Type 99 81mm

Infantry Field Mortar

Imperial Japan | 1939

"The Type 99 of 1939 was an infantry-level field mortar for Japanese ground forces in World War 2."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 01/23/2017 | 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 participants of World War 2 (1939-1945), the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) adopted several different types of infantry-level field mortars. In 1939 came about a new design of 81mm caliber designated the "Type 99" (after the Japanese calendar year of "2599"). The Type 99 was a short-tube weapon and classified as a compact "trench mortar" during a time when it was believed that wars would still be fought through "Trench Warfare" as it was in World War 1 (1914-1918).

The Type 99, as a complete weapon system, showcased a weight of 53lb and a length of over two feet. Its launch tube measured just over a foot long. A bipod assembly, hinged to affect elevation, was affixed under the muzzle and a basic rectangular plate was fitted at the tail end of the unit. The baseplate measured over two feet wide.

The Type 99 fired 81mm shells of 7lb weight out to an effective range of 710 yards (650 meters). Absolute range was near 2,200 yards (2,000 meters). The loading system was entirely manual as most weapons of this class were. The integral mounting hardware allowed for an elevation span of +45 to +85 degrees and the projectiles exited the muzzle at 270 feet per second.

Available ammunition types included the standard explosive type, a smoke round (parachute), signal round (green smoke), mine dispenser round and a chemical round. The projectile was a self-contained munition featuring the primer cartridge, propellant charge, percussion fuze and spring-loaded fins for stabilization during the flight path. Projectiles detonated upon impact or - with some operator interference - through delayed action.

Type 99 mortars were in use until the end of the war in 1945.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Type 99 81mm. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

2,135 ft
650.7 m | 711.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

6
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

270 ft/sec
82 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Physical
The physical qualities of the Type 99 81mm. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

717 mm
28.23 in
O/A Length

552 mm
21.73 in
Barrel Length

55.12 lb
25.00 kg
Weight

manual loading; primer actuated
Action

81mm
Caliber(s)

Single-Shot
Feed

Included Optics
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Type 99 81mm Infantry Field Mortar family line.

Type 99 - Base Series Designation

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Type 99 81mm. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): State Factories - Japanese Empire

[ Imperial Japan ]

1 / 1

Image from the Public Domain.

Going Further...
The Type 99 81mm Infantry Field Mortar appears in the following collections:

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks of the World U.S. Department of Defense Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols Breakdown U.S. 5-Star Generals List WWII Weapons by Country World War Next

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)