Japanese Bo-Hiya

By Crusader1307

Dating back to the 6th A.D. Century, The Bo-Hiya was akin to the Chinese and Korean “Fire Arrows”, or portable hand rockets. A cross between a Matchlock and a Rocket Launcher, The Bo-Hiya were thick arrows with large tail stabilizers. Made of wood and metal, they were placed into the barrel of a Matchlock. A water-proof fuse of hemp (Slow Match), was placed into the Powder Charge (a shaped wooded cylinder mounted on the arrow). The hemp was then wound around the arrow shaft downward. When lit, the shooter would aim (at an angle). The charge would ignite and send the rocket “down range”. Often filled with lead (shrapnel), they were extremely effective. 15th Century Japanese Navies also deployed The Bo-Hiya.