a. Point-Detonating. It has a time setting of up to 25 seconds. News. In charge was the platoon commander - normally a lieutenant. (5) Four inches of elevation shaft are exposed, and the shaft is not bent. Fired . The first ammunition bearer shakes the barrel to dislodge any remnants from the last round fired, and he lowers the barrel into the rotating socket of the baseplate. The gunner then kicks the barrel several times with his heel in an attempt to dislodge the round. U.S. Mortars of World War II - World War Media If the mortar section is to operate quickly and effectively in accomplishing its mission, mortar squad members must be proficient in individually assigned duties. (2) The ribs and braces have no breaks, cracks, or dents. Safety before firing is provided by a safety wire, which must be removed just before firing. If not, the cartridge is placed on its side, and the closing plug is removed using an M18 fuze wrench. The striker has been modified to be able to use German and Italian patterns of 81mm mortar . This ensures that the mortar does not fire should the round slip down the barrel during the subsequent drills. Other armies count on 81mm mortar families. The ignition cartridge has a percussion primer and is assembled to the end of the fin assembly. This is accomplished by depressing the barrel until the top of the mask is clear. Cartridges assembled with the M524 (A1, A2, A3, or A4) fuze are for use by the US Marine Corps and US Navy only. c. The moisture-resistant seal of the container is broken when the ammunition is to be used. The M853 cartridge (M252 only) has a cylindrical body that contains an illuminating candle and parachute assembly. The fuze body is graduated from 0 to 25 seconds in 1-second intervals; 5-second intervals are indicated by bosses. Its range and explosive power is greater than the M224, yet it is still light enough to be man . It uses the M185 propelling charge that consists of eight increments fitted into the spaces between the fins and held by a propellant holder. Then he relocks the barrel clamp. The term "danger close" is included in the call for fire when there are friendly troops or positions within a prescribed distance of the target, specifically 600 meters for artillery or mortars . MFCS Dismounted. Weights (pounds) System (including basic issue items) Barrel (with blast attenuator device) Mount M3A1 Baseplate A securing strap is attached to the plain leg for securing the bipod in the folded position. The M1 became the standard American . When cartridges have been prepared for firing, but are not used, all powder increments and safety wires are replaced. The superior flow characteristics of these BALL POWDER . Short cartridges can be expected when firing below charge 4. He stands to the rear of the baseplate and supports the barrel until the bipod is fitted. REFER DEFLECTION TWO EIGHT SEVEN FIVE (2875), REALIGN AIMING POSTS. 81-mm MORTAR, M252 The 81-mm mortar, M252, delivers timely, accurate fires to meet the . He moves the mortar until the vertical line of the sight is aligned approximately on the aiming post. In any case, the gunner must ensure that the cartridge does not strike an obstacle. The M375A3 cartridge is ballistically similar to the M374A3 (HE) cartridge. In addition to loading, he swabs the bore after 10 rounds have been fired or after each fire mission. Red phosphorus/white phosphorus is used for screening, producing casualties, creating incendiary effects, and signaling. (2) The M524-series fuze has two function settings: superquick/impact (SQ/IMP) and delay. PDF IMLC EQUIPMENT SUPPLY LIST - United States Army The powder increments, mainly, should not be exposed to direct sunlight. As a longstanding partner of armed forces around the globe, Rheinmetall supplies a wide array of mortar systems and ammunition. b. b. This cartridge is ballistically matched to the M374A2, M374A1, and M375 HE cartridges, and weighs about 9.12 pounds. The 81-mm mortar, M252, is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, high-angle-of-fire weapon. If required, the gunner/assistant gunner lowers the barrel so that the breech plug engages with the open end of the socket, and he uses the barrel as a lever to move the socket. It is painted white with black markings. It has no safety pins or wires to reduce preparation time. The M821 HE cartridge (M252 only) is a British-made cartridge fitted with the US M734 multioption fuze. The M374A2 and M374A1 cartridges are fitted with the M90A1 propelling charge. The components of the mortar consist of a cannon, mount, and baseplate. The mortar squad consists of five men (Figure 4-1). The mortar is within two turns of center of traverse. PDF Principles of Fire Support B2c0289xq Student Handout The cartridge is painted olive drab with yellow markings and weighs about 9.05 pounds. Despite its weight though, the 81mm mortar was an important part of the Table of Organization and Equipment of U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps maneuver battalions throughout World War II. All mortar cartridges are painted to prevent rust and to identify their type. 50mm? 60mm? 80mm? A guide on picking the right mortar for you PDF Principles of Fire Support B2c0289xq Student Handout b. When the approximate alignment is completed, the gunner signals the assistant gunner to lower the bipod by pushing down on the mortar. Prev - Mk6 Mortar range table for charge 0 Next - Mk6 Mortar range table for charge 2 . high-explosive bomb at a range of about three miles. It is set using the bladed end of the M18 fuze wrench. Before the mortar is mounted, the squad must perform premount checks. Dropping may cause the propellant charges to ignite, causing bodily injuries. High angles of approach (near vertical) give the lowest burst heights. The components of the mortar consist of a canon, sight, mount, and baseplate. He positions the lower barrel clamp against the lower stop band on the barrel and secures the upper barrel clamp. A safety latch located at the side of the recess is used to secure the ball. b. Disposal Precautions. Baseplate placed against baseplate stake. LHMBC. (4) The bipod locking latch is locked, securing the barrel clamps. b. The following safety checks must be enforced before firing the mortar. (The handle of the wrench is turned counterclockwise.) Proximity-fuzed short cartridges, which are duds, contain a complete explosive train and impact element. b. Their firing positions and principal duties are as follows: a. It is fitted with a safety wire and pin that are removed immediately before firing. Then it is removed from the bipod and laid horizontally on the ground at the dud pit until it can be turned over to ordnance personnel. Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 As soon as the sight data are announced, the gunner places it on the sight. Red phosphorus cartridges (M252 only) are stored the same as HE cartridges. d. The ammunition is protected from mud, sand, dirt, and water. (1) Mask clearance and overhead clearance are sufficient. Any target that requires that elevation, or a lower one, cannot be engaged from that position. Close approach to crests, trees, towers, large buildings, parked aircraft, mechanized equipment, and similar irregularities causes functioning at heights greater than average level. Check the post SOP before applying the following procedure: (1) Select a place at least 100 meters from the mortar position, parked vehicles, and ammunition piles. All rounds are colored according to their type. He may assist the gunner in shifting the mortar when the gunner is making large deflection changes. The settings are obtained from the range tables and are applied using a wrench (number 9239539) or a 1 3/4-turn open-end wrench. However, since explosives are affected by moisture and high temperature, they must be protected. (4) The M567 fuze is an impact fuze that has a SQ/IMP or D function. Burst Height. The company level vehicles also carry a vehicle-mounted 120mm mortar, which is augmented by the 60mm M224 mortar for dismounted use. Fuzes are not disassembled. It is especially useful if the baseplate sinks deep into the ground during prolonged firing. d. Multioption. Attached to the right of the screw is the traversing handwheel. ), FIRING TABLES FOR, CANNON, 155MM, HOWITZER, M185 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A1 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A1B HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A2 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A3 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A3B AND HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A4 AND CANNON, 155MM, HOWITZER, M284 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A5 AND HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A6 AND CANNON, 155MM, HOWITZER, M199 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M198 AND CANNON, 155MM, HOWITZER, XM776 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, XM777 FIRING PROJECTILE, HE, M795 (S&I BY PROP SEE DETAILS, FOOTNOTES), FIRING TABLES FOR CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M284 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A5, M109A6 AND M109A7 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M284A2 CHROME ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A6 AND M109A7 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M199 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M198 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M776 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M777, M777A1 AND M777A2 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M776 CHROME ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M777A2 FIRING PROJECTILE, SMOKE, WP, M1121 INCLUDES FIRING TABLES FOR PROPELLANTS: M119A2 (CHARGE 7R), M203A1 (CHARGE 8S), AND MODULAR ARTILLERY CHARGE SYSTEM (MACS) PROPELLANTS: M231 (CHARGES 1L AND 2L), M232 AND M232A1 (CHARGES 3H, 4H AND 5H) (S&I BY PROP SEE FOOTNOTES). This section discusses the. Indirect Fire System (including basic issue items) The M751 is fitted with a smoke charge that operates on impact. Ammunition is typed according to use (Table 4-2). The mortar is within two turns of center of traverse. No tools are needed to set the fuze, and the setting can be changed several times without damaging the fuze. When a misfire occurs, any member of the squad immediately announces, "Misfire." The terms cannon and barrel are used interchangeably in this chapter. When firing under the control of an FDC, he reports to the FDC that mask clearance cannot be obtained at a certain elevation. An official website of the United States government. The M532 fuze is a radio doppler fuze that has a proximity (PROX) or SQ/IMP function. M252A1 81mm Mortar: Maximum Range (meters): 5,935; Ammunition: War reserve HE (M821A3), red phosphorus smoke (M819), visible light illumination (M853A1), infrared illumination (M816), war reserve and training HE (M889A4), and FRP . If the line of sight clears the mask, it is safe to fire. Upon completion of any bipod movement on the barrel, the gunner ensures that the firing pin recess is facing upward. The cartridge is dropped down the barrel, fin-end first. Remaining increments are repositioned towards the rear of the tail fin assembly when firing the cartridge with horseshoe-shaped increments at less than full charge. When fired, the cartridge carries the ignition cartridge with it, leaving the mortar ready for the next cartridge. If, upon removal of the safety wire, a buzzing sound in the fuze is heard, the round should not be used. The removable increments are fitted onto or around the shaft, depending on their type. It has two types: type 1 resembles the M734 fuze, and type 2 resembles the M935 fuze. The same procedure for aligning the far aiming post is used to align the near aiming post. (2) The barrel is locked to the baseplate, and the open end of the socket points in the direction of fire. If the situation allows for a longer waiting period, the dud can be considered safe for handling after 40 hours. The table on the right describes the three most common setups. The cartridge uses the M205 propelling charge and is assembled with the M567 or M524-series fuze. They are painted light green with red markings and one narrow yellow band. Placing the mortar in position at night does not relieve the gunner of the responsibility of checking for mask clearance and overhead interference. The M821/M889 are 81mm HE Mortar Cartridges. f. The open end of the socket must continue to point in the direction of fire. The elevation change announced must be less than 90 mils and more than 35 mils. Examples are: The tabulated data of the 81-mm mortar, M252, are shown in Table 4-1. On its right side, the clamp is recessed to receive the ball end of the locking rod. 81 mm mortar - Wikipedia The entire squad stays with the mortar. Mk6 Mortar range table for charge 1 - Arma Docs for MC - Misfit Company a. The second ammunition bearer retrieves the aiming posts. The mortar is then re-laid on the aiming posts using the traversing crank. (3) The M84A1 fuze is a single-purpose, tungsten-ring, mechanical-time fuze used with the 81-mm M301A3 illumination cartridge. The second page includes a chart with range and deflection (presumably for the same kind of shells), as well as notes which give additional instructions. Ammunition Lot Number. M252 81mm Mortars The M252 81mm medium extended range mortar (see diagram below) is a crew-served, smooth bore, muzzle loaded, high angle of fire weapon system. Developed by Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS), the rugged and reliable M8 comprises an 81 mm long-range weapon available in different barrel lengths, an entire range of ammunition, auxiliary field equipment, sighting systems and a fully digital fire-control system containing all ballistic data. Agreed that mortars should generally be used close to the frontline. The BAD is removed only by qualified maintenance personnel. Each squad member should be able to perform all the following premount checks: a. The wrench (P/N 9349539) sets M772 MT and M768 time fuzes. High explosive--M821, M889, M374-series, and M362. When targets are beyond such irregularities, a clearance of at least 30 meters should be allowed to ensure maximum effect over the target area. (3) From this train, extend a starting train that will burn against the wind of single increments laid end to end. The gunner unlocks the barrel clamp and rotates the barrel, unlocking the breech plug from the rotating socket of the baseplate. It is designed to be fired in the indirect fire mode, cannot be fired handheld, and normally utilizes a FDC. The M819 cartridge (M252 only) has a cylindrical body and contains red phosphorus that produces white smoke on contact with air. These fuzes use a clockwork mechanism to delay functioning for a specific time. The gunner checks the baseplate and ensures that--. At this command, the squad proceeds as follows: a. Referring and realigning aiming posts ensure that all mortars are set on the same data. When a large number of cartridges are needed for a mission, they may be removed from the containers and prepared. Red phosphorus/white phosphorus--M819 and M375-series. (6) The primer cartridge is checked for damage or dampness. The mortar is mounted and the sight is installed. 81mm ML 3-inch | Weaponsystems.net Mount . 60mm, 81mm, and 120mmMortar Increments. M1129 Mortar Carrier - Wikipedia Types of rounds, classification, and characteristics for the 81-mm mortar, M252. The barrel clamps are then closed. (1) Marking on container. The section leader, acting as FDC, has one deflection instead of two or more. He maintains the ammunition for firing and provides local security for the mortar position. PDF Introduction to Crew Served Weapons B3m4078 Student Handout The assistant gunner checks the bipod and ensures that--. Following the arm-and-hand signals of the gunner (who is looking through the sight unit), he moves the far aiming post so that the gunner obtains an aligned sight picture. From introduction up to halfway World War 2 the ML 3-inch had a poor range of up to 1.45 km. It comes preset to function on SQ/IMP, and the selector slot should align with the SQ mark on the ogive. c. The M374A3 HE cartridge is constructed from pearlitic malleable cast iron and contains about 2.10 pounds of composition B explosive. He levels all bubbles. The mount consists of elevating and traversing mechanisms and a bipod (Figure 4-4). At the muzzle end is a cone-shaped blast attenuator device (BAD) that is fitted to reduce noise. Additionally, they carry the 81mm M252 mortar that can only be used in a dismounted capacity. The aluminum tail assembly has six integral fins equally spaced around the rear, which stabilize the round in flight. 4-10. This is the inert PD fuze type "IR-81" used by the Italians for their 81mm mortar rounds during WWII. DESCRIPTION. REFERRING OF THE SIGHT AND REALIGNMENT OF AIMING POSTS USING M64 SIGHT. If the round does not fire, the gunner tests the barrel for heat. Features: The M252 81mm Medium Extended Range Mortar is a crew-served, medium weight mortar which is highly accurate and provides for a greater range (4,500 meters to 5,650 meters) and lethality than the previous 81mm mortar. Target terrain, such as ice and dry sand, gives lowest burst heights, whereas water and wet ground give highest burst heights. mortar, 81-mm: m29a1 and m29; firing cartridge, he, m374a2 and m374; cartridge, wp, m375a2 and m375 (s&i by prop see details, footnotes) ardec: ft 81-al-4(abr) active: 12/24/1970: firing tables for mortar, 81mm, m29 and m1 firing cartridge, illuminating, m301a3 with fuze, time, m84a1, height of burst, 600 meters (s&i by prop see details . The cannon has a crew-removable breech plug and firing pin. The 81mm Mortar - The David of Modern Warfare | SOFREP The round has a burst height of 600 meters and provides illumination for about 60 seconds for an area of about 1,200 meters. f. Ammunition should be stored under cover. The platoon leader commands the platoon and supervises the training of the elements. When the baseplate is in position, the first ammunition bearer lowers the breech plug into the rotating socket and rotates the barrel a quarter of a turn to lock it. [1] [2] Many countries use or used an 81 mm mortar in their armed forces. The pile is covered with a double thickness of tarpaulin. The 81mm mortar is a portable, mobile, medium mortar at the infantry's disposal. M3A1 Baseplate The cartridge weighs about 9.12 pounds. It is used for records such as reports on condition, malfunctions, and accidents. c. Mechanical Time. Correct way to open an ammunition box. The M252 81 mm medium weight mortar is a British designed smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for long-range indirect fire support to light infantry, air assault, and airborne units across the entire front of a battalion zone of influence. The RSTA squadron only receives the 120mm mounted mortar, there is no augmentation dismounted maneuvers. Maximum Range (meters): 7,240 (with standard fuze) . 