Description
3.5-Inch M20 Super Bazooka M404-Series Fuze Safety Band
Item Overview
This original military-surplus item is a removable fuze safety band for a 3.5-inch M20-series “Super Bazooka” rocket. It was part of the rocket’s fuze safety system and was not a component of the launcher. The band’s domed section restrained the spring-loaded ejection pin during storage, transport, and handling. This loose band contains no explosive material.
Identification and Features
The shape matches the safety bands used with the U.S. M404-series base-detonating rocket fuzes. It is especially similar to the loose M404A2 band illustrated in Figure 26 on page 59 of U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1950. The M404 and M404A1 used similar systems, but minor design details and band shapes differed between models.
- Item type: Removable rocket-fuze safety band
- Fuze family: M404, M404A1, and M404A2
- Closest illustrated match: M404A2 safety band
- Rocket caliber: 3.5 inches, or 88.9mm
- Launcher family: M20, M20A1, and M20A1B1 Super Bazooka
- Location when installed: Around the rocket fuze body
- Purpose: Restraining the spring-loaded ejection and arming pin
- Removal: Removed by the loader before the rocket was fully inserted
- Color: Olive-drab service finish
- Reference: TM 9-1950, Figure 26, page 59
- Status: Loose, non-explosive fuze component
How the Safety Band Worked
With the band installed, its domed section held the fuze’s spring-loaded ejection pin in the safe position and prevented movement of the internal fuze parts. The loader removed the band before fully inserting the rocket into the launcher. The pin first moved outward into a locked position, where the fuze remained safe. The launcher tube then pressed the pin partway inward as the rocket was loaded. After firing, the pin was ejected by its spring as the fuze cleared the tube, allowing the fuze to arm during flight.
Rocket and Fuze Applications
M404-series base-detonating fuzes were used with several 3.5-inch rockets fired from M20-series launchers. These included the M28 and M28A2 high-explosive antitank rockets and the M30 white-phosphorus smoke rocket. The inert M29-series practice rocket used an M405 dummy fuze with a similar safety system so troops could practice the correct loading procedure. Service M404A2 fuze bodies and bands were olive drab, while M405 practice-fuze bodies and safety bands were blue.
Historical Background
The M20 Super Bazooka was developed to provide more power than the earlier 2.36-inch bazooka. It was rapidly fielded during the Korean War after older launchers proved less effective against newer tanks, including the Soviet-built T-34. The larger 3.5-inch system became an important American infantry antitank weapon and was also supplied to allied nations. M20 launchers remained in service through the 1950s and into the 1960s before newer weapons, including the M72 LAW, replaced them in many U.S. units. Small removable parts such as this safety band were normally discarded during loading, making surviving loose examples useful records of the complete rocket and fuze system.
Condition
This listing is for one loose M404-series fuze safety band only. The item may show paint loss, scratches, oxidation, bends, handling marks, or other signs of military storage and age. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item. The rocket, fuze, ejection pin, launcher, ammunition container, and other accessories are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This original safety component is well suited for collections and exhibits covering bazooka ammunition, Korean War infantry weapons, rocket-fuze development, and historic military safety systems.
- M20 Super Bazooka collections
- 3.5-inch rocket displays
- M404-series fuze research
- Korean War exhibits
- U.S. infantry-weapons collections
- Military museums and educational displays
Approx length 2.5", Approx width 2.5", Approx height 2.5", Approx weight 0.1lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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