M1 Bazooka

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	Weapon: M1 Bazooka Type: Man-Portable Rocket Launcher Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1942 Caliber: 60mm Action: Rocket Launcher System Overall Length (mm): 1320.0 Weight (kg): 5.00 Effective Range (m): 200

The M1 Bazooka, officially known as the Rocket Launcher, M1, was the first man-portable, shoulder-fired rocket launcher designed and used by the United States during World War II. It was developed in 1942 by a team of engineers led by Edward Uhl and Colonel Leslie Skinner. The weapon fired a 2.36-inch (60 mm) high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rocket, capable of penetrating armored vehicles and fortifications. Its simple tube design, powered by a solid-fuel rocket, allowed soldiers to engage enemy tanks effectively at ranges up to 300 yards, revolutionizing infantry anti-tank capabilities.

Production of the M1 Bazooka began rapidly in 1942, with over 480,000 units produced during World War II. The weapon was manufactured by multiple U.S. companies, including General Electric, to meet the high demand. Subsequent versions, such as the M1A1 and M9, improved upon the original design by adding features like a removable tube for easier transport and better reliability. The Bazooka was widely used by Allied forces in both the European and Pacific theaters, proving invaluable in neutralizing enemy armor, bunkers, and pillboxes.

The M1 Bazooka gained notoriety for its impact on the battlefield, significantly leveling the playing field against German and Japanese armored vehicles. Its influence extended beyond World War II, inspiring similar weapons like the German Panzerschreck and the Soviet RPG series. Despite being eventually replaced by more advanced systems like the M20 Super Bazooka and recoilless rifles, the M1 remains a symbol of technological innovation in warfare. Its lightweight, portable design set the standard for modern rocket-propelled anti-armor weapons, and it is celebrated as a key contributor to Allied success in World War II.