 |
 |
| Rocket Launcher, 2.36 inch, M1A1 Bazooka Named after a homemade musical instrument used by radio comedian Bob Burns, the bazooka was a shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launcher. The weapon was designed by Army Captain Leslie Skinner and Navy Lieutenant Edward Uhl in 1940. The Army had been attempting to develop an effective anti-tank rifle, but Skinner and Uhl's simple design proved to be just what the Army was looking for. Although originally named the M1 Rocket Launcher, the weapon's nickname, given to it by soldiers because of its physical resemblance to Burns' musical instrument, was quickly adopted as its official designation. The bazooka worked by firing a shaped charge rocket warhead out of a simple open-ended tube. Electric ignition for the rocket was originally provided by a pair of small batteries, but this was later replaced by a trigger-operated magneto in the M9A1 model. The other major improvement in the M9A1 was a redesigned barrel that could be broken down into two sections for transport. Deployed to troops in 1942, the bazooka was most effectively employed by a two-man team, with one man serving as a gunner, and the other working to reload and rearm rockets. Tube Length: 61" Caliber: 60 mm Weight: 15 lbs. Explosive Type: M7A1 shaped charge (3.5 lbs.) Maximum Range: 400-500 yards Effective Range: 120 yards Crew: 2 |
 |
 |
 |
