A rocket launcher is a platform or handheld device designed to launch rockets: self-propelled projectiles that carry a warhead and obtain thrust by burning propellant. In general usage the term covers a wide range of items, from shoulder-fired tubes and recoilless rifles to truck- or vehicle-mounted banks of tubes. The word "rocket" in this context refers to an unguided or minimally steered projectile rather than a guided missile; for a basic distinction see missiles versus rockets. Rocket warheads are often explosive or shaped-charge charges; for more on warhead types see explosives and propellant chemistry at propellant and fuel.

Characteristics and types

Rocket launchers vary by mobility, launch method and intended target. Common categories include:

  • Shoulder-fired launchers: single-shot disposable tubes or reloadable reusable launchers carried and aimed by a single operator. Examples range from light anti-armor weapons to anti-structure rockets.
  • Recoilless rifles and tube-launched systems: weapons that vent propellant gases to reduce recoil; they occupy a middle ground between traditional artillery and rocket systems. See the related concept of a recoilless rifle.
  • Vehicle- and ship-mounted launchers: these include multi-tube arrays fixed to trucks, tanks or naval mounts for saturation fire or area bombardment; many are integrated in tactical units and command systems. See an example at truck-mounted launchers.
  • Multiple rocket launcher systems (MLRS): coordinated banks of rockets fired in salvos to cover large areas or suppress enemy positions.

History and development

Rockets used as weapons have their roots in medieval China following the discovery of gunpowder; early incendiary and rocket devices evolved into military rockets over centuries. For the historical origin see gunpowder and early rocket history. By the 20th century, rocket launchers matured into infantry and vehicle weapons. In the Second World War, both Allied and Axis forces deployed shoulder-fired and vehicle-mounted rocket weapons that could threaten armored vehicles and fortifications; the conflict demonstrated that rockets could be powerful anti-tank tools in addition to artillery roles (World War II, anti-tank use).

Uses and notable models

Modern rocket launchers are used for anti-armor, anti-structure, anti-personnel, breaching and suppression roles. Some well-known models and families include:

  • Bazooka — a widely recognized early American shoulder-fired rocket launcher; the name is often used generically but properly denotes a specific family of weapons.
  • RPG-7 — a durable, reloadable rocket-propelled grenade launcher developed in the mid-20th century and used worldwide.
  • LAW — the Light Anti-Armor Weapon, a lightweight disposable antitank rocket launcher intended for infantry use.
  • AT-4 and SMAW — other examples of single-shot or reloadable antitank/anti-structure launchers used by many armed forces.
  • Panzerschreck — a German World War II-era infantry anti-tank rocket launcher similar in concept to the bazooka.

Distinctions and notable facts

One important technical distinction separates rocket launchers from guided missile launchers. Most rockets are unguided after launch and follow a ballistic or powered trajectory, whereas many modern missiles have onboard guidance and can adjust their path to home in on a moving target; see missiles for guidance-enabled weapons. Because rockets lack sophisticated active guidance, they are typically simpler, cheaper and more robust for massed fire. That simplicity makes them effective for saturation fire and short-range anti-armor roles but less precise than guided systems.

Terminology can be loose in everyday language: civilians and media sometimes use a famous trade name to refer to an entire class of weapons (for example, calling many launchers a bazooka), a common linguistic process known as genericization. For technical, legal and safety reasons it is important to use specific designations when discussing procurement, regulation or historical research. For more general context about the role of rocket weapons in combined arms operations and modern doctrine, consult introductory resources on military ordnance and weapons systems at weapons overview.

Because rocket launchers vary widely in design and capability, operators must be trained in aiming, backblast safety, ammunition handling and target assessment. When discussing historical examples and surviving specimens in museums, note that operational details and exact performance figures often depend on model, ammunition type and tactical employment.