Early Bazooka/Panzerschreck or Panzerfaust?

  • Thread starter Deleted member 1487
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Deleted member 1487

What if these weapons existed before the start of the war?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bazooka
Apparently Robert Goddard had successfully completed a similar weapon before the end of WW1, but the armistice was signed before it could enter manufacture.

So what if the US or Germany had worked on such a weapon in the 20's/30's and had a functional unit at the start of the war that was ready for widespread use?
Let's make a distinction though: the Bazooka and Panzerschreck were RPG's, while the Panzerfaust was a recoilless AT weapon. Both technologies existed before WW2 and were very simple to implement, so that obstacle shouldn't derail this WI.
Still, how could either the Germans or US justify the production of such a weapon before the war?
 
An earlier recognition of how limited anti-tank rifles will become as heavier armor is developed spurs the creation of more powerful anti-tank weapons to overcome heavier armored vehicles. The Spanish Civil War would make a good testing ground for them to demonstrate their superiority to anti-tank rifles and could enter mass production soon after.
 
Could having tons of shaped charge short range rocket launchers have helped the French in 1940? Maybe France would produce a primitive single shot version out of laminated cardboard in the late 1930s just in case the Germans came from an unexpected direction.

It wouldn't have to be very good. German armor kinda sucked at that time.
 
They could justify it as infantry support. A bazooka type weapon firing HE shells would be a massive force multiply if used as portable fire support for infantry. That was the logic behind the recoiless cannons Germany eventually put into service in their special forces.
 

Deleted member 1487

I always mention this TL when this issue is raised

Its interesting and I've read it before, but it requires a lot of suspension of disbelief.

Blairwitch PMed me this:

BlairWitch749 said:
my own personal thoughts on your thread (in kicked status since I needed some time to coll down)... you may repost if you like

The Germans where hovering around rocket artillery by at least 1934 and developed a fairly modern AT doctrine during the spanish civil war

During the Spanish Civil war, the 88mm gun proved itself when conventional 37mm guns couldn't knock out t-26's at normal battle ranges

Perhaps just within the conflict itself, there could be greater introspective on the part of Von Thoma and the other Kondor legion fellow's that the infantry need better AT protection and ability

or

Have the French agree to sell arms to the republicans... maybe get a few B-1 Char's into the theater which could really put some tank fright into the Germans (since the 88 could only can open one at 500 meters or less.... and you are talking about manuevering a gun, the size of a tank, with no armored protection to within 500 meters of a hostile enemy vehicle)... which could spur the idea of providing the infantry with more/better recoiless weapons or hand held rocket artillery... maybe have a B1 company overrun a German machine gun or heavy weapons company in full view of Von Thoma
 
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