Mortar Guns: A Comprehensive Guide

Mortar guns, also known as mortars, are powerful artillery weapons designed to deliver indirect fire at targets obscured from direct line of sight. They are commonly used in military operations to provide support to ground troops, destroy enemy fortifications, and clear obstacles. Mortars have been used for centuries and continue to play a vital role in modern warfare.

History of Mortar Guns

The earliest forms of mortars emerged in the 15th century, with the invention of the siege mortar. These early mortars were large, heavy weapons made of cast iron or bronze. They were typically transported by horse-drawn carts and required a large crew to operate.

In the 19th century, mortars began to be used in field artillery. These field mortars were smaller and more portable than their siege counterparts, making them easier to deploy and use in combat.

During World War I, mortars became a standard weapon in the arsenals of all major armies. They were used extensively in trench warfare, where they proved to be effective in destroying enemy trenches and bunkers.

In World War II, mortars continued to be used in both siege and field artillery roles. The development of new mortars, such as the American M2 mortar, improved their range, accuracy, and mobility.

After World War II, mortars remained in service with armies around the world. They were used in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. Mortars continue to be used in modern conflicts, such as the War in Afghanistan and the War in Iraq.

Types of Mortar Guns

There are two main types of mortar guns: smoothbore and rifled.

Smoothbore mortars are the most common type of mortar. They have a smooth bore, which means that the projectile is not spun as it travels through the barrel. This makes smoothbore mortars relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.

Rifled mortars have a rifled bore, which means that the projectile is spun as it travels through the barrel. This spin provides the projectile with greater accuracy and range than smoothbore mortars. However, rifled mortars are more expensive to manufacture and maintain than smoothbore mortars.

Operation of Mortar Guns

Mortars are typically operated by a crew of two to four people. One person is responsible for firing the mortar, while the others load the ammunition and adjust the aim.

Mortars are fired using a firing pin, which strikes a primer in the base of the projectile. The primer ignites the propellant, which burns and creates gas. The gas expands and propels the projectile out of the barrel.

The range of a mortar is determined by the propellant charge and the elevation of the barrel. Mortars can fire projectiles at ranges of up to several kilometers.

Ammunition for Mortar Guns

Mortars fire a variety of ammunition, including high-explosive (HE), smoke, and illumination rounds.

HE rounds are the most common type of mortar ammunition. They are designed to explode on impact, creating a large blast radius. HE rounds are used to destroy enemy troops, fortifications, and equipment.

Smoke rounds are used to create a cloud of smoke that can obscure enemy positions or cover friendly movements.

Illumination rounds are used to provide light for night operations.

Deployment of Mortar Guns

Mortars are typically deployed in pairs or sections of three or four guns. This allows for the concentration of fire on a single target or the simultaneous engagement of multiple targets.

Mortars can be deployed in a variety of positions, including open fields, forests, and urban areas. They can also be mounted on vehicles or helicopters for increased mobility.

Tactical Use of Mortar Guns

Mortars are used to provide indirect fire support for ground troops. They can be used to engage targets that are obscured from direct line of sight, such as enemy positions behind hills or buildings. Mortars can also be used to clear obstacles, such as minefields or barbed wire entanglements.

Mortars are often used in conjunction with other artillery weapons, such as howitzers and rockets. This allows for the delivery of a variety of fires on enemy positions.

Accuracy and Range of Mortar Guns

The accuracy of a mortar is determined by a number of factors, including the type of mortar, the ammunition used, and the training of the crew. Mortars can typically achieve an accuracy of within a few meters of the target.

The range of a mortar is determined by the propellant charge and the elevation of the barrel. Mortars can typically fire projectiles at ranges of up to several kilometers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mortar Guns

Mortars offer a number of advantages over other artillery weapons, including:

• Indirect fire: Mortars can fire at targets that are obscured from direct line of sight. This makes them ideal for use in urban areas or other situations where direct fire is not possible.
• High angle of fire: Mortars can fire at a high angle of fire, which allows them to reach targets that are behind hills or buildings.
• Low cost: Mortars are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain compared to other artillery weapons.
• Portability: Mortars are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for use in mobile operations.

However, mortars also have some disadvantages, including:

• Limited range: Mortars have a shorter range than other artillery weapons, such as howitzers and rockets.
• Slow rate of fire: Mortars have a slower rate of fire than other artillery weapons, which makes them less effective against moving targets.
• Vulnerability to counter-battery fire: Mortars are vulnerable to counter-battery fire from enemy artillery. This means that they must be carefully positioned and protected from enemy fire.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

During the Battle of Stalingrad, a Soviet mortar crew was tasked with supporting an infantry assault on a German-held building. The mortar crew set up their mortar in a position that was obscured from the German defenders. They then began firing HE rounds at the building, destroying several enemy positions and killing a number of German soldiers. The infantry assault was successful, and the Soviet troops were able to capture the building.

Lesson learned: Mortars can be used to provide effective fire support for infantry assaults. They can be used to engage enemy positions that are obscured from direct line of sight and to clear obstacles, such as barbed wire entanglements.

Story 2:

During the Vietnam War, a US Marine mortar crew was ambushed by a group of Viet Cong guerrillas. The mortar crew was able to use their mortar to defend themselves, firing HE rounds at the enemy and forcing them to withdraw. The mortar crew was able to escape the ambush and rejoin their unit.

Lesson learned: Mortars can be used to provide effective self-defense against enemy attacks. They can be used to engage enemy troops, clear obstacles, and create smoke screens.

Story 3:

During the Gulf War, a US Army mortar crew was tasked with providing fire support for a tank battalion. The mortar crew was able to use their mortar to destroy several enemy tanks and armored vehicles. The mortar crew also provided smoke cover for the tank battalion, allowing them to advance on the enemy without being detected. The tank battalion was able to achieve its objectives and the mortar crew played a key role in their success.

Lesson learned: Mortars can be used to provide effective fire support for armored units. They can be used to engage enemy tanks, armored vehicles, and other hard targets. They can also be used to provide smoke cover for armored units, allowing them to advance on the enemy without being detected.

Tips and Tricks for Using Mortar Guns

• Choose the right position: The position of your mortar is critical to its effectiveness. Choose a position that is obscured from enemy observation and fire. You should also consider the range of your mortar and the targets you want to engage.
• Prepare your position: Once you have chosen a position, prepare it for firing. This includes digging in your mortar, setting up your ammunition, and clearing any obstacles from your field of fire.
• Calibrate your mortar: Before you begin firing, you need to calibrate your mortar. This involves firing a few rounds and adjusting your aim until you are hitting your target.
• Use the correct ammunition: There are a variety of mortar rounds available, each with its own purpose. Choose the right round for the job you want to do.
• Fire for effect: Once you have calibrated your mortar and selected the correct ammunition, you can begin firing for effect. This means firing rounds at your target until you achieve the desired result.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings when firing a mortar. This includes being aware of enemy positions, potential obstacles, and friendly troops.

Comparison of Pros and Cons

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a mortar and a howitzer?

Mortars are typically smaller and lighter than howitzers. They also have a shorter range and a slower rate of fire. However, mortars can fire at a higher angle of fire than howitzers, which makes them ideal for use in urban areas or other situations where direct fire is not possible.

2. What is the range of a mortar?

The range of a mortar depends on the type of mortar, the propellant charge, and the elevation of the barrel. Mortars can typically fire projectiles at ranges of up to several kilometers.

3. What is the accuracy of a mortar?

The accuracy of a mortar depends on a number of factors, including the type of mortar, the