Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1193118
per minute, while in cases when firing solutions are adjusted the crew may fire 8 to 10 rpm. The latter value realistically represents the combat rate of fire that can be achieved with the use of that mortar – and this needs to be kept in mind. Time required to get the system ready to fire, from transport setting behind a vehicle, is expected to be around 80 sec for a well-trained crew – which is a very good result. The soldiers can shorten this time down to 50 sec, with the use of their own, individual approach to the procedure. Time required to retain the transport setting lasts from 3.5 to 5 minutes, but this includes movement by 150-200 m. The time required to "fold up" the mortar without removing the sight is 50 sec for a well-trained crew. French 120 mm rifled barrel mortar manufactured by Thomson Brandt Armements (120RT) is much heavier. It has also enjoyed much great- er export success, as the system has been introduced into service by 24 states. The system weighs 622 kg in transport setting, 285 kg is the weight of the transport cart. The barrel is 2 m long. Furthermore, a stool is needed by the loader to load the mortar bombs into the barrel. Ammu- nition is a major advantage of the 120RT. Any type of 120 mm mortar bombs for a smooth-bore mortars may be used here. Nonetheless, the best performance is achieved with the use of dedicated French rounds with an obturating ring. The maximum range achieved with the use of those rounds is defined as 8,200 m. 13,000 m is the range that is achiev- able in case of the rocket-assisted ammunition. The mortar offers a rate of fire of 18 rpm, with practical rate of fire of 10 rpm, if firing solutions are adjusted. It can be readied to fire in 3 minutes. Time required to prepare the mortar to change the firing position is not listed, but the troops sug- gest it ranges between 90 and 120 sec. 120 mm smooth bore mortars, at VEHICLES