TDA 81mm

Infantry Medium Mortar

France | 1961

"The French Army TDA 81mm of the 1960s has been modernized into the LC, LL, and LLR type field systems."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 02/04/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

As with other military powers of the world during the Cold War period (1947-1991), the French Army moved to adopt a new light infantry-level field mortar in 81mm caliber, this becoming the "TDA 81mm". The series was taken into service in 1961 and has been progressively modernized throughout the subsequent decades (the LLR 81mm is its most modern form). The light infantry mortar fulfills the role of in-direct ranged fire support for infantry actions on the ground, capable of engaging foes without actually seeing them. The complete system encompasses the launch tube, optics set, baseplate and supporting bipod. Rate-of-fire reaches up to 20 rounds-per-minute and range is out to 3,400 yards from the point of launch. The typical operating crew numbers four personnel.

The TDA 81mm is cleared to fire High-Explosive, illumination, smoke and White Phosphorous (practice) projectiles. Total system weight is 43 kilograms with the launch tube being 14.4kg, the base plate weighing 14.9kg and the bipod weighing 12.2kg.

The French and South African armies both utilize the TDA 81mm series family of light mortars. In the latter it is designated as the M-3.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the TDA 81mm. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,640 mm
64.57 in
O/A Length

1,640 mm
64.57 in
Barrel Length

99.65 lb
45.20 kg
Weight

Manual Operation
Action

81mm
Caliber(s)

Single-Shot; Reusable Launch Tube
Feed

Integrated Optics Set.
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the TDA 81mm. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

10,170 ft
3,099.8 m | 3,390.0 yds
Max.Eff.Range

16
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the TDA 81mm Infantry Medium Mortar family line.

TDA 81mm - Base Series Designation; model of 1961.

LC 81mm - Lightweight, short barrel variant

LL 81mm - Long barrel variant

LLR 81mm - Paratrooper model of 1997; long barrel variant with reinforcement applied for long term use.

M-3 - South African Army Designation

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the TDA 81mm. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): State Factories - France / South Africa

[ France; South Africa ]

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

FIRE SUPPORT

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Going Further...
The TDA 81mm Infantry Medium Mortar appears in the following collections:

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