The M120 120 mm mortar is the latest development of the Soltam M-65 120 mm mortar and has replaced the M30 107 mm (4.2 inch) mortar in United States (U.S.) Army infantry and armor units. It is much lighter than the M30, has a greater range, and can sustain a rate of fire of four rounds per minute while the M30 could sustain only three.
Design overview
The M120 fires fin-stabilized ammunition from a smooth bore. Unlike its smaller ammunition cousins, the 81 mm and 60 mm mortars, the fin blades of the ammunition fired from the M120 are not canted. Thus, no spin is imparted to the projectile in flight. Although heavy mortars require trucks or tracked mortar carriers to move them, they are still much lighter than field artillery pieces. They outrange light and medium mortars, and their explosive power is much greater.
The M120 is transported on the M1100 Trailer by the M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).
Deployment
The M120 entered service with the United States Army in 1991. Its mission is to provide heavy weapon, high-angle organic indirect fire support to the unit commander. The M120 is used by both mechanized units as well as light infantry in certain situations.
Another feature of the M120 is the M303 Sub-Caliber insert. This allows for the capability of firing 81 mm ammunition.
The M120 is also in use by the Egyptian Army, Moroccan Royal Guards & Republic of China Military Police.
Design overview
The M120 fires fin-stabilized ammunition from a smooth bore. Unlike its smaller ammunition cousins, the 81 mm and 60 mm mortars, the fin blades of the ammunition fired from the M120 are not canted. Thus, no spin is imparted to the projectile in flight. Although heavy mortars require trucks or tracked mortar carriers to move them, they are still much lighter than field artillery pieces. They outrange light and medium mortars, and their explosive power is much greater.
The M120 is transported on the M1100 Trailer by the M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).
Deployment
The M120 entered service with the United States Army in 1991. Its mission is to provide heavy weapon, high-angle organic indirect fire support to the unit commander. The M120 is used by both mechanized units as well as light infantry in certain situations.
Another feature of the M120 is the M303 Sub-Caliber insert. This allows for the capability of firing 81 mm ammunition.
The M120 is also in use by the Egyptian Army, Moroccan Royal Guards & Republic of China Military Police.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment