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British 81-mm Mortar: Length of barrel:   128 cm Weight in action:   36.6 kg Range:   5600 m Bomb weight:   4 kg Ammunition:   HE, SMK, ILL  (includes proximity fuzes) Rate of fire:   15rpm

Figure 35A: British 81-mm L1 mortar with HE bombs (left) and Illuminating.

Available from 1981, the MERLIN system gives the British 81-mm mortar a unique anti-tank capability. OP sends coordinates of tank to mortar which fires a bomb that homes in on the target using a millimetric radar in its nose to search a 300 square metre area. The system is effective up to 4000 metres.

Figure 35C: Engagement of armour.

Although many countries now employ heavy mortars in the artillery role, Britain does not. In the British Army today the 81-mm medium mortar is the heaviest in use, manned by infantrymen for the close support of the battalion.

The Royal Artillery appear to resist the trend towards acquiring heavier mortars and to maintain the distinction between the simple mortar and the sophisticated rifled BL equipment.

The heaviest mortar still in use in the American Army is the 107-mm.

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