M120 120 mm mortar
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The M120 120 mm mortar replaced the M30 107 mm (4.2 inch) mortar in United States Army motorized infantry units. The M120 is transported on the M1100 Trailer by the M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The M120, like all other US mortars, fires fin-stabilized ammunition from a smooth bore. Although heavy mortars require trucks or tracked mortar carriers to move them, they are still much lighter than field artillery pieces. They outrange light and medium mortars, and their explosive power is much greater.
The M120 entered service with the United States Army in 1991. Its mission is to provide heavy weapon, high-angle organic indirect fire support to the unit commander. The M120 is used by both mechanized units as well as light infantry in certain situations.
Another feature of the M120 is the M303 Sub-Caliber insert. This allows for the capability of firing 81 mm ammunition.
[edit] Specifications
| Maximum Range: | 7,240 m |
| Minimum Range: | 200 m |
| Weight: | 319 lb |
| Rate of Fire: | 16 rounds/min first minute, 4 rounds/min sustained |
| Crew: | 4 |
The M120 Mortar System consists of the following major components:
- M298 Cannon Assembly (110 lb)
- M190 Bipod Assembly (70 lb)
- M9 Baseplate (136 lb)
- M1100 Trailer (399 lb)
- M67 Sight Unit (2.5 lb)
The M120 is capable of firing the following munitions:
- M933 High Explosive Round
- M929 Smoke Round
- XM930 Illumination Round
- XM983 Illumination Round
- XM931 Practice Round
[edit] See also
- M1064 Mortar carrier, equipped with M121 120 mm mortar
- M1129 Mortar Carrier
- Dragon Fire (mortar)
