Rocket launcher

Rocket launcher
Shoulder-launched weapons avoid the problem of recoil by directing all exhaust out the rear of the launch tube (Swedish AT4)

A rocket launcher is any device that launches a rocket-propelled projectile, although the term is often used in reference to mechanisms that are portable and capable of being operated by an individual.

Weapon systems that fall into this category include the shoulder-launched missile weapon, the wider international term for any weapon that fires a rocket-propelled projectile at a target, yet is small enough to be carried by a single person, and fired while held on one's shoulder. However, the term bazooka, is also often used for any shoulder-launched rocket weapon. Specific types of rocket launchers within this group include the rocket-propelled grenade, better known as the RPG, which is a type of shoulder-launched anti-tank weapon designed by the Soviet Union; the anti-tank guided missile, a guided missile primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily-armored tanks and other armored fighting vehicles; and the Man-portable air-defense systems, which provides shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles. A smaller variation is the gyrojet, a small arm rocket launcher with ammunition slightly larger than that of a .45-caliber pistol. Recoilless rifles are sometimes confused with rocket launchers. However, the recoilless rifle merely fires a large-sized bullet-like projectile, and not a projectile that continues to propel itself after leaving the barrel of the weapon.

Larger-scale devices which serve to launch rockets include the multiple rocket launcher, a type of unguided rocket artillery system; the transporter erector launcher, a vehicle with an integrated prime mover that can carry, elevate to firing position and launch one or more missiles and various launchers for guided missiles, including ones for surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and antisubmarine warfare guided missiles (see ASROC, Sea Lance, etc.)

The largest scale currently existing device that can be considered a rocket launcher is the launch pad, the area and facilities where rockets or spacecraft liftoff. However, the launch pad itself is more of a platform, and serve only a minimal role in aiming or controlling the path of the launched object.


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  • rocket launcher — n. any of various devices that launch rockets; specif., a) a rocket launching device on a truck or tanklike vehicle, or the vehicle itself b) a rocket launching device on a ship, airplane, etc. c) a portable rocket launching weapon, as a bazooka …   English World dictionary

  • rocket launcher — rocket launchers N COUNT A rocket launcher is a device that can be carried by soldiers and used for firing rockets …   English dictionary

  • rocket launcher — noun armament in the form of a device capable of launching a rocket • Syn: ↑launcher • Derivationally related forms: ↑launch (for: ↑launcher) • Hypernyms: ↑armament …   Useful english dictionary

  • rocket launcher — missile launcher, device that is carried on a vehicle and can launch rockets or missiles …   English contemporary dictionary

  • rocket launcher — noun a) a hand held tube like device for launching a rocket propelled explosive device (missile) b) a truck for carrying and launching a missile …   Wiktionary

  • rocket launcher — Mil. 1. a tube attached to a weapon for the launching of rockets. 2. a vehicle equipped with many such tubes for the simultaneous firing of rockets. [1940 45] * * * …   Universalium

  • rocket launcher — noun (C) a weapon like a tube used for firing military rockets into the air …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • rocket-launcher — /ˈrɒkət lɔntʃə/ (say rokuht lawnchuh) noun a cylindrical weapon used by infantrymen to fire rockets capable of penetrating several centimetres of armour plate …  

  • Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher — Infobox Weapon name= Pinaka caption= Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher origin= flagcountry|India type= Rocket artillery is ranged= yes is bladed= is explosive= is artillery= yes is vehicle= yes is missile= yes is UK= service= used by=Indian… …   Wikipedia

  • Katyusha rocket launcher — Infobox Weapon name= Katyusha caption= BM 13 launcher based on a ZiS 6 truck, Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Kiev, Ukraine origin= Soviet Union type= Multiple rocket launcher service= 1939– used by= Soviet Union, Russian Federation, and… …   Wikipedia

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