M-4 commando mortar
The M-4 commando mortar, also known as a patrol mortar, is a lightweight 60 mm commando mortar manufactured by Denel Land Systems.[1]
Description
[edit | edit source]As with other mortars of this type it is intended for rapid use over short ranges as a fire support weapon. It has a lanyard operated trigger mechanism in the breech which allows it to be carried loaded with a bomb, unlike other mortars that have fixed firing pins. The lack of a bipod means it is not as accurate as a conventional mortar and is unsuitable for sustained fire use. The sighting system incorporated in the handle consists of a pair of curved spirit levels one to indicate that it upright in the lateral plane and the other indicates the range with a charge table. Beta lights illuminate the sight for night use.[2]
Ammunition
[edit | edit source]It uses the M-61 series of bombs in high explosive, smoke, illumination and practice versions.[2]
Variants
[edit | edit source]- M4: pulling a lanyard releases the firing mechanism[3]
- M4 Mk 1: equipped with a fixed firing pin[3]
- M4L3: version with simplified baseplate and sight, range is shorter (1,200 m).[3]
Users
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Former users
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Specifications
[edit | edit source]
- Type: Muzzle loading mortar
- Calibre: 60 mm
- Mass: Total 7.2 kg - barrel 3.2 kg - breech 0.9 kg - baseplate 1.9 kg - sight/handle - 1.1 kg
- Barrel length: 650 mm
- Traverse: 300 mil
- Elevation: 710 to 1510 mil
- Muzzle velocity: 171 m/s
- Range: 100 m minimum - 2100 m maximum
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)., archived by the Internet Archive
- ^ a b c d Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b c d Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)., archived by the Internet Archive
External links
[edit | edit source]- M4 mortar on Manufacturer's website, archived by the Internet Archive