The differences between an MRL missile and a large anti-tank guided missile, such as the [[Nimrod (missile)|Nimrod]], have blurred due to guided MRL missiles such as the [[M31 GMLRS]] (guided unitary multiple launch rocket system), which passed flight tests in 2014.<ref name=lm201408>{{cite press release|url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/GuidedUnitaryMLRSRocket.html |title=Guided MLRS Unitary Rocket |publisher=Lockheed Martin|date=11 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811224004/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/GuidedUnitaryMLRSRocket.html |archive-date=2014-08-11 }}</ref>

==See also==
* {{annotated link|Cake (firework)}}
* [[List of rocket artillery]]
* [[List of U.S. Army rocket launchers]]
* [[Rouketopolemos]]
* [[Transporter erector launcher]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}{{commons category|Multiple rocket launchers}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chinese inventions]]
[[Category:Multiple rocket launchers| ]]
[[Category:Salvo weapons]]
[[Category:Self-propelled rocket launchers]]
[[Category:Military history of the Song dynasty]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:49, 23 January 2026
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	{{Short description\|Rocket artillery system ~~capable of launching~~ multiple ~~rockets in quick succession~~}}		{{Short description\|Rocket artillery system with multiple launchers}}
	{{Redirect\|MLRS\|the U.S. Army system known as "MLRS"\|M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System}}		{{Redirect\|MLRS\|the U.S. Army system known as "MLRS"\|M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System}}
	{{More citations needed\|date=August 2014}}		{{More citations needed\|date=August 2014}}
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	[[File:11th century basketry fire arrow rocket launcher.jpg\|thumb\|left\|An illustration of a handheld multiple rocket launcher constructed of basketry, as depicted in the 11th century book [[Wujing Zongyao]] of the [[Song dynasty]]]]		[[File:11th century basketry fire arrow rocket launcher.jpg\|thumb\|left\|An illustration of a handheld multiple rocket launcher constructed of basketry, as depicted in the 11th century book [[Wujing Zongyao]] of the [[Song dynasty]]]]
	[[Image:Hwacha.jpg\|thumb\|Korean [[Joseon]] ''[[hwacha]]'' multiple rocket launcher (designed in 1409) in a museum]]		[[Image:Hwacha.jpg\|thumb\|Korean [[Joseon]] ''[[hwacha]]'' multiple rocket launcher (designed in 1409) in a museum]]
	The first multiple rocket launchers were invented during the medieval Chinese [[Song dynasty]], in which the Chinese [[fire lance]] was fixed backward on a pike or arrow and shot at an enemy as early as 1180.<ref name=James>{{Cite book \|title=Ancient Inventions \|last1=James \|first1=Peter J. \|last2=Thorpe \|first2=Nick \|last3=Thorpe \|first3=I. J. \|publisher=Ballantine Books \|year=1995 \|isbn=978-0345401021 \|page=[https://archive.org/details/ancientinvention00jame/page/238 238] \|url=https://archive.org/details/ancientinvention00jame/page/238 }}</ref> This form of rocket was used during the [[~~Mongol siege~~ of Kaifeng]].<ref name=Gruntman>{{Cite book \|title=Blazing the Trail: The Early History of Spacecraft and Rocketry \|last=Gruntman \|first=Mike \|author-link=Mike Gruntman \|publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics \|year=2005 \|isbn=978-1563477058 \|pages=5–6}}</ref>		The first multiple rocket launchers, known as [[Huo Che]], were invented during the medieval Chinese [[Song dynasty]], in which the Chinese [[fire lance]] was fixed backward on a pike or arrow and shot at an enemy as early as 1180.<ref name=James>{{Cite book \|title=Ancient Inventions \|last1=James \|first1=Peter J. \|last2=Thorpe \|first2=Nick \|last3=Thorpe \|first3=I. J. \|publisher=Ballantine Books \|year=1995 \|isbn=978-0345401021 \|page=[https://archive.org/details/ancientinvention00jame/page/238 238] \|url=https://archive.org/details/ancientinvention00jame/page/238 }}</ref> This form of rocket was used during the [[Siege of Kaifeng (1232)]].<ref name=Gruntman>{{Cite book \|title=Blazing the Trail: The Early History of Spacecraft and Rocketry \|last=Gruntman \|first=Mike \|author-link=Mike Gruntman \|publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics \|year=2005 \|isbn=978-1563477058 \|pages=5–6}}</ref>

