Slide Bazooka Instrument "Bazooka" is a term commonly applied to a series of recoilless launchers used by the US military during the WW2 and the Korean War. It was a slang term adopted by the GIs based on the device's resemblace to a comedy 'instrument' popularized by Radio Comedian Bob Burns in the 1930s & 1940s.
Today the term is often used by the general public as a generic for any tube-like rocket launcher; this cannot exactly be called incorrect, since "Bazooka" was only ever a nickname for the original weapon, but on this site it should only be used to refer to this series of launchers.
The following weapons are in the M1 Series of Rocket Launchers:
M1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket) Error creating thumbnail: File missing M1 Bazooka - 2.36 inch 1941 first model adopted from Capt. L.A. Skinner's prototype Rocket launcher
Had two pistol grips (one with trigger) and a shoulder step.
Introduced in June 1942 used until August 1943 when replaced by the M1A1 variant. Film Television
Title
Actor
Character
Note
Air Date
Mail Call
Video Games M1A1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket) Error creating thumbnail: File missing M1A1 Bazooka - 2.36 inch Introduced in August 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. 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 Television Video Games M9 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket) Error creating thumbnail: File missing M9 "Bazooka" - 2.36 inch Introduced in June 1943 and operated along side the M1A1
Iron sights replaced by Optical Sights
Could be disassembled into two halves for easier carrying.
Forward blast cone added. Film Television Video Games M9A1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket) Error creating thumbnail: File missing M9A1 "Bazooka" - 2.36 inch Introduced in September 1944 replacing the M9
Battery ignition replaced by trigger magneto. Video Games
M20 "Super Bazooka" (3.5" Rocket) Error creating thumbnail: File missing M20 "Super Bazooka" 3.5" Larger Warhead for greater armor penetration
Usable range was extended by an additional 150 meters.
Replaced the M9A1 in 1950. Film Television
Title
Actor
Character
Note
Air Date
Viper Vigilante gang leader
Ep. "Turf Wars"
Sanctuary U.S. Airborne soldier
Ep. "Normandy"
2011
Video Games Animation M20B1 "Super Bazooka"(3.5" Rocket) Error creating thumbnail: File missing M20B1 "Super Bazooka" 3.5" Lighter weight version - made of cast aluminum.
Used as a supplement to the M20 Film Anime
Title
Characters
Notation
Date
Mad Bull 34 N.Y.P.D. S.W.A.T. officer
1990
M20A1/A1B1 "Super Bazooka"(3.5" Rocket) File:Bazookasmithsonian2.gif M20A1B1 "Super Bazooka" - 3.5" Rocket File:M20A1.gif M20A1 "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. Film Anime Video Games
Spanish M-65 Rocket Launcher Error creating thumbnail: File missing Spanish M65 Rocket Launcher. Spanish Upgrade of the Bazooka Film See also Panzerschreck
