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For some time prior to Britain's adoption of the 4.2-in mortar for chemical warfare the Americans had been developing a mortar for the same purpose. However, like the British, in 1943 they produced a high explosive (HE) round and subsequently employed the mortar primarily in the infantry support role. Quite independently of the British they adopted the same calibre, 4.2 inches (107 mm), but in other respects it differed markedly. Although muzzle-loading like smooth-bore types the American 4.2 was rifled. The projectile, which carried no fins or vanes, closely resembled an orthodox artillery shell, but in addition there was also a cartridge and propellant charge fixed to the base there was also a copper gas check reminiscent of the type attached to the RML shells of the 19th century. When the mortar fired pressure on the pressure plate expanded the gas check to take the rifling and at the same time prevent escape of propellant gas over the projectile.

American 4.2-inch Mortar Model of 1943: Length of barrel:   40.1 inches (101.9 cm) Weight in action:   330 lbs (150 kg) Min. range:   600 yards (549 m) Max. range:   4400 lbs (4026 m) Bomb weight:   32 lbs (14.5 kg) (chemical round)

After World War 2 the Americans, unlike the British, retained their 4.2-in mortar (now officially 107-mm) in the infantry support role. The 1951 model, a heavier and more sophisticated equipment than the 1943, is still in use in the United States and in eight other countries.

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