	Chinese militaries later created multiple rocket launchers that fired up to 100 small fire-arrow rockets simultaneously. The typical powder section of the arrow-rockets was 1/3 to 1/2 ft (10 to 15 cm) long. Bamboo arrow shafts varied from 1.5 ft (45 cm) to 2.5 ft (75 cm) long and the striking distance reached 300 to 400 paces. The Chinese also enhanced rocket tips with poison and made sure that the launchers were mobile. They designed a multiple rocket launcher to be carried and operated by a single soldier.<ref name=Gruntman /> Various forms of MRLs evolved, including a launcher mounted on a wheelbarrow.<ref name=James />		Chinese militaries later created multiple rocket launchers that fired up to 100 small fire-arrow rockets simultaneously. The typical powder section of the arrow-rockets was 1/3 to 1/2 ft (10 to 15 cm) long. Bamboo arrow shafts varied from 1.5 ft (45 cm) to 2.5 ft (75 cm) long and the striking distance reached 300 to 400 paces. The Chinese also enhanced rocket tips with poison and made sure that the launchers were mobile. They designed a multiple rocket launcher to be carried and operated by a single soldier.<ref name=Gruntman /> Various forms of MRLs evolved, including a launcher mounted on a wheelbarrow.<ref name=James />
Line 17:		Line 17:

	European armies preferred relatively large single-launch rockets prior to World War II. Napoleonic armies of both sides followed the British adoption of [[Mysorean rockets]] as the [[Congreve rocket]]. These were explosive steel-cased bombardment rockets with minimal launchers. European navies developed naval multiple launcher mounts with steadily improving explosive rockets for light and coastal vessels. These weapons were largely replaced by conventional light artillery during the late nineteenth century.		European armies preferred relatively large single-launch rockets prior to World War II. Napoleonic armies of both sides followed the British adoption of [[Mysorean rockets]] as the [[Congreve rocket]]. These were explosive steel-cased bombardment rockets with minimal launchers. European navies developed naval multiple launcher mounts with steadily improving explosive rockets for light and coastal vessels. These weapons were largely replaced by conventional light artillery during the late nineteenth century.

			[[File:Rocket warfare.jpg\|thumb\|upright=1.2\|A painting showing the British forces confronted with [[Mysorean rockets]]]]

	===World War II===		===World War II===
	[[~~Image~~:~~Katjuscha 1938 Moscow~~.jpg\|thumb\|BM-13 [[Katyusha rocket launcher\|Katyusha]] (in service ~~from 1939~~)]]		[[File:Katyusha Rocket Launcher - Artillery Museum - St. Petersburg - Russia.jpg\|thumb\|BM-13 [[Katyusha rocket launcher\|Katyusha]] (in service since 1941)]]
	[[Image:T-34-rocket-launcher-France.jpg\|thumb\|American [[T34 Calliope]] (designed in 1943) in action]]		[[Image:T-34-rocket-launcher-France.jpg\|thumb\|American [[T34 Calliope]] (designed in 1943) in action]]
	[[File:The British Army in Normandy 1944 B9593.jpg\|thumb\|A German Panzerwerfer [[Sd.Kfz. 4]] captured by the British during the [[Invasion of Normandy]] in 1944]]		[[File:The British Army in Normandy 1944 B9593.jpg\|thumb\|A German Panzerwerfer [[Sd.Kfz. 4]] captured by the British during the [[Invasion of Normandy]] in 1944]]
Line 31:		Line 33:

	There are two main types of MRLs:		There are two main types of MRLs:
	* With tubes or pipes, usually made of steel, non-removable from launcher, with options to be reloaded in on the battlefield with rockets loaded manually or semi-automatically. This was the most usual type until the 21st century. It is more convenient for battlefield usage because it does not require special tools to reload modules and test them before using them on launchers as with other types.		* With tubes or pipes, usually made of steel, non-removable from launcher, with options to be reloaded on the battlefield with rockets loaded manually or semi-automatically. This was the most usual type until the 21st century. It is more convenient for battlefield usage because it does not require special tools to reload modules and test them before using them on launchers as with other types.
	* With containers, pods or modules that can be removed from the launcher and quickly replaced with same or different types of rockets and calibers. They are usually reloaded at a factory or within specially-equipped army workshops. These are more modern types of weapons as they are not necessarily related to just one type of rocket and give more options to commanders in the field to deal with different tactical situations using different types of rockets or to quickly reload. They are also easier to upgrade for different types of rockets.		* With containers, pods or modules that can be removed from the launcher and quickly replaced with same or different types of rockets and calibers. They are usually reloaded at a factory or within specially-equipped army workshops. These are more modern types of weapons as they are not necessarily related to just one type of rocket and give more options to commanders in the field to deal with different tactical situations using different types of rockets or to quickly reload. They are also easier to upgrade for different types of rockets.

