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

Users

Specifications

[2]

The 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
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gollark: I'm gollark, beekeeper/alleged rogue for some reason. Apparently my skills include asking people things, bee search, goblin checking, and punching.
gollark: It seems to be missing the lines?
gollark: I really feel like Spirit's insults are more refined than yours.

References
  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
  2. Heitman, Helmoed-Römer (1988). Krygstuig van Suid Afrika. Cape Town: Struik. pp. 114–115. ISBN 086977638X.
  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 by the Internet Archive
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