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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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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