M252, 81mm Mortar
United States (1987)
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The M252, 81mm mortar replaced the aging M29 series of 81mm mortars in service with the US Army and USMC.
Detailing the development and operational history of the M252, 81mm Mortar Medium Weight Extended Range Mortar. Entry last updated on 10/19/2017; Authored by Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com
The M252 consists of several key components making up the whole. These include the M253 Cannon (firing tube), the M177 Mortar Mount, the M3A1 Baseplate and the M64A1 Sight Unit. The M253 Cannon is 50 inches long and accepts a variety of munitions type for fire including high-explosive (HE), red phosphorous and smoke, illumination and other NATO-accepted rounds. The barrel is capped with the Blast Attenuation Device (BAD) for crew protection. Elevation is accomplished through the use of a screw-type elevation and traverse system. A crew of three is recommended for maximum firing efficiency.
The M252 has capable ranges of 83 meters minimum and 5,935 meters maximum. The entire unit weighs 91lbs. A maximum rate-of-fire of 30 rounds-per-minute is attainable for up to 2 minutes. Sustained firing falls between eight and sixteen rounds-per-minute. The M252 replaced the aged M29 81mm mortar and is in service with the United States Army and United States Marine Corps.
Any available statistics for the M252, 81mm Mortar Medium Weight Extended Range Mortar are showcased in the areas immediately below. Categories include basic specifications covering initial year of service, country-of-origin and manufacture(s) involved in bringing the weapon to market. Other qualities showcased are related to physical values such as the internal action, available calibers / chamberings, weight and lengths. Global operators are also presented in A-to-Z format as are any model variants available to the series.
Supported Mission Types:
Frontline Issuance
Special Forces
Close Quarters Battle
Sniper
Designated Marksman/Sharpshooter
Suppressed/Silenced
Area Effect/Suppression
Indirect Fire
Airspace Denial
Anti-Material
Attachment Weapon
Aircraft-Mounted
Vehicle-Mounted
Antique/Collectors
Prototype/Development
Origin: United States
Year: 1987
Type: Medium Weight Extended Range Mortar
Manufacturer(s): Watervliet Arsenals among others - USA
Global Operators:
Canada; Egypt; Estonia; Iraq; United Kingdom; United States
Canada; Egypt; Estonia; Iraq; United Kingdom; United States
Structural - Internal Design, Dimensions, and Weights:
Operation
ACTION
System
Smooth Bore, Muzzle Loading, High-Angle-of-Fire Weapon
Operation
CALIBER(S)
(Model / Chambering Dependent)
81mm
Operation
FEED
(Model / Chambering Dependent)
1
Length
OVERALL
Millimeters
1,270 mm
Inches
50.00 in
Length
BARREL
Millimeters
838 mm
Inches
32.99 in
Structural
WEIGHT
Pounds (Unloaded)
90.83 lb
Kilograms (Unloaded)
41.20 kg
Ranged
Sights
Arrangement
M64A1 Sight Unit
Operating Performance (Typical):
Performance
Rate-of-Fire
Rounds-per-Minute
30 rpm
Performance
RANGE
Feet
18,618 ft
Meters
5,675 m
Yards
6,206 yd
Variants:
Series Model Variants
• M252, 81mm - Base Series Designation
• M252, 81mm - Base Series Designation