Ammunition Lot Number. 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. The same procedure for aligning the far aiming post is used to align the near aiming post. The leg-locking handwheel must then be tightened, ensuring the teeth are correctly meshed. To make the shift, the gunner places the fingers of his right hand in the muzzle and his left hand on the left leg. b. Weights (pounds) System (including basic issue items) Barrel (with blast attenuator device) Mount M3A1 Baseplate c. The first ammunition bearer checks the barrel and ensures that--. Baseplate placed against baseplate stake. High explosive is used for both fragmentation and blast effect against personnel and light-skinned vehicles. The fuze setter, M25, sets M84-series time fuzes. He tightens the leg-locking handwheel (ensuring the teeth are correctly meshed) and fastens the securing strap over the arm and around the buffers. Range Minimum to maximum 83 to 5,608 meters Rate of Fire . The barrel clamps are then closed. The M374 cartridge is fitted with the M90 propelling charge. Army Publishing Directorate The 0-second boss is wider and differs in shape from the other body bosses; the safe setting position is indicated by the letter "S" on the fuze body. The tabulated data of the 81-mm mortar, M252, are shown in Table 4-1. The M252 medium mortar offers a compromise between the light and heavy mortars. It uses the M219 propelling charge and weighs about 9.1 pounds. Close approach to crests, trees, towers, large buildings, parked aircraft, mechanized equipment, and similar irregularities causes functioning at heights greater than average level. The cartridges are painted olive drab with yellow markings. Standard A ammunition for the M29A1 mortar is Standard B for the M252 mortar (, Light green Yellow band with red markings. At the same time, the first ammunition bearer moves out on the double to realign the aiming posts. The M819 cartridge (M252 only) has a cylindrical body and contains red phosphorus that produces white smoke on contact with air. The aluminum tail assembly has six integral fins equally spaced around the rear, which stabilize the round in flight. The M1 became the standard American . They use the M5 propelling charge that consists of eight cloth bags attached to the tail unit. It has no safety pins or wires to reduce preparation time. The M821A2/821A1/889A1 consists of the following major components: M935 Point Detonating Fuze or M734/734A1 Multi-Option Fuze. As soon as the sight data are announced, the gunner places it on the sight. Red phosphorus rounds can be fired from the M29/M29A1 at a reduced charge (maximum charge = charge 2). The cartridge is painted olive drab with yellow markings. . Finally, the assistant gunner loosens the leg-locking handwheel, presses the spring-loaded locating catch, and raises the plain leg behind the buffer cylinders until it touches the traversing handwheel. 81mm 120mm 60mm . At extreme temperatures (below -40 degrees Fahrenheit and above 125 degrees Fahrenheit), it is not unusual to experience an increase in malfunctions proportionate to the severity of conditions. Safety before firing is provided by a safety wire, which must be removed just before firing. The fuze is not intended to function at charge 0. He indicates the initial direction of fire by pointing in that direction and commands ACTION. Attached to the right of the screw is the traversing handwheel. (8) To help minimize the occurrence of short rounds and or duds, unpackaged ammunition that has been dropped should not be fired. SMALL DEFLECTION AND ELEVATION CHANGES. He knocks down the near aiming post and proceeds to the far aiming post. (2) The M524-series fuze has two function settings: superquick/impact (SQ/IMP) and delay. b. The fuze has a safety wire that must be removed before firing. 81mm smoothbore mortar Barrel length 1.28 m Muzzle velocity 225 m/s Elevation +45 to +85 Traverse 18 Fire control Sights C2 indirect fire sight with illumination Firepower Rate of fire 20 rpm maximum 15 rpm normal 1 to 12 rpm sustained Range 5.650 m maximum 100 m minimum Media 81mm L16A2 .50: BROWNING, M2 (HEAVY BARREL, FLEXIBLE) ON MOUNT, MACHINE GUN, TRIPOD MTD, CAL. Maximum Range (meters): 7,240 (with standard fuze) . (e) If the mask is not regular throughout the sector of fire, the gunner determines the minimum mask clearance as described above. Referring and realigning aiming posts ensure that all mortars are set on the same data. On its right side, the clamp is recessed to receive the ball end of the locking rod. When cartridges have been prepared for firing, but are not used, all powder increments and safety wires are replaced. a. The mortar should be within two turns of center of traverse when the task is compete. Table 4-1. That is generally how I use mortars. 