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The L9A1 51 mm Light Mortar is a man-portable mortar system used by the British Army. Smoke, illuminating and high explosive bombs are available. A short range insert device allows the weapon to be used in a direct fire mode. The 51 mm mortar, which replaced the World War II-vintage 2 inch mortar, was due to be phased out by the use of the 40 mm L17A2 UGL (Under-slung Grenade Launcher) mounted on the L85A2 however operational experience has led to the decision to replace it with a 60mm Mortar[1] The 640 60 mm Mortar has been procured as a UOR to replace the current 51 mm Mortar on current operations.[2]
Ammunition for the 51mm mortar has a small, ring-pull safety pin on the side of the nose-fuze. The fuze remains unarmed until the pin is withdrawn. Therefore, the safety pin must always be removed and discarded before a mortar shell is fired.
[edit] Specifications
- Calibre: 51.25mm (2 in)
- Weight:
- Complete: 6.275 kg (13.8 lb)
- Length of barrel: 700mm (27.5 in)
- Range: 750m (820 yds)
- Rapid Rate of Fire: 8 rounds per minute
- Bomb weight:
- Illumination: 800 grams (1.76 lbs)
- Smoke: 900 grams (1.98 lbs)
- High Explosive: 920 grams (2 lbs)
[edit] External links
[edit] References
