The mortar weapon system has been around for decades and has proven its worth, time and again, in the field of in-direct fire. Such weapons proved critical in the offensives dotting both World Wars and continue to be showcased in every major army service today. The challenge to warplanners has always been in providing suitable and portable mortar systems for use at the infantry level and this eventually dictated design and inherent limitations.
Throughout World War 2, the United States Army replied on the M2 4.2 inch heavy mortar for heavy suppression of enemy positions. This system was in use by the service from 1943 until 1974. In the 1950s, thought turned to a newer, more modern weapon whose design was based on the practical experience garnered by crews in the Second World War. This entry of 1951 then became the M30 4.2".
Both systems were of 106.7mm caliber (107mm) but the newer model exhibited increased range and better accuracy. The end-product became a 670-pound system with a length of five feet. A crew of five was typical for proper function and, due to the weapon's size and weight, it was traditionally mounted on - and fired from - a carrier vehicle such as the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).
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Design of the M30 fell to the United States Chemical Warfare Service. Both the earlier M2 and newer M30 were known by the nickname of "Four-Deuce" due to its caliber in inches (4.2). The M30 remains in service with a handful of operators today including Brazil, Greece, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
The M30's design arrangement is typical of mortar weapons in that the configuration relies on a basic launch tube, a baseplate, support structure and integral sighting device. It fires three distinct projectiles in five forms including two HE (High-Explosive) types (HE M329A1 and HE M329A2), a WP (White Phosphorous) round (WP M328A1) and two Illumination rounds (ILLUM M325A2 and ILLUM M335A2) out to ranges of 5,500 meters or more. Rate-of-fire is up to eighteen rounds-per-minute or three rounds sustained. Absolute maximum range is out to 6,850 meters. Controls along the support arm of the mounting hardware allow the operators to affect the weapon's elevation and traversal functions.
The M30 series saw combat service in the Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1955-1975).
Brazil; Greece; Philippines; Saudi Arabia; North Vietnam; South Vietnam; United States; Vietnam
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Fire Support
Capable of suppressing enemy elements at range through direct or in-direct fire.
Overall Length
1,525 mm 60.04 in
Barrel Length
1,525 mm 60.04 in
Empty Wgt
672.41 lb 305.00 kg
Sights
Integrated Optics Set.
Action
Pin Actuated; Manual Operation
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
Caliber(s)*
106.7mm
Sample Visuals**
Rounds / Feed
Single-Shot; Reusable Launch Tube.
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
2,525 ft (770 m | 842 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
18 rds/min
M30 - Base Series Designation
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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Brazil; Greece; Philippines; Saudi Arabia; North Vietnam; South Vietnam; United States; Vietnam
