side-stick-mounted rocket

The term "side-stick-mounted rocket" refers to a type of early rocket weapon that used a long stick attached to its side for stabilization during flight. These rockets were developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, notably by Sir William Congreve in England.

Congreve's rockets featured metal cylinders containing gunpowder and a guide stick inserted through metal loops. They could be launched from A-frame ladders and were used in naval bombardments and land battles. While individually inaccurate, massed attacks with these rockets were effective against cavalry and could cause significant damage, as seen in the burning of Copenhagen and their use during the War of 1812.12

Later improvements included mounting the guide stick along the central axis for increased accuracy and the development of "stickless" rockets that stabilized through spin, eliminating the need for a physical stick.12