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. He is also the squad driver. During firing, the breech plug on the barrel is sealed and locked to the rotatable socket in the baseplate. Dropping may cause the propellant charges to ignite, causing bodily injuries. 9301 Chapek Road., Bldg.1458 The cartridge weighs about 9.4 pounds. Prev - Mk6 Mortar range table for charge 0 Next - Mk6 Mortar range table for charge 2 . If water is not available, the gunner must stand clear of the mortar until the barrel is cool. a. It is constructed from ductile cast iron and contains about 1.5 pounds of cyclonite (RDX)/trinitrotoluene (TNT) composition explosive. OPERATOR`S MANUAL FOR MORTAR, 81-MM, M252 (NSN 1015-01-164-6651) (EIC 4SK){TM . d. When the barrel reaches the horizontal position, and not before, the assistant gunner moves the thumb of each hand over the muzzle. Types of rounds, classification, and characteristics for the 81-mm mortar, M29A1 (Standard B for the 81-mm mortar, M252). The platoon leader commands the platoon and supervises the training of the elements. Red phosphorus/white phosphorus--M819 and M375-series. Firing tables are used to determine the correct charge for firing. As soon as the sight data are announced, the gunner places it on the sight, lays the mortar for elevation, and traverses onto the aiming post by turning the traversing handwheel and adjusting nut in the same direction. These are NDI items . The 81-mm mortar, M252, is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, high-angle-of-fire weapon. a. Cartridges are shipped with a complete propelling charge, an ignition cartridge, and primer. When targets are beyond such irregularities, a clearance of at least 30 meters should be allowed to ensure maximum effect over the target area. Proximity (VT). Other armies count on 81mm mortar families. Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 (3) The M256-series fuze has an SQ/IMP function only. 60mm, 81mm, and 120mmMortar Increments. They are assembled with either an M524-series, M526-series, or M567 fuze. 0.50, M8 (REPRINTED W/BASIC INCL C1-2) (S&I BY PROP SEE DETAILS, FOOTNOTES), FIRING TABLES FOR MACHINE GUN, CALIBER .50: BROWNING, M2 (HEAVY BARREL, TURRET TYPE) ON MOUNT, MACHINE GUN, TRAILER MOUNTED: MULTIPLE CALIBER .50 MACHINE GUN, M55 FIRING CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50: API, M8 (S&I BY PROP SEE DETAILS, FOOTNOTES), FIRING TABLES FOR MACHINE GUN, CALIBER .50: FICED, M85 TANK, COMBAT, FULL TRACKED: 105MM GUN, M60 SERIES FIRING CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50: API, M8 CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50: API-T M20 CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50: BALL, M33 CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50: TRACER, M17 (S&I BY PROP SEE DETAILS, FOOTNOTES), MACHINE GUN, CAL. Figure 4-8. The bipod provides front support for the barrel and carries the gears necessary to lay the mortar. The fuze contains a delayed arming feature that ensures the fuze remains unarmed and detonator safe for a minimum of 1.25 seconds of flight. If the primer of the ignition cartridge is dented, the first ammunition bearer attempts to replace the safety wire and places the round in a marked, safe location for disposal by ordnance personnel. 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. With standard mortar, the maximum effective range is close to 4,000 metres; with a long-range system, this increases to nearly 4,500 metres. The first ammunition bearer holds the barrel until the assistant gunner has removed the mount. It is set using the bladed end of the M18 fuze wrench. (3) Markings on rounds. The gunner then kicks the barrel several times with his heel in an attempt to dislodge the round. The M252 81mm medium extended range mortar (see diagram below) is a crew-served, smooth bore, muzzle loaded, high angle of fire weapon system. How the RCGM works: Target coordinates are programed into the RCGM using a portable GPS setter. The fuze wrench, M18, assembles the fuze to the cartridge, and the bladed tip on the end sets PD-type fuzes. The cartridge must not be fired below charge 3. b. c. The assistant gunner disengages the barrel clamps and moves the bipod from the immediate area of the mortar position. High explosive--M821, M889, M374-series, and M362. With the mortar mounted and the sight installed, the gunner lays the sight on the two aiming posts (placed out 50 and 100 meters from the mortar) on a referred deflection of 2800 mils and an elevation of 1100 mils. e. The assistant gunner passes the round to the first ammunition bearer who inspects it for the cause of the misfire. g. The barrel clamps can be moved along the barrel to counter large changes in elevation. The wrench (P/N 9349539) sets M772 MT and M768 time fuzes. They function normally in light rain; however, heavy rain, sleet, or snow can cause an increase in the number of early bursts. This document (FT 81 B3, abridged) consists of two pages, each with a separate table. . LARGE DEFLECTION AND ELEVATION CHANGES. The gunner checks the baseplate and ensures that--. To dismount the mortar, the squad leader commands, OUT OF ACTION. HE Guided Mortar is in development. It comes preset to function on SQ/IMP, and the selector slot should align with the SQ mark on the ogive. Lock 120mm IHE grenade DM91. c. Upon receiving the command REFER, REALIGN AIMING POST, two actions take place at the same time in the mortar squad. Those cartridges assembled with the M524 (A1, A2, A3, or A4) fuze are for use by the US Marine Corps and US Navy only. Notches in the setter engage ribs in the setting ring of the fuze. 