Multiple rocket launchers are not new items. As far back as the 13th century, the Chinese were using batteries of rockets to attack adversaries. In fact, these may have even pre-dated that time, but this is the earliest evidence we have. As with all things Chinese at the time, the idea worked its way through Asia and the Arab world into Europe. Rockets were used in the 1300s and were relatively commonplace by the time the 1700s arrived. In the 1700s the Kingdome of Mysore had a 5,000 man rocket artillery unit. By the 19th century, 16 European nations had rocket artillery. It was Russia which really took to using these devices and in various battles throughout the century, made rather widespread use of these weapons.

However, it was the introduction of mechanization in the 20th century which really got Russian and Soviet interest into high gear. In the late 1930s, the Soviets started experimenting with truck mounted batteries. Some of the difficulties were in providing a stable platform and another was in getting more accuracy out of the rockets in question. Eventually, much testing resulted in what we now know as the Katyusha system of truck mounted rocket systems firing over the cab of the truck with jacks used to stabilize the truck during firing.

The Soviets developed a number of different systems based on the rockets that were used. These could be attached to any available truck, but the one that was preferred was the Lend Lease Studebaker. Other vehicles such as those that were tracked which could move over terrain the trucks could not were used as well, though not in large numbers. By the end of WWII, the Soviet Katyusha regiments were large in number and able to fire a devastating barrage at some ranges greater than their field guns.

The end of WWII did not stop development of these sorts of systems and while other nations have done some similar development, none have put the effort into it that the Soviets and Russians have. The systems have become more technically advanced with external guidance systems allowing the sort of accuracy that could have only be dreamt of earlier.

In this book, the author covers the background of military rocket use and then concentrates on its use by the Russians/Soviets. A somewhat bewildering number of systems, many distinct from each other were designed and put into production. Even today, there MRLS (Multiple Rocket Launch Sytems) in service with many nations, but none with the diversity of the Russians. Each system and its use in warfare is covered with lots of great photos and the superb art work or Adam Hook. It makes for an excellent look into this line of weapons  and an interesting read to anyone with an interest in military weapons.

June 2016

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