M20A1B1 Super Bazooka - It's a Super Bazooka. Need I Say More?

Published on October 28, 2017
Duration: 15:40

The M20A1B1 Super Bazooka was the standard US anti-tank weapon during the Korean War, offering significant improvements over its predecessor with its 3.5-inch shaped charge warhead capable of penetrating up to 11 inches of flat armor. Despite its power, it struggled against sloped armor and had a dangerous backblast. Key features include a take-down design for portability, a magneto trigger, and an improved loading mechanism in the A1 variant.

Quick Summary

The M20A1B1 Super Bazooka was the standard US anti-tank weapon during the Korean War, utilizing a 3.5-inch shaped charge warhead capable of penetrating up to 11 inches of flat armor. It featured a magneto trigger and a take-down design for portability, though it struggled against sloped armor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka
  2. 01:00History of US Anti-Tank Weapons
  3. 02:45Evolution of the Shaped Charge
  4. 03:29M20 Development and Korean War Use
  5. 04:16Limitations and Sloped Armor
  6. 05:08Operational Characteristics (Backblast)
  7. 06:44Model Variations: M20 vs M20A1B1
  8. 07:35Disassembly and Portability
  9. 08:30Optical Sight and Range
  10. 09:42Firing Mechanism (Magneto Trigger)
  11. 10:16Loading and Electrical Connections
  12. 11:40Deactivation for Civilian Ownership
  13. 14:06Service History and Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka's primary role?

The M20A1B1 Super Bazooka served as the standard US infantry anti-tank weapon during the Korean War. Its primary role was to engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles using its powerful 3.5-inch shaped charge rockets.

How effective was the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka against armor?

The 3.5-inch M20A1B1 was highly effective against flat armor, capable of penetrating up to 11 inches. However, its shaped charge warheads struggled against sloped armor, often skipping off without detonating.

What are the key operational characteristics of the M20A1B1 Super Bazooka?

The M20A1B1 has no recoil or muzzle flash, but it produces a significant backblast. It features a take-down design for portability, a magneto trigger for firing, and an optical sight with a maximum range of 900 yards.

How did the M20A1B1 differ from earlier Bazooka models?

The M20A1B1 was a significant upgrade from the 2.36-inch M1 Bazooka, featuring a larger caliber and greater armor penetration. The A1 variant also removed the bipod and monopod to reduce weight and improved the loading mechanism.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →