M1 mortar
From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
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| Type | Infantry mortar |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by |  United States |
| Wars | World War II, Korean War |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | see general data |
| Length | 3 ft 11 in (1.19 m) |
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| Caliber | 81 millimetres (3.2 in) |
| Rate of fire | 18 rpm sustained 30-35 rpm maximum |
| Muzzle velocity | 700 ft/s (210 m/s) |
| Effective firing range | 3,300 yd (3,000 m) |
| Sights | M4 |
The M1 mortar is an American 81 millimeter caliber mortar. It was based on the French Brandt mortar. The M1 mortar was used from World War II until the 1950s when it was replaced by the lighter and longer ranged M29 mortar.
Contents
General data
Weight:
- Tube 44.5 lb (20 kg)
- Mount 46.5 lb (21 kg)
- Base plate 45 lb (20 kg)
- Total 136 pounds (62 kg)
Ammunition
- M43A1 Light HE: 6.87 lb (3.11 kg); range min 200 yd (183 m); range max 3290 yd (3010 m); 80% frag radius 25 yd (23 m) (compared favorably with the 75 mm howitzer). Fast detonating fuze (explode on surface).
- M45, M45B1 Heavy HE: 10.62 lb (4.82 kg); range max 2558 yd (2064 m); bursting radius comparable to the 105 mm howitzer. Equipped with a delay fuze so some penetration is possible for demolition use.
- M56 Heavy HE: 15.01 lb (6.81 kg); range max 1300 yards (1200 m). Had an adjustable fuze for quick or delay operation.
- M57 WP (White phosphorus) "Bursting Smoke": 10.74 lb (4.87 kg); range max 2470 yd (2260 m); designed to lay down screening smoke, but had definite anti-personnel and incendiary applications.
- M57 FS (a solution of Sulfur trioxide in Chlorosulfonic acid) Chemical Smoke: 10.74 lb (4.87 kg), range max 2470 yd (2260 m); laid down dense white fog consisting of small droplets of hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. In moderate concentrations, it is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, and skin.
- M301 Illuminating shell: range max 2200 yd (2012 m); attached to parachute; burned brightly (275,000 candelas) for about 60 seconds, illuminating an area of about 150 yards (137 m) diameter. It used the M84 time fuze, which was adjustable from 5 to 25 seconds before priming charge detonated, releasing the illuminator and chute.
See also
Weapons of comparable role, performance and era
- Ordnance ML 3 inch Mortar British equivalent
- 8 cm Granatwerfer 34 German equivalent
References
- FM 23-90
- TM 9-1260
- SNL A-33
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to 81 mm Mortar M1. |
- 90th Infantry Division Preservation Group - page on 81 mm mortars and equipment
- Popular Science, August 1943, Pill Boxes Destroyer article on M1 81mm mortar
