Rocket Shell

or missile, a projectile that is delivered to a target by means of the thrust of a rocket engine.

Rocket shells are designed to destroy enemy combat matériel, manpower, and defensive structures. Rocket shells are included in the armament of the ground forces, air force, and navy. Rocket shells were first manufactured in the USSR (the Katiusha). The caliber of rocket shells ranges from 37 to 300 mm. Rocket shells are classified by combat designation as fragmentation, fragmentation-high explosive, high explosive, shaped-charge, incendiary, and smoke types. Nitroglycerine powders are used as fuel in the shells. Pyrotechnic cartridges and electric igniters are used to ignite the powder charge. The rocket shell achieves stability in flight through its tail assembly. The trajectory of a rocket shell is made up of the active leg, in which the rocket engine is operating, and the passive leg, in which the shell is a free-flying body. Rocket artillery projectiles have also been developed. They may be fired from artillery guns and thus increase the range by 25 to 100 percent.