M1 Mortar

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[edit] General data

• Weight: 136 lb (61.5 kg) assembled; tube 44.5 lb (20 kg); mount 46.5 lb (21 kg); base plate 45 lb (20.5 kg)
• Overall length: 3 ft 9.5 in (115.5 cm)
• Muzzle velocity (HE): 700 ft/s (213 m/s)
• Rate of fire: 18 round/min norm; 30-35 round/min max
• Maximum range (HE): 3290 yd (3008 m)
• Sight: M4

[edit] Ammunition

• M43A1 Light HE: 6.87 lb (3.11 kg); range min 200 yd (183 m); range max 3290 (3008 m); 80% frag radius 25 yd (23 m) (comparing favorably with 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 with 105 mm howitzer; equipped with delay fuze so some penetration possible for demolition use.

• M56 Heavy HE: 15.01 lb (6.81 kg); range max 1300 yards (1189 m); adjustable fuze for quick or delay operation.

• M57 WP (White Phosphorus): 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: 10.74 lb (4.87 kg), range max 2470 yd (2260 m); laid down dense white smoke.

• M301 Illuminating shell: range max 2200 yd (2012 m); attached to parachute; burned brightly (275,000 candela) for about 60 seconds, illuminating an area of about 150 yards (137 m) diameter; used M84 time fuze, adjustable from 5 to 25 seconds before priming charge detonated, releasing the illum and chute.