3.5-Inch Rocket Launcher “Tremendous Bazooka” Area Guide: FM 23-32

The three.5-inch rocket launcher, also referred to as the tremendous bazooka, was launched in early 1950 and noticed appreciable motion all through the Korean Battle. The success of the highly effective German Panzerschreck 88mm anti-tank rocket precipitated america to fully rethink the bazooka on the shut of World Battle II. Primarily based on the Panzerschreck’s design, the M20 was considerably bigger than the two.36-inch bazooka of WWII. Although bearing a superficial resemblance to the Nazi weapon, the M20 had larger efficient vary, energy and accuracy. The M20 was a two-piece, smooth-bore weapon weighing solely twelve kilos with an assembled size of sixty inches. It fired a “formed cost” that concentrated the drive of the explosion on a really small space, thus permitting the projectile to penetrate armor plate as thick as eleven inches. It boasted a spread of as much as 900 yards. Along with the M20 mannequin, the Military produced additional developments designated M20A1/A1B1 and M20B1. Just like the M20, they boasted numerous simplified parts together with latch assemblies, and within the case of the M20B1 aluminum barrels. Created in 1961, this discipline guide reveals an awesome deal in regards to the 3.5-inch rocketlauncher M20A1 and M20A1B1’s design and capabilities. Supposed as a guide for these charged with operation and upkeep, it particulars many elements of its controls, ammunition and sighting gear. Initially labeled restricted, this guide was declassified way back and is right here reprinted in ebook kind. Care has been taken to protect the integrity of the textual content.