Specifications
Year: 1987
Manufacturer(s): Watervliet Arsenals among others - USA
Roles: In-Direct Fire/Siege/Area Effect;
Manufacturer(s): Watervliet Arsenals among others - USA
Roles: In-Direct Fire/Siege/Area Effect;
Action: Smooth Bore, Muzzle Loading, High-Angle-of-Fire Weapon
Caliber(s): 81mm
Sights: M64A1 Sight Unit
Overall Length: 1,270 mm (50.00 in)
Barrel Length: 838 mm (32.99 in)
Weight (Unloaded): 90.83 lb (41.20 kg)
Caliber(s): 81mm
Sights: M64A1 Sight Unit
Overall Length: 1,270 mm (50.00 in)
Barrel Length: 838 mm (32.99 in)
Weight (Unloaded): 90.83 lb (41.20 kg)
Rate-of-Fire: 30 rounds-per-minute
Effective Range: 18,618 ft (5,675 m; 6,206 yd)
Effective Range: 18,618 ft (5,675 m; 6,206 yd)
Operators: Canada; Egypt; Estonia; Iraq; United Kingdom; United States
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.
Variants / Models
• M252, 81mm - Base Series Designation
