M-4 commando mortar

The M-4 commando mortar, also known as a patrol mortar, is a lightweight 60 mm commando mortar manufactured by Denel Land Systems.^[1]

An instructor pointing out the use of the range table

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.^[2]

Variants

M4: pulling a lanyard releases the firing mechanism^[3]
M4 Mk 1: equipped with a fixed firing pin^[3]
M4L3: version with simplified baseplate and sight, range is shorter (1,200 m).^[3]

Users

Specifications

^[2]

An M-4 commando mortar used by South African paratroops

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

References

^ "M4 60 mm Commando Mortar System" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 March 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2019., archived by the Internet Archive
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Heitman, Helmoed-Römer (1988). Krygstuig van Suid Afrika. Cape Town: Struik. pp. 114–115. ISBN 086977638X.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Gander, Terry J. (2001). "Vektor 60 mm M4 series Commando mortars". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2002-2003. pp. 4031–4032.
^ "Land Systems Successful in South America" (PDF), Denel Insights, p. 4, September 2006, archived from the original on 2016-03-03, archived by the Internet Archive

External links

M4 mortar on Manufacturer's website, archived by the Internet Archive

[1] "M4 60 mm Commando Mortar System" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 March 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2019., archived by the Internet Archive

[Heitman1988-2] Heitman, Helmoed-Römer (1988). Krygstuig van Suid Afrika. Cape Town: Struik. pp. 114–115. ISBN 086977638X.

[Janes_2002-3] Gander, Terry J. (2001). "Vektor 60 mm M4 series Commando mortars". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2002-2003. pp. 4031–4032.

[4] "Land Systems Successful in South America" (PDF), Denel Insights, p. 4, September 2006, archived from the original on 2016-03-03, archived by the Internet Archive

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