Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1193118
the Cold War this was not even considered to be a problem of any sort. The soldiers are also exposed to weather which, during the autumn rains, winter snowstorms or in the scorching heat of the summer, has a major impact on the times required to accomplish the mission. These factors also increase the possibility of making an error, including double-loading of the mortar – this is a high risk, especially in case of the designs that are not fitted with relevant safety features within that scope. Not only does a problem of the very same nature emerge when a heavier mortar is used, as ammunition weight is also quite relevant here. After a few weeks of being employed in field (not to mention combat) conditions the manufacturer's performance sheets are not really corresponding with the actual response rates. The terrain is also a factor that remains quite in- fluential for mortars as such. Towed assets need extra vehicles that are also expected to carry ammunition and the crews. However, the problem that is the most serious here is the fact that the aforesaid advantages, even though acceptable 3 decades ago, currently render the towed mor- tars virtually unusable. Weapons as such are very problematic to employ, considering their survivability and effect on target. Counter-battery fires – dusk of towed artillery assets? The fact is that the towed mortars in unfortified positions are very prone to counter-fire. Up until recently the main safety measure was to place the firing positions behind buildings, hills, cliffs and in valleys or in hollow areas. 105-203 mm artillery rounds, due to their trajectory, offer VEHICLES