81 mm mortar explained

An 81-mm mortar is a medium-weight mortar. It is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for long-range indirect fire support of light infantry, air assault, and airborne units across the entire front of a battalion zone of influence.^{[1] [2]}

Many countries use or have used an 81-mm mortar in their armed forces. Examples are:

• Canada - L16 81mm mortar
• Finland – 81 KRH 71 Y
• France – Brandt Mle 27/31
• Germany – Granatwerfer 34
• Greece – E44-E 81 mm Mortar
• Italy – Mortaio da 81/14 Modello 35
• Myanmar – BA-90 and MA-8
• United Kingdom – L16 81mm mortar
• United States – M252 mortar
• Turkey – MKE 81mm UT1^[3] & MKE 81mm NT1^[4]

Warsaw Pact countries and China use a similar 82 mm caliber for the same purpose.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 81mm mortar bomb. 2021-04-19. BAE Systems United Kingdom. en.
2. Web site: 81mm, 82 mm & 120 mm Medium and Heavy Mortars. 2021-04-19. GICHD. en-US.
3. Web site: mke ut1. 2021-04-14. 2020-11-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040953/https://www.mkek.gov.tr/en/product.aspx?id=52&source=Products&pid=1390. dead.
4. Web site: MKEK – Mechanical and Chemical Industry Company. 2020-12-08. mkek.gov.tr. 2020-11-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040953/https://www.mkek.gov.tr/en/product.aspx?id=52&source=Products&pid=1387. dead.