The hwacha — which roughly translates to "fire chariot" — may be best described as a type of early multiple rocket launcher. It was invented in the 15th century in Korea. Basically, this weapon consisted of a 2-wheeled cart, on which was mounted a board with a great number of holes. Each of these holes was filled with a singijeon — a type of arrow propelled by a tube of gunpowder attached to its shaft. The earliest hwachas were capable of firing up to 100 arrows each time they were ignited. The design of the weapon was later improved to allow up to 200 arrows to be fired in each round. Hwachas saw action most extensively against the Japanese during their invasions of Korea in the 1590s. They were primarily placed in fortresses or citadels, and used defensively. Even though the hwacha was instrumental in the Korean victory at Haengju, it eventually became obsolete in the warfare of subsequent ages. Nevertheless, this weapon is still regarded as an important innovation in Korean military history, and is often featured in popular culture.
