"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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
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)
- 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)
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)
- 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
Spanish M65 Rocket Launcher.
- Spanish Upgrade of the Bazooka
Film
See also
Panzerschreck (The German Copy of the M1 Bazooka)
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