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. One-quarter turn on the adjusting nut equals one turn of the traversing handwheel. The obturating ring ensures equal muzzle velocities in hot or cold barrels by keeping all the gases in the barrel until the cartridge has fired. a. Before-firing checks include the following: (1) Ammunition should be free of moisture, rust, and dirt. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems' 81mm Roll Controlled Guided Mortar (RCGM) provides an affordable, flexible solution to meet that need. d. The gunner recovers the baseplate to the area designated by the squad leader. Official websites use .mil The following safety checks must be enforced before firing the mortar. There must not be a visible gap between the fuze and cartridge body. b. on Amazon.com. If he is not within 20 mils, the gunner and assistant gunner must make another large shift before moving on. M224A1 60 MM LWCMS Mortar The 60mm mortar, M224A1 Lightweight Company Mortar System (LWCMS), is a smoothbore, muzzle loaded, high angle of fire weapon. In charge was the platoon commander - normally a lieutenant. This may cause the firing pin to ignite the charges if the cartridge is dropped on the fin end (. If it is necessary to leave the ammunition uncovered, it should be raised on dunnage at least 6 inches above the ground. The propelling charge consists of an ignition cartridge and removable propellant increments. It has four function settings: PRX (proximity) causes the cartridge to explode between 3 and 13 feet above the ground; NSB (near-surface burst) causes the cartridge to explode up to 3 feet above the ground; IM (impact) causes the cartridge to explode on contact; and DLY (delay) incorporates a 0.05-second delay in the fuze train before exploding the cartridge. M327 mortar is an extended range mortar system operated by Marine Corps Artillery Units. At the command, MARCH ORDER, the squad places the mortar, equipment, and ammunition in the squad vehicle and trailer. Figure 4-7. All mortar cartridges are painted to prevent rust and to identify their type. 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. Correct way to open an ammunition box. It is light enough to be portable when broken down into. When a misfire occurs, any member of the squad immediately announces, "Misfire." There is a selector on the lower shaft for non-delay or delay impact action. Then he relocks the barrel clamp. f. Ammunition should be stored under cover. (5) Do not leave unused increments unburned in combat operational areas. The leg-locking handwheel must then be tightened by hand, ensuring the teeth on either side are correctly meshed. MC Medical Guide; Client-side mods; TFAR 1.x for players; c. The M374A3 HE cartridge is constructed from pearlitic malleable cast iron and contains about 2.10 pounds of composition B explosive. The assistant gunner checks the bipod and ensures that--. They are painted light green with red markings and one narrow yellow band. 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. From introduction up to halfway World War 2 the ML 3-inch had a poor range of up to 1.45 km. The terms cannon and barrel are used interchangeably in this chapter. Additionally, they carry the 81mm M252 mortar that can only be used in a dismounted capacity. This section contains information on how to prepare the 81-mm mortar, M252, for firing, how to conduct safety checks, and, if a misfire should occur during firing, what actions the crew applies to remove the cartridge from the barrel. The table on the right describes the three most common setups. CANNON . It is a 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 M853 and M301A3 illuminating ammunition are described herein. While the assistant gunner supports the barrel, the gunner slackens the leg-locking handwheel, releases the locating catch, and positions the plain leg. The tabulated data of the 81-mm mortar, M252, are shown in Table 4-1. c. After the gunner has announced, "Up," the squad leader should check the mortar to determine if the exercise was performed correctly. (2) The fin and fuze assembly must be checked for tightness and damage. It is especially useful if the baseplate sinks deep into the ground