82-PM-41

82-mm mortar Model 1941
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82-mm mortar Model 1941
Type Mortar
Place of origin Soviet Union
Service history
In service 1941 - 1960s
Used by  Soviet Union
 Nazi Germany
 Czechoslovakia
 Poland
 Finland
 Albania
 People's Republic of China
 East Germany
 North Korea
 Vietnam
 Cambodia
 Yugoslavia
Wars Second World War
Production history
Designed 1940-1941
Produced 1941-1943
Specifications
Weight 56 kilograms (120 lb)
Length 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in)
Crew 4

Caliber 82 millimetres (3.2 in)
Elevation 45° to 85°
Traverse 5° to 25° (using traversing mechanism)
Rate of fire 15-25 rpm
Muzzle velocity 211 m/s (690 ft/s)
Maximum range 3,040 m (3,320 yd)
Sights MPB-82

The 82-pm-41(Russian: 82-Полевой Миномёт-41), M-41 or the 82-mm mortar Model 1941 (Russian: 82-мм миномет обр. 1941 г.) was a Soviet 82 millimeter calibre mortar developed during the Second World War as an infantry battalion mortar, and which begun production in 1941.[1] It was differed from Model 1937 by the presence of a removable wheel base, by the arched construction base plate (as in 107-mm and 120-mm mortars), and also a different two-legged construction. Wheels were slipped over the semi-axis of the bipod feet and removed during firing.[2] Design improvements were subordinated to the technological possibilities of production and directed toward the reduction in the weight of mortar, labour expenses of its production and improvement in the manoeuvrability characteristics.[3] The ballistic data of the mortar Model 1941 were analogous to Model 1937. The 82- mm mortar Model 1941 had some conveniences with the transport in comparison with the Model 1937, but was less steady during firing and had worse centre of gravity in comparison with the Model 1937.[4] For the purpose of the elimination of deficiencies in the 82-mm mortar Model 1941 its modernisation was carried out during initial production. In the course of production the construction of bipod, wheel and fastening of the sight was changed. The modernised mortar was called 82-mm mortar Model 1943. Due to the initial need to rectify design issues the mortars of 1937 Model continued to be used in the course of World War II and produced alongside with the mortars Models 1941 and 1943. Due to large numbers of the Model 1937 Mortars being lost early in the war, it is this mortar that served in the Battle for Moscow, Battle of Stalingrad, and Battle of Kursk along with other campaigns, operations and engagements of the first three years of the war.[5]

Citations and notes

  1. ^ p.19, Norris
  2. ^ p.54, Barker, Walter
  3. ^ p.192, Bishop
  4. ^ p.136, Sweeting
  5. ^ 9, Cornish

References