	==Current usage==		==Current usage==
	~~[[File:Bangladesh Army WS-22 MLRS (30871693973).jpg\|thumb\|122 mm guided MLRS [[Weishi Rockets#WS-22\|WS-22]] of the [[Bangladesh Army]]]]~~

	Like all artillery, MRLs have a reputation of devastating morale on ill-disciplined or already-shaken troops.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Prenatt \|first1=Jamie \|title=Katyusha Russian Multiple Rocket Launchers 1941-Present \|date=2016 \|publisher=Osprey Publishing \|pages=4}}</ref> The material effect depends on circumstances, as well-covered field fortifications may provide reasonable protection.		Like all artillery, MRLs have a reputation of devastating morale on ill-disciplined or already-shaken troops.<ref>{{cite book \|last1=Prenatt \|first1=Jamie \|title=Katyusha Russian Multiple Rocket Launchers 1941-Present \|date=2016 \|publisher=Osprey Publishing \|pages=4}}</ref> The material effect depends on circumstances, as well-covered field fortifications may provide reasonable protection.
			[[File:Syrian Opposition Forces with Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems (cropped).png\|thumb\| Multiple Rocket Launcher System used by the Syrian Opposition Forces in July 2017]]
	MRLs are still unable to properly engage reverse slope positions in [[mountain warfare]] because it is more difficult to determine the trajectory compared to that of a [[howitzer]] by adding or removing propellant increments. Simple MRL rocket types have a rather long minimum firing range for the same reason. An approach to lessen this limit is the addition of drag rings to the rocket nose. The increased drag slows the rocket down relative to a clean configuration and creates a less flat trajectory. Pre-packaged MRL munitions do not offer this option but some MRL types with individually loaded rockets do.<ref>Jane's Armour and Artillery 2011-2012 data sheets</ref>		MRLs are still unable to properly engage reverse slope positions in [[mountain warfare]] because it is more difficult to determine the trajectory compared to that of a [[howitzer]] by adding or removing propellant increments. Simple MRL rocket types have a rather long minimum firing range for the same reason. An approach to lessen this limit is the addition of drag rings to the rocket nose. The increased drag slows the rocket down relative to a clean configuration and creates a less flat trajectory. Pre-packaged MRL munitions do not offer this option but some MRL types with individually loaded rockets do.<ref>Jane's Armour and Artillery 2011-2012 data sheets</ref>

	Improvised MRLs based on helicopter or aircraft-mounted rocket pods (typically of 57–80{{spaces}}mm caliber) especially on light trucks and pickups (so-called "[[Technical (vehicle)\|technical]]s") are often seen in civil wars when rebels make use of captured launchers and munitions.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.armamentresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ARES-Research-Report-No.-1-S-5-Rockets-in-Land-Warfare.pdf \|title=Improvised Employment of S-5 Air-to-Surface Rockets in Land Warfare: A brief history and technical appraisal \|date=2014 \|publisher=Armament Research Services \|access-date=2014-08-17 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924204548/http://www.armamentresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ARES-Research-Report-No.-1-S-5-Rockets-in-Land-Warfare.pdf \|archive-date=2014-09-24 }}</ref>		Improvised MRLs based on helicopter or aircraft-mounted rocket pods (typically of 57–80{{spaces}}mm caliber) especially on light trucks and pickups (so-called "[[Technical (vehicle)\|technical]]s") are often seen in civil wars when rebels make use of captured launchers and munitions.<ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.armamentresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ARES-Research-Report-No.-1-S-5-Rockets-in-Land-Warfare.pdf \|title=Improvised Employment of S-5 Air-to-Surface Rockets in Land Warfare: A brief history and technical appraisal \|date=2014 \|publisher=Armament Research Services \|access-date=2014-08-17 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924204548/http://www.armamentresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ARES-Research-Report-No.-1-S-5-Rockets-in-Land-Warfare.pdf \|archive-date=2014-09-24 }}</ref>

	Modern MRL systems can use modern land navigation (especially satellite navigation such as GPS) for quick and accurate positioning. The accurate determination of the battery position previously required such effort that making a dispersed operation of the battery was at times impractical. MRL systems with GPS can have their MRLs dispersed and fire from various positions at a single target, just as previously multiple batteries were often united on one target area.		Modern MRL systems can use modern land navigation (especially [[satellite navigation]] such as GPS) for quick and accurate positioning. The accurate determination of the battery position previously required such effort that making a dispersed operation of the battery was at times impractical. MRL systems with GPS can have their MRLs dispersed and fire from various positions at a single target, just as previously multiple batteries were often united on one target area.

