M20 3.5 Inch Rocket Launcher
Gary's U.S. Infantry Weapons Reference Guide

M20A1
TECHNICAL DATA
 M20A1, M20A1B1
Complete System
Alternative DesignationsSuper Bazooka
Country of OriginUSA
Crew2 (gunner, loader)
Weight (Unloaded)14 lb (6.4 kg) - M20A1
13 lb (5.9 kg) - M20A1B1
Length (Assembled for Firing)60 in (1,524 mm)
Caliber3.5 in (88.9 mm)
Firing MechanismElectrical
SightReflecting with ladder-type reticle
Barrel
Weight of Front Barrel4.5 lb (2 kg) - M20A1
4 lb (1.8 kg) - M20A1B1
Length of Front Barrel30 in (762 mm)
Weight of Rear Barrel9.5 lb (4.3 kg) - M20A1
9 lb (4.1 kg) - M20A1B1
Length of Rear Barrel30 in (762 mm)
Performance
Armor Penetration11 in (279 mm)
Muzzle Velocity334 fps (102 mps)
Rate of FireMaximum: 12-18 rounds per minute
Sustained: 4 rounds per minute
Maximum Range900 yd (823 m)
Maximum Effective Ranges
Stationary Point Target300 yd (275 m)
Moving Target200 yd (185 m)

DESCRIPTION

The M20A1 and M20A1B1 rocket launchers are two-piece smooth-bore weapons of the open tube type and are fired by an electrical firing mechanism, which contains a magneto that provides the current and is located in the trigger grip.

These launchers are designed to be fired from the shoulder in standing, kneeling, sitting, or prone position.

To reduce weight, the barrels and many of the components are made of aluminum.

These launchers are designed to launch high explosive rockets and smoke rockets against ground targets. These high-explosive antitank rockets are capable of penetrating heavy armor at angles of impact greater than 30°.

Replaced the M9A1 2.36 inch (60 mm) rocket launcher. The M20 rocket launcher was used extensively during the Korean War, where its HEAT rocket proved effective against T34 tanks. No longer in U.S. service. Replaced by the M72 LAW.

TM 9-1055-201-12:  M20A1, M20A1B1

AMMUNITION

Ammunition is issued in the form of complete rounds of fixed ammunition. The term "fixed", signifies that the propelling charge is fixed (not adjustable) and that the round is loaded into the launcher as a unit.

The complete round consists of a rocket head, a fuse, and a rocket motor which contains the propellant and igniter. A tail assembly is rigidly attached to the rear of the motor. The fuse body, threaded at both ends, serves also as a coupling for the rocket head and motor.

The same model rocket motor is common to all complete rounds. The motor assembly is threaded externally at the forward end to engage the fuze. The rocket motor propelling charge consists of 12 nonperforated cylindrical extruded grains of M7 solvent propellent. Each grain is 5 inches long, approximately 3/8 inch in diameter and weighs 0.03 pound. The propellent grains are positioned lengthwise, three in each of four compartments.

The PI-BD (point initiating base detonating) M404 series rocket fuze is of the simple inertia (setback arming) type which functions with non-delay action upon impact or graze. Upon impact, the activating plunger moves forward activating the lever action of the firing pin. This drives the firing pin into the detonator and explodes the rocket.

The M405 dummy fuze is an inert fuze similar in appearance to the M404 series.

Temperature Limits: -20°F to +120°F

TM 9-1340-222-34: 3.5 inch rocket


3.5 inch rockets.
Model Type Unit Weight Unit Length Rocket Head Weight Rocket Head Length Filler Fuze
M28A2 HEAT 9.00 lb (4.08 kg) 23.55 in (598.2 mm) 4.54 lb (2.06 kg) 10.58 in (268.7 mm) 1.88 lb (0.85 kg) Composition B PI-BD M404A1 or M404A2
M29A2 Practice 8.96 lb (4.06 kg) 23.55 in (598.2 mm) 4.65 lb (2.11 kg) 10.58 in (268.7 mm) Inert Dummy M405
M30 WP 8.96 lb (4.06 kg) 23.55 in (598.2 mm) 4.47 lb (2.03 kg) 10.58 in (268.7 mm) 2.33 lb (1.06 kg) white phosphorus PI-BD M404A1 or M404A2


Rocket, HEAT, 3.5-Inch, M28A2

TM 9-1300-200: M28A2 TM 9-1055-201-12: M28A2
Intended for penetration of armored targets.

The head of this rocket consists of a thin gage steel body, cylindrical in shape and tapered at the rear. The cylindrical portion is 3.5 inches in diameter: the rear of the tapered portion, approximately 2 inches. The body contains a copper cone, whose apex is to the rear, which acts to shape the high explosive charge of approximately, 1.88 pounds of Composition B. The penetration effect is derived from the shaped charge. The forward end of the body is closed by a tapered thin gage metal ogive. The head is threaded internally at the rear to receive the fuze.

Olive drab body with yellow markings.
Rocket, Practice, 3.5-Inch, M29A2

TM 9-1055-201-12: M29A2
Simulates the service rockets, has an inert head, and is intended for target practice purposes.

The head of this practice rocket is similar in external contour to the lead of the M28A2 HEAT Rocket, except for a circumferential groove in the head at tile juncture of the lead body and ogive due to the crimp by which the ogive and body are secured. The head, which is hollow, is threaded internally at the rear to receive a dummy fuze. An earlier manufacturing alternative is identical in contour with the head of the M28A2 HEAT Rocket, except for the lack of the crimping groove, consisting of the metal parts of the service head inert loaded with plaster of paris.

Blue body with white markings.
Rocket, Smoke, 3.5-Inch, WP, M30 (T127E3)

TM 9-1055-201-12: M30
Intended to produce screening or signaling smoke.

The head of these rockets is similar in external contour to the head of the M28A2 HEAT rocket. The head is internally threaded at the rear end and contains a 2.33 pound charge of white phosphorus. At the rear it has a union internally threaded to receive the fuze, the M8 burster casing is press fitted into the union, and the steel body fitted over it. The steel ogive and the internal steel dome, which close the forward end of the filler cavity, are attached to the body.

Gray body with yellow markings and 1/2 inch wide band, approximately 5 inches from nose end.

BACK BLAST

TM 9-1055-201-12:  M20 back blast area


Since the rocket may burn for a time after projection from the launcher thereby placing the operating personnel in the back blast areas, eye protection in the form of goggles or similar equipment with safety glass lenses is mandatory at temperatures of 70°F, and above.

At temperatures below 70°F, rockets may be expected to produce blowback of propellant particles after projection from the launcher. Therefore, at temperatures below 70°F, the use of field protective mask or goggles and hand protection is mandatory for all operating personnel.

Variants

M20
M20A1 (NSN 1055-840-1841)
TM 9-1055-201-12:  M20A1
Barrels are rolled aluminum. Components of the barrel assemblies are secured by screws.
M20A1B1 (NSN 1055-840-1842)
TM 9-1055-201-12:  M20A1B1
Barrels are cast aluminum.