Chapter 5 Weapons

99

60-mm Mortar (Mortar 60-mm,

M2 and Mount M2)

Caliber 60-mm (2.36 in.)

Muzzle velocity 163 mps (535 fps) Weight 18.9 kg (42 lbs)

Overall length 72.6 cm (28.6 in.)

Rate of fire 18 rounds per minute (normal), 35 rounds per minute (maximum)

Range 1,806 m (1,975 yds)

Mortars were the lightest and most mobile form of artillery used in World War II. The mortars used during the war ranged in size from the 50-mm mortar used extensively by the Japanese to a mammoth 305-mm mortar used by the Russian Army. The largest mortars that saw extensive use in combat were 120-mm mortars (usually mounted on wheels) used by both the Germans and Russians. The smallest mortar used by American troops was the

60-mm mortar. Like most mortars, it consisted of a smooth-bore barrel (or tube), base plate, and bipod. Designated “Mortar 60mm, M2 and Mount M2,” the 60-mm mortar was almost identical in design, construction, and operation to the 81-mm mortar. However, the 60-mm mortar was considerably lighter. The tube weighed 12.8 pounds, the base plate

12.8pounds, and the bipod 16.4 pounds—a total weight of 42 pounds compared to the 81-mm mortar’s 136 pounds. The base plate was often left attached to facilitate rapid setup.

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Microsoft Close Combat manual Mm Mortar Mortar 60-mm M2 and Mount M2