Hwacha
Korean multiple rocket launcher / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The hwacha or hwach'a (Korean: 화차; Hanja: 火車; lit. fire cart[1]) was a multiple rocket launcher and an organ gun of similar design which were developed in fifteenth century Korea. The former variant fired one or two hundred rocket-powered arrows[2][3] while the latter fired several dozen iron-headed arrows or bolts out of gun barrels. The term was used to refer to other war wagons or other cart-based artillery in later periods, such as that developed by Byeon Yijung in the 1590s.
Hwacha | |
Korean name | |
---|---|
Hunminjeongeum | 화차 |
Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Hwacha |
McCune–Reischauer | Hwach'a |
These weapons were notably deployed in the defense of the Korean Peninsula against the invading Japanese when they invaded in the 1590s.[4] Some East Asian historians believe this technological breakthrough, alongside the turtle ship in the mid-16th century, had a distinctive effect during the war.[5]
Hwachas appear in Korean museums, national parks, and popular culture today.