OVERVIEW
The M252, 81mm mortar replaced the aging M29 series of 81mm mortars in service with the US Army and USMC.
The M252, 81mm mortar replaced the aging M29 series of 81mm mortars in service with the US Army and USMC.
YEAR: 1987
MANUFACTURER(S): Watervliet Arsenals among others - USA
OPERATORS: Canada; Egypt; Estonia; Iraq; United Kingdom; United States
SPECIFICATIONS
Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible. * Calibers listed may be model/chambering dependent.
Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible. * Calibers listed may be model/chambering dependent.
ACTION: Smooth Bore, Muzzle Loading, High-Angle-of-Fire Weapon
CALIBER(S)*: 81mm
LENGTH (OVERALL): 1,270 millimeters (50.00 inches)
LENGTH (BARREL): 838 millimeters (32.99 inches)
WEIGHT (UNLOADED): 90.83 pounds (41.20 kilograms)
SIGHTS: M64A1 Sight Unit
RATE-OF-FIRE: 30 rounds-per-minute
RANGE (EFFECTIVE): 18,618 feet (5,675 meters; 6,206 yards)
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• M252, 81mm - Base Series Designation
Series Model Variants
• M252, 81mm - Base Series Designation
HISTORY
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.
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 smoothbore, muzzle-loading M252 medium weight mortar system offers up accurate long-range indirect fire support to American ground forces. It is an 81mm high-angle-of-fire system that is crew-served, entering US Army service in 1987. The American M252 is based on the standard British L16 81mm mortar.
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.
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.
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