during prolonged firing. The components of the mortar consist of a cannon, mount, and baseplate. The gunner is given a deflection change between 5 and 25 mils, either increasing or decreasing from the last stated deflection, and the command to refer and realign aiming posts. The fuzes may be used for day or night operations. It uses the M772 mechanical time fuze and weighs about 10.6 pounds. When fired, the cartridge carries the ignition cartridge with it, leaving the mortar ready for the next cartridge. The cartridge weighs about 9.12 pounds. The entire squad stays with the mortar. The M532 fuze is a radio doppler fuze that has a proximity (PROX) or SQ/IMP function. The cartridge uses the M205 propelling charge and is assembled with the M567 or M524-series fuze. Theme by TechDoc. The M252 is highly accurate up to ranges of 4500m to 5700m depending on the Burst Height. They should not be approached for 5 minutes or disturbed for at least 30 minutes after firing. 4-11. Overhead interference can be branches of trees or roofs of buildings. b. (c) The gunner determines mask and overhead clearance by sighting along the barrel with his eye near the breech plug. This ensures a maximum traversing and elevating capability after making the movement. The cartridge can be fitted with the M524-series, M526-series, M567, or M532 fuzes. The squad leader notifies the FDC of the minimum mask clearance elevation. He positions the lower barrel clamp against the lower stop band on the barrel and secures the upper barrel clamp. It can be set from 3 to 55 seconds at half-second intervals. He stands to the rear of the baseplate and supports the barrel until the bipod is fitted. f. If the above procedure fails to remove the misfire, the barrel must be kept horizontal. . (1) The barrel is clean and free from grease and oil both inside and out. If it gets wet or dirty, it must be wiped off at once. The fuze body is graduated from 0 to 25 seconds in 1-second intervals; 5-second intervals are indicated by bosses. b. An air cavity can form on one side of a cartridge to unbalance it, causing instability in flight. DESCRIPTION. 60MM M224A1. With the clamps facing away from him, the assistant gunner traverses the buffer carrier to the traversing handwheel and folds the handle. After the bands are broken and the box opened, the rounds should be removed by allowing them to roll out along the lid of the box (Figure 4-8). With the mortar mounted and the sight installed, the gunner lays the sight on the two aiming posts (placed out 50 and 100 meters from the mortar) on a referred deflection of 2800 mils and an elevation of 1100 mils. The elevation change announced must be less than 90 mils and more than 35 mils. These propellants are flash-suppressed and clean burning resulting in minimum residue, flash and blast overpressure. The gunner can depress the barrel, if necessary, to provide easier access to the firing pin. The M853 cartridge (M252 only) has a cylindrical body that contains an illuminating candle and parachute assembly. 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. The safety wire must be removed before firing. The standard infantry support weapon is the M-252 81mm mortar, which lobs a 10 lb. Secure .mil websites use HTTPS News. He moves the mortar until the vertical line of the sight is aligned approximately on the aiming post. The superior flow characteristics of these BALL POWDER . (7) When opening an ammunition box, the ammunition bearer ensures the box is horizontal to the ground, not nose- or fin-end up. The Mark 4 and 5 barrels were introduced during World War 2 and have a much increased range. Increments removed from cartridges before firing should be placed in a metal or wooden container located outside the firing vehicle/position at least 25 meters away. The traversing screw assembly is fitted to the clamp assembly, which is pivoted in the center on an arm attached to the elevating leg. c. The elevating shaft is contained in the elevating leg; to the left of the elevating leg is the elevating handwheel. (3) The M84A1 fuze is a single-purpose, tungsten-ring, mechanical-time fuze used with the 81-mm M301A3 illumination cartridge. Any target that requires that elevation, or a lower one, cannot be engaged from that position. Bear in mind that these are my personal opinions, experiences, and . A .mil website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. c. The assistant gunner lifts the bipod and stands it on its elevating leg so that the elevating handwheel is to the rear and the plain leg is to the front. They contain about 2.10 pounds of composition B explosive. Upon completion of any bipod movement on the barrel, the gunner ensures that the firing pin recess is facing upward. Identification. The fuze body is graduated from 0 to 50 seconds in 2-second intervals; 10-second intervals are indicated by bosses. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. All PD fuzes are superquick--detonate on impact. He places the sight case and aiming posts to the left front of the mortar position. (2) Burn all dead grass or brush within 30 meters around the burning place. The M751 is fitted with a smoke charge that operates on impact. If not, he may still fire at the desired range by selecting a charge zone having a higher elevation. The propellant increments are ignited, which produce rapidly expanding gases that force the cartridge from the barrel. Trenches are dug to prevent water from flowing under the pile. e. Care, Handling, and Preservation. It is used for records such as reports on condition, malfunctions, and accidents. All rounds are colored according to their type. The mortar is mounted and the sight is installed. SQUAD AND SECTION ORGANIZATION AND DUTIES, Each member of the infantry mortar squad has principle duties and responsibilities. The removable increments are fitted onto or around the shaft, depending on their type. Both the 60mm and 120mm mortar rounds use White Phosphorus. MFCS Dismounted. He must ensure that the ball-shaped end of the locking rod is secured in its recess by the locking latch. When set at SQ, the fuze functions on point impact or graze contact. When firing under the control of an FDC, he reports to the FDC that mask clearance cannot be obtained at a certain elevation. 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 . (6) The primer cartridge is checked for damage or dampness. FT 81-AI-3 Firing Tables Mortar, 81mm: M28A1 and M29 Mortar 81mm Self propelled M125A1 and M125 Carrier, 81mm Mortar Tracked XM755 81MM M252A1. a. Complete cartridges are always handled with care. 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, HE, M795 PROJECTILE, HE, M795 IM PROJECTILE, HE, M1122 PROJECTILE, IR ILLUMINATING, M1123 PROJECTILE, ILLUMINATING, M1124 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 DETAILS, FOOTNOTES) . The M751 fuze is the only dummy fuze used with the 81-mm mortar. M3A1 Baseplate 1:4 For the 81MM Mortar System: X NSN (LIN): 1015-01-441-3113 : STAFF SECTION, CLEANING, ARTILLERY 1:4: The vertical cross line of the sight is on the left edge of the aiming point. It is fitted with a safety wire and pin that are removed immediately before firing. (3) From this train, extend a starting train that will burn against the wind of single increments laid end to end. 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. The striker has been modified to be able to use German and Italian patterns of 81mm mortar . He may assist the gunner in shifting the mortar when the gunner is making large deflection changes. The propellant train (except the training cartridge) consists of an ignition cartridge and propellant charges. The M1 was a derivative of the French mle 27/31 system (itself an improved form of the Stokes Trench Mortar of World War 1 fame) and slightly altered to suit American needs. The powder increments, mainly, should not be exposed to direct sunlight. d. The first ammunition bearer stands to the right rear of the mortar. He levels all bubbles. (1) Mask clearance and overhead clearance are sufficient. The M29 would become the standard American mortar in the upcoming Vietnam War. He has the duty of preparing the ammunition and passing it to the assistant gunner. A lock ( Several types of HE ammunition are used in the 81-mm mortar, M252. .30 BROWNING, M1917 AND M1917A1; GUN, MACHINE, CAL. The fuze consists of a brass head, body assembly, and expelling charge. The assistant gunner attempts to maintain the traversing mechanism on a horizontal plane. The safety/packing clip should be removed when the cartridge is unpacked. System (including basic issue items) Before the mortar is mounted, the squad must perform premount checks. (1) The M935 fuze has two function settings: impact and delay. (The handle of the wrench is turned counterclockwise.) The adjustment ring has six raised ribs for use in conjunction with fuze setter, M25, and a setting indicator rib (marked SET) about half the height and width of the other six ribs. In addition to loading, he swabs the bore after 10 rounds have been fired or after each fire mission. This is the inert PD fuze type "IR-81" used by the Italians for their 81mm mortar rounds during WWII. However, at temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit and at angles greater than 1068 mils, the flight time is sufficient to permit arming. Table 4-3. To prepare for firing, the slot is aligned in the striker with SQ or delay using the M18 fuze wrench. The M301A3 cartridge has a cylindrical body that contains an illuminating candle and parachute assembly. In any case, the gunner must ensure that the cartridge does not strike an obstacle. He places firing data on the sight and lays the mortar for deflection and elevation.
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