Are a bazooka and a missile launcher the same thing?

Answer 1

The bazooka and missile launcher are the same in that they are portable, infantry deployed anti-armor weapons. (They can be used againsed fortified positions, too.) The bazooka, however, relies on the accuracy of the operator to put the munition on target. The modern missile launcher uses (not surprisingly) a missile, which is a guided munition. The projectile in a bazooka was a rocket, which is generally considered an unguided(except for the "aiming" of the weapon) munition. There is no attempt made here to confuse anyone, but the difference in weapons boils down to the difference between a rocket and a missile. And it is hoped that things were made clear. There are links below for further information, including pictures. The web also has posted in a number of places short clips of missile launchers in operation, and a link can be found below to footage of the M9 Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher (the "Bazooka"). Missiles, because of their sophisticated electronic guidance systems, cost a lot more money per "shot" than the rocket-propelled shaped charge launched from a bazooka. That's why we see rocket-propelled grenades and similar munitions still on the battlefield today. These munitions are cheaper, lighter, easier to make and are, therefore, used broadly by modern "under-funded" and "unofficial" military units like Al-Qaeda and others.