French 120-mm MO-120-RT-61 mortar

French 120-mm MO-120-RT-61 Mortar

from "The Mortar" by WL Ruffell

French 120-mm Mortar:
Length of barrel:   280 cm (110 inches)
Weight in action:   582 kg (1280 lbs)
Elevation:   30-85°
Traverse (top):   14°
Range (standard projectile):   8000 m (8750 yards)
Bomb weight:   18.7 kg (41 lbs)
Number in detachment:   3
Rate of fire:   6-10 rpm
Type of fire:   Automatic or controlled (ie the bomb can be fired either by dropping it down the barrel or by a simple mechanism built into the breech)

Figure 35D: French 120-mm (4.7-in) MO-120-RT-61 heavy rifled mortar.

Made by the firm of Brandt, it is one of the larger mortars in use today. It is mounted on a specially designed carriage from which it is fired. The French have at least three other 120-mm types which are smooth-bore variations, either mobile or mounted upon the ubiquitous bipod.

Figure 35E: Bomb.
Note the pre-engraved driving band (arrowed).

When coming out of action the towing eye, seen alongside the left wheel, above, is attached to the muzzle.

The range given above (8000 m) is for the standard HE bomb (Fig. 35E). A bomb of the same weight incorporating a rocket initiated during flight achieves a range of 13000 m (14217 yards). The standard HE bomb compares in effect with the standard (NATO) 105-mm artillery shell.

Being rifled and firing a projectile with a pre-engraved driving band gives the mortar a slower rate of fire than the comparable smooth-bore types.

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