81 mm HE mortar projectiles generally contain anywhere between 400 g and 680 g of HE and have a maximum range of approximately 6,500 m. 82 mm HE mortar projectiles generally contain anywhere between 392 g and 680 g of HE and have maximum ranges of between 3,000 - 5,500 m. To make the shift, the gunner places the fingers of his right hand in the muzzle and his left hand on the left leg. The fuze setter, M25, sets M84-series time fuzes. The cartridges are returned to their original containers. To set for delay, the selector slot should be rotated clockwise until it is aligned with the "D" mark on the ogive. b. The assistant gunner carries the bipod to the front of the barrel and places the bipod feet on the ground 12 to 15 inches in front of the baseplate and astride the line of fire. M252 mortar - Wikipedia d. Climatic Effects. 1:4 For the 81MM Mortar System: X NSN (LIN): 1015-01-441-3113 : STAFF SECTION, CLEANING, ARTILLERY 1:4: VERY NICE condition! PDF Principles of Fire Support B2c2437 Student Handout To dismount the mortar, the squad leader commands, OUT OF ACTION. When set at delay, the fuze train causes a 0.05-second delay before functioning. Mortars are indirect-fire weapon systems. Safety before firing is provided by a safety wire, which must be removed just before firing. Firing tables are used to determine the correct charge for firing. Table 4-3. M252 81mm Mortars The M252 81mm medium extended range mortar (see diagram below) is a crew-served, smooth bore, muzzle loaded, high angle of fire weapon system. It is light enough to be portable when broken down into. Theme by TechDoc. .50 MACHINE GUN, M3; FIRING CARTRIDGE, CAL. Excess increments should not accumulate near the mortar positions but are removed to a designated place of burning and destroyed. He places the sight case and aiming posts to the left front of the mortar position. To convert the fuze from PROX to SQ/IMP, the top of the fuze must be rotated 120 degrees (one-third turn) in either direction. .50: AP, M2 AND CARTRIDGE, CAL. Attached to the arm is the cross-leveling mechanism, which is attached to the clamp assembly at its upper end. a. Figure 4-4. An air cavity can form on one side of a cartridge to unbalance it, causing instability in flight. This may preclude moving the bipod. ), FIRING TABLES FOR CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M185 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A1 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A1B HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A2 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A3 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A3B AND HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A4 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M284 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A5 AND HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A6 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M199 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M198 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M776 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M777A1 FIRING PROJECTILE, HE, M483A1 (S&I BY PROP SEE DETAILS, FOOTNOTES), FIRING TABLES FOR, CANNON, 155MM, HOWITZER, M185 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A1 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A1B HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A2 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A3 HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A3B AND HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A4 AND CANNON, 155MM, HOWITZER, M284 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A5 AND HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, 109A6 AND CANNON, 155MM, HOWITZER, M199 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M198 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M776 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M777A1 FIRING PROJECTILE, HERA, M549 PROJECTILE, HERA, M549A1 (S&I BY PROP SEE DETAILS, FOOTNOTES), FIRING TABLES FOR CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M185 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A1; HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A1B; HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A2; HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A3; HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A3B; HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A4 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M284 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A5, M109A6 AND M109A7 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M284A2 CHROME ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM, M109A6 AND M109A7 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M199 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M198 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M776 ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M777, M777A1 AND M777A2 AND CANNON, 155MM HOWITZER, M776 CHROME ON HOWITZER, MEDIUM, TOWED, 155MM, M777A2 FIRING PROJECTILE, HERA, M549 AND PROJECTILE, HERA, M549A1 (S&I BY PROPONENT, SEE DEAILS, FOOTNOTES.