Congreve rocket

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	Weapon: Congreve rocket Type: Rocket Artillery Country of Origin: United Kingdom Caliber: Up To 42 Pounder Action: Solid Fuel Rocket

The Congreve Rocket was an early form of military rocket developed by British engineer Sir William Congreve in the early 19th century, inspired by rockets used by Indian forces against the British in the late 18th century. The rockets, made of iron tubes filled with gunpowder and mounted on long wooden sticks for stability, were capable of reaching ranges up to 2,000 yards. Congreve designed rockets in multiple sizes, with warheads containing either explosive or incendiary charges, making them versatile for use in both land and naval warfare.

First produced in 1805, the Congreve rockets saw use in several British military campaigns, including the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, where they famously bombarded Fort McHenry, inspiring the "rockets' red glare" in the American national anthem. Production numbers are uncertain, but Congreve rockets were made in significant quantities as part of the British Army and Royal Navy's expanding rocket artillery divisions. These rockets were launched in volleys from specially constructed frames, allowing for devastating but somewhat unpredictable impacts on enemy formations and fortifications.

Despite their limited accuracy and stability, Congreve rockets became notorious for their psychological impact due to their loud, fiery flights and powerful explosions upon impact. They were feared as much for their unpredictable trajectories as for their destructive potential, and their use marked an early and innovative foray into rocket artillery by a European power. Though soon eclipsed by more advanced artillery, the Congreve rocket left a lasting mark on military history and is remembered as a precursor to modern rocketry, symbolized by its legacy in both British and American culture.