M120 120 mm mortar

The M120 120 mm mortar is the latest development of the Soltam M-65 120 mm mortar and has replaced the M30 107 mm (4.2 inch) mortar in United States (U.S.) Army infantry and armor units. It is much lighter than the M30, has a greater range, and can sustain a rate of fire of four rounds per minute while the M30 could sustain only three.

Design overview

The M120 fires fin-stabilized ammunition from a smooth bore. Unlike its smaller ammunition cousins, the 81 mm and 60 mm mortars, the fin blades of the ammunition fired from the M120 are not canted. Thus, no spin is imparted to the projectile in flight. Although heavy mortars require trucks or tracked mortar carriers to move them, they are still much lighter than field artillery pieces. They outrange light and medium mortars, and their explosive power is much greater.

The M120 is transported on the M1100 Trailer by the M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).

Deployment

The M120 entered service with the United States Army in 1991. Its mission is to provide heavy weapon, high-angle organic indirect fire support to the unit commander. The M120 is used by both mechanized units as well as light infantry in certain situations.

Another feature of the M120 is the M303 Sub-Caliber insert. This allows for the capability of firing 81 mm ammunition.

The M120 is also in use by the Egyptian Army, Moroccan Royal Guards & Republic of China Military Police.

pecifications

The M120 Mortar System consists of the following major components:
* M298 Cannon Assembly (110 lb)
* M190 Bipod Assembly (70 lb)
* M9 Baseplate (136 lb)
* M1100 Trailer (399 lb)
* M67 Sight Unit (2.5 lb)

The M120 is capable of firing the following munitions:
* M934 High Explosive Round
* M934A1 High Explosive Round
* M933 High Explosive Round
* M929 Smoke Round
* XM930 Illumination Round
* XM930E1 Illumination Round
* XM983 Illumination Round
* XM931 Practice Round

Users

*flagicon|Egypt: Egyptian Army
*flagicon|Morocco: Moroccan Royal Guard
*flagicon|ROC: Republic of China Military Police
*flagicon|USA: United States Army

Vehicle mounted version

The vehicle mounted version is called the M121 120 mm mortar.

ee also

*Dragon Fire (mortar)
*M1064 Mortar carrier, equipped with M121 120 mm mortar
*M1129 Mortar Carrier, equipped with M121 120 mm mortar
*Soltam M-65 120 mm mortar

External links

* [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pocket+artillery.(Infantry:+mortars)-a0146354592 Pocket artillery]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m120.htm M120 120mm Mortar]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/23-90/ch7.htm M120 Field Manual]