Self-propelled mortars

[adroth]

Both the Light Armored Division (LAD) of the Philippine Army and the Combat Service & Support Brigate (CSSB) of the Philippine Marines are both pursuing self-propelled mortar development programs.

The LAD systems are based on a modified M113 chassis, while the Marines are mounting theirs on old V-150s [which were brought back from the junkyard, thanks to the availability of powerplants freed up by the first phase of the Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU)].

The interesting thing about both programs is that they are reportedly mounting 81mm tubes in these vehicles . . . not something bigger. The 81's are reportedly the largest tubes the AFP has in the inventory, so in the interim, these will have to do.

Presumably these interim systems will give field commanders experience employing artillery systems that are more mobile than the towed systems that they are used to.

=== ~~~ ====

The US used to have 81mm SPM/mortar carriers back in the 60s. More recent carriers, however, now pack a bigger punch. The M1129, their latest SPM, carries a 120mm mortar.

Are there still any armies out there that use 81mm mortars in their mortar carriers?

[kato]

Denmark has the M125A1 - a M113 with 81mm mortar.

The USMC LAV-M also carries a M252 81mm mortar btw.

[eckherl]

Denmark has the M125A1 - a M113 with 81mm mortar.

The USMC LAV-M also carries a M252 81mm mortar btw.

You forgot the M106 107mm mortar that the U.S was using from the late 70s on, early eighties Cav Squadron TO&E used to have four assigned to each cav troop. U.S armor battalions during that time frame used to have 6 to 12 units assigned to the Headquarters company.

[ROCK45]

Are 81mm mortar round effective against BMP-3 and BTR-series if rounds hit on tops of the vehicles?

Can mortar round be used in urban warfare to target insurgents hiding between houses or building if spotted? I would think since the angle it might effective because the rounds might drop down between building?


Thanks

[kato]

eckherl: no, i didn't. he said "still".

I think there are still a number of current examples in the Far East. Japan, Korea and China all have/had such vehicles with 81/82/107mm mortars.

adroth: Do hackjob portees like the 82mm Vasilyev automatic mortar on a MT-LB count? China mounts the same (Type 99) on a jeep btw.

[eckherl]

eckherl: no, i didn't. he said "still".

I think there are still a number of current examples in the Far East. Japan, Korea and China all have/had such vehicles with 81/82/107mm mortars.

adroth: Do hackjob portees like the 82mm Vasilyev automatic mortar on a MT-LB count? China mounts the same (Type 99) on a jeep btw.

Ah, I havent seen any around for quite awhile now in U.S inventory, did not bother to factor in other countries seeings how it seems that everyone is going to 120mm on the western arms purchasers.

[Chrom]

Are 81mm mortar round effective against BMP-3 and BTR-series if rounds hit on tops of the vehicles?

Can mortar round be used in urban warfare to target insurgents hiding between houses or building if spotted? I would think since the angle it might effective because the rounds might drop down between building?


Thanks


1. Yes, it is effective.
2. It can hit targets behind obstacles - but something as high as big 30m height house might be too much.

Besides, russians have self-propelled automatic 120mm mortar (NONA) quite long time in service.

[DavidDCM]

Are there still any armies out there that use 81mm mortars in their mortar carriers?

You can take a look in the direct neighborhood of the Philippines for a better comparison. Some Southeastasian nations have them.

Malaysia has 4 MIFV mortar carriers and 10 Adnan ACV-300 mortar carriers. Both with 81mm mortars. They will be augmented by 8 ACV-S mortar carriers with a 120mm system somewhen in the future.

Thailand has the 81mm mortar mounted on the M113. Dunno the numbers.

Singapore has AFAIK also the M113 with a 81mm but is planning to replace them with the 120mm Bronco MTC.

[Aussie Digger]

Are there still any armies out there that use 81mm mortars in their mortar carriers?

Yep, the Australian Army for one. We will be continuing to do so for some time as our M113 upgrade project is delivering 25x M113 81mm mortar variants, so they will be around as long as the M113AS3/4 is in-service (2020 or thereabouts).

Regards

AD

[tatra]

Are there still any armies out there that use 81mm mortars in their mortar carriers?
Some:

South Korea K281A1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-200_KAFV
United Kingdom FV432 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FV432
Israel M113 variant http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/armored_personnel_carriers/m-113/Mortar.html
South Africa Ratel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratel_IFV
France (army) VAB VPM 81 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A9hicule_de_l'Avant_Blind%C3%A9
Chine YW383 82mm
etc

[adroth]

Thanks a lot for the education gents. The replies are most appreciated.