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M1 Rocket Launcher "Bazooka"
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.
- Introduced in June 1942 used until August 1943 when replaced by the M1A1 variant.
Video Games
Television
M1A1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket)
- 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
- U.S. Army soldiers in Saving Private Ryan
- The Story of G.I. Joe (1945)
- A Walk In The Sun (1945)
Television
- U.S. Army soldiers in Band of Brothers
- Weaponology
- Mail Call
Anime
Video Games
M9 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket)
- 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.
Movies
- Chinese soldiers in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Video Games
M9A1 "Bazooka" (2.36" Rocket)
- Introduced in September 1944 replacing the M9
- Battery ignition replaced by trigger magneto.
Video Games
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.
Film
- U.S.Army soldier in To Hell and Back (1955)
- U.S.Army soldiers in Them!
- U.S.Army soldiers and Marines in War of the Worlds (1953)
- U.S.Army soldier at Normandy beachhead in The Longest Day (1963)
- U.S.Army soldier in The Devil's Brigade (1968)
- Tuareg tribesmen in Sahara (2005)
- U.S. Army soldiers in The Iron Giant
Television
- Vigilante gang leader in Viper (episode: "Turf Wars")
Video Games
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.