Katyusha

“

Katyusha reporting in!

Katyusha

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The Katyusha is a multiple rocket-launcher vehicle nicknamed "Stalin's Organ" due to the alignment of the rocket rails and the near deafening noise of the launch of a rocket volley from it.

The Katyusha's rockets are typically not as accurate as other long range ordinance, though their impact is devestating, especially when employed in large groups in attacks upon armor columns and infantry. The sound of a Katyusha volley being launched is a powerful psychological weapon, feared almost as much as the shriek of a German Stuka dive bomber approaching its target.

Background[]

Real world history[]

Perhaps no images are more associated with Soviet firepower in World War II than footage of rockets screaming from Katyusha launchers. The Germans nicknamed them the Katyusha the “Stalin Organ”, and the rocket-launcher assembly itself could be mounted on almost anything: tractors, flatbed trucks, and even gunboats.

Characteristics[]

The Katyusha is a very powerful and cheap artillery unit. It will be a key part of any Soviet army, no matter the Tech Level. Alas, it is also very weak to enemy fire and even standard infantry represents a real threat to it.

Availability[]

Upgrades[]

Structure-specific[]

HE Shells — increase damage of shells by 15%. Effectively buffs damage per minute.

Gameplay[]

Tactics[]

Massing Katyusha rockets behind an armored fist is a good solution to almost any problem. Just make sure to keep them safe.

Counters[]

Pretty much any other unit can kill this glass cannon. Soviet players can use partisans or artillery to wipe out Katyushas without issues. German players can use their own, tougher Wurfrahmen units or speedy Panthers to kill these beasts. Allied players can use their awesome air units or good old rangers to make short work of Katyushas.

Assessment[]

Pros[]

Outstanding long-range firepower with good firing rate.
Can transport heroes.
Decently speedy.
Cheap and quick to produce.

Cons[]

Very fragile. Low health points and bad armour make it extremely vulnerable.
Cannot fire on the move.
Defenseless to air attacks.

Selected Quotes[]

Videos[]

Trivia[]

Pros: The Katyusha is quickly produced and boasts an amazingly long range, allowing you to drop fire on distant enemy vehicles and fortifications. It also has a surprisingly fast rate of fire.
Cons: Flatbed trucks are great for hauling stuff, but they don’t hold up too well when fired upon: it only takes one or two hits from a tank or several Bazookas/Panzerfausts to finish them off.
Bottom Line: It’s difficult to imagine this much firepower for such a low cost. You’ll still be producing this Tech Level 1 unit at the end of even very long battles.