M-4 commando mortar explained
The M-4 commando mortar, also known as a patrol mortar, is a lightweight 60 mm commando mortar manufactured by Denel Land Systems.[1]
Description
As with other mortars of this type it is intended for rapid use over short ranges as a fire support weapon. It has a lanyard operated trigger mechanism in the breech which allows it to be carried loaded with a bomb, unlike other mortars that have fixed firing pins.The lack of a bipod means it is not as accurate as a conventional mortar and is unsuitable for sustained fire use. The sighting system incorporated in the handle consists of a pair of curved spirit levels one to indicate that it upright in the lateral plane and the other indicates the range with a charge table. Beta lights illuminate the sight for night use.[2]
Ammunition
It uses the M-61 series of bombs in high explosive, smoke, illumination and practice versions.
Variants
- M4: pulling a lanyard releases the firing mechanism
- M4 Mk 1: equipped with a fixed firing pin
- M4L3: version with simplified baseplate and sight, range is shorter (1,200 m).
Users
M4L3[4]
Specifications
- Type: Muzzle loading mortar
- Calibre: 60 mm
- Mass: Total 7.2 kg - barrel 3.2 kg - breech 0.9 kg - baseplate 1.9 kg - sight/handle - 1.1 kg
- Barrel length: 650 mm
- Traverse: 300 mil
- Elevation: 710 to 1510 mil
- Muzzle velocity: 171 m/s
- Range: 100 m minimum - 2100 m maximum
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: M4 60 mm Commando Mortar System . https://web.archive.org/web/20160328163531/http://admin.denel.co.za/uploads//M4_60.pdf . dead . 28 March 2016 . 21 March 2019., archived by the Internet Archive
- Book: Heitman, Helmoed-Römer . Krygstuig van Suid Afrika . 1988. Struik. Cape Town . 086977638X . 114–115 .
- , archived by the Internet Archive
- Encyclopedia: Vektor 60 mm M4 series Commando mortars. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2002-2003. 4031–4032. 2001. Terry J.. Gander.
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