Hwacha was a multiple rocket launcher developed and used in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). It had the ability to fire up to 200 singijeon, a type of fire arrow rocket, at one time.
The hwacha consisted of a two-wheeled cart carrying a board filled with holes into which the singijeon were inserted.
The hwacha's structure was very similar to a hand cart with a mobile wooden launchpad on the top filled with 100 to 200 cylindrical holes, into which the ignitors were placed.
The ammunition, similar to the Chinese fire arrow, consisted of a 1.1 m long arrow with the addition of a paper tube filled with gunpowder attached to the shaft just below the head. Approximately 100 projectiles were loaded and launched in one volley.
One variant had 5 rows of 10 gun barrels in the launchpad, each of which could fire a bundle of four arrow-like projectiles.
The back side of the hwacha featured two parallel arms that allowed the operator to push and pull the machine, and a vertical strip designed for in-line attacks or stand ground-sentry positions.
Hwachas were usually made of pine wood, although there are some versions made of oak. Ropes used within were usually made of hemp.
Sergyi Way
06.03.2013