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M1 Rocket Launcher "Bazooka": Difference between revisions
| Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
* Could be disassembled into two halves for easier carrying. | * Could be disassembled into two halves for easier carrying. | ||
==M9A1 "Bazooka" | ==M9A1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket)== | ||
* Update to M9 during 1945-1950 | * Update to M9 during 1945-1950 | ||
* Battery ignition replaced by trigger magneto. | * Battery ignition replaced by trigger magneto. | ||
Revision as of 17:52, 27 July 2008
The Term Bazooka is a generic term used by the public for all rocket launchers (that are NOT RPG style grenade launchers). The term is a 'catch all phrase' and is inaccurate. The "Bazooka" refers specifically to the line of rocket launchers stemming from the M1 of World War 2. It was a slang adopted by the G.I.s based on the comedy novelty 'instrument' (called the Bazooka) popularized by Radio Comedian Bob Burns in the 1930s & 1940s. Because the then new rocket launcher looked like Burn's instrument, the soldiers took to calling it by that name.
The following weapons are in the M1 Series of Rocket Launchers:
M1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket)
- 1941 first model adopted from Capt. L.A. Skinner's prototype Rocket launcher
- Had two pistol grips (one with trigger) and a shoulder step.
- Used until 1943 when the A1 variant reached the troops.
M1A1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket)
- First manufactured 1942 - reached the front line by 1943
- Improved electrical system
- Removed "On/Off" Switch with the 'ready' light
- Removed 2nd pistol grip
- Added optional blast shield in front, but was rarely used by troops
- Optional solid blast cone in back to replace wired cone.
M9 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket)
- Developed and built in 1944 - Replaced M1A1 in 1945
- Iron sights replaced by Optical Sights
- Could be disassembled into two halves for easier carrying.
M9A1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket)
- Update to M9 during 1945-1950
- Battery ignition replaced by trigger magneto.
M20 "Super Bazooka" (3.5" Rocket)
- Larger Warhead for greater armor penetration
- Usable range was extended by an additional 150 meters.
- Replaced the M9A1 in 1950.
M20B1 "Super Bazooka"(3.5" Rocket)
- Lighter weight version - made of cast aluminum.
- Used as a supplement to the M20
M20A1/A1B1 "Super Bazooka"(3.5" Rocket)
- Entered production in 1952 - issued to troops after end of Korean War
- Improved connector latch assembly.
- Standard AT weapon until advent of light weapons (LAW) and heavier weapons (Dragon) for AT use in the 1960s.
The M1 series of Rocket Launcher can be seen in the following films, TV series, anime, and video games used by the following actors:
Film
- U.S. Army soldiers in Saving Private Ryan
- U.S.Army soldiers in Them!
- U.S.Army soldiers and Marines in War Of The Worlds(1953)
Television
- U.S. Army soldiers in Band of Brothers