Bolt Action: US Airborne Bazooka and Light Mortar Teams (1944-45)
The US Airborne Bazooka and Light Mortar Teams added tactical versatility and firepower to paratroopers tasked with securing objectives behind enemy lines.
The American Bazooka was first used in North Africa and on Tarawa in November 1942. The final version was longer (1.55m) and improved the range from 200-250 yards to 300 yards. The M6 HEAT rocket could easily penetrate 76mm of armour at 30° or 110mm at 90°.
The standard light mortar fired a relatively larger and more effective 60mm shell. It had a greater range than the smaller mortars used by the Germans and the British. The paratroopers had a lighter version weighing just under 20lbs and was operated by a 2 man team.