	Radar may be used to track [[weather balloon]]s to determine winds or to track special rockets that self-destruct in the air. The tracking allows determination of the influence of winds and propellant temperatures on the rockets' flight paths. These observations can then be factored into the firing solution for the rocket salvo for effect. Such tracking radars can also be used to predict the range error of individual rockets. Trajectory-correcting munitions may then benefit from this, as a directional radio may send a coded message to the rocket to deploy air brakes at just the right time to correct most of the range error. This requires that the rockets were originally aimed too far, as the range can only be shortened by the air brakes, not extended.		Radar may be used to track [[weather balloon]]s to determine winds or to track special rockets that self-destruct in the air. The tracking allows determination of the influence of winds and propellant temperatures on the rockets' flight paths. These observations can then be factored into the firing solution for the rocket salvo for effect. Such tracking radars can also be used to predict the range error of individual rockets. Trajectory-correcting munitions may then benefit from this, as a directional radio may send a coded message to the rocket to deploy air brakes at just the right time to correct most of the range error. This requires that the rockets were originally aimed too far, as the range can only be shortened by the air brakes, not extended.
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	A more sophisticated system makes use of radar data and a one-way radio datalink to initiate a two dimensional (range and [[azimuth]]) correction of the rocket's flight path with steering by fins or nose thrusters. The latter is more common with systems which can be used to upgrade old rockets and the IMI [[ACCULAR]]<ref>{{cite web \|last=Richardson \|first=Doug \|url=http://www.imi-israel.com/vault/documents/accular.pdf \|title=Israel Military Industries exhibits reborn Accular guided rocket \|access-date=2014-08-18 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715052614/http://www.imi-israel.com/vault/documents/accular.pdf \|archive-date=2015-07-15 }}</ref> is an example.		A more sophisticated system makes use of radar data and a one-way radio datalink to initiate a two dimensional (range and [[azimuth]]) correction of the rocket's flight path with steering by fins or nose thrusters. The latter is more common with systems which can be used to upgrade old rockets and the IMI [[ACCULAR]]<ref>{{cite web \|last=Richardson \|first=Doug \|url=http://www.imi-israel.com/vault/documents/accular.pdf \|title=Israel Military Industries exhibits reborn Accular guided rocket \|access-date=2014-08-18 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715052614/http://www.imi-israel.com/vault/documents/accular.pdf \|archive-date=2015-07-15 }}</ref> is an example.

	[[File:Tactical exercises of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops units at Shikhani training ground (410-1).jpg\|thumb\|Heavy flamethrower system [[TOS-1\|TOS-1A]] MRL capable of using thermobaric warheads, mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, in action]]		[[File:Tactical exercises of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops units at Shikhani training ground (410-1).jpg\|thumb\|Heavy flamethrower system [[TOS-1\|TOS-1A]] MRL capable of using [[thermobaric weapon\|thermobaric warheads]], mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, in action]]

	Fin-stabilised rockets also allow for easy course corrections using rudders or minute charges. [[Precision-guided munitions]] have been introduced to exploit this. Guidance principles such as ~~GPS~~ satellite navigation, inertial navigation ~~systems~~ and semi-active laser ~~seekers~~ are used for this. This improves dispersion from a [[Circular error probability\|CEP]] of hundreds of meters at dozens of kilometers' range to just a few meters and largely independent of the range of the round (except for INS, as INS navigation creates a small dispersion that is about proportional to range). This in turn made great increases of rocket (or missile) ranges useful; previously dispersion had made rockets too inefficient and often too dangerous to friendly troops at long ranges.		Fin-stabilised rockets also allow for easy course corrections using rudders or minute charges. [[Precision-guided munitions]] have been introduced to exploit this. Guidance principles such as satellite navigation, [[inertial navigation system]]s and [[semi-active laser seeker]]s are used for this. This improves dispersion from a [[Circular error probability\|CEP]] of hundreds of meters at dozens of kilometers' range to just a few meters and largely independent of the range of the round (except for INS, as INS navigation creates a small dispersion that is about proportional to range). This in turn made great increases of rocket (or missile) ranges useful; previously dispersion had made rockets too inefficient and often too dangerous to friendly troops at long ranges.
	Long-range MRL missiles often fly a higher quasi-ballistic trajectory than shorter-ranged rockets and thus pose a de-confliction challenge, as they might collide with friendly aircraft in the air.		Long-range MRL missiles often fly a higher quasi-ballistic trajectory than shorter-ranged rockets and thus pose a de-confliction challenge, as they might collide with friendly aircraft in the air.

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	{{Authority control}}		{{Authority control}}

			[[Category:12th-century inventions]]
	[[Category:Chinese inventions]]		[[Category:Chinese inventions]]
	[[Category:Multiple rocket launchers\| ]]		[[Category:Multiple rocket launchers\| ]]
	~~[[Category:Salvo weapons]]~~
	[[Category:Self-propelled rocket launchers]]		[[Category:Self-propelled rocket launchers]]
	[[Category:Military history of the Song dynasty]]		[[Category:Military history of the Song dynasty]]
			[[Category:Crew served weapons]]
			[[Category:Science and technology of the Song dynasty]]