Mortar



A mortar is a weapon that fires explosive shells known as (mortar) bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically a muzzleloader with a short barrel, generally less than 15 times its caliber.

The mortar is a relatively simple and easy to operate. A modern mortar consists of a tube into which assistant gunners drop a purpose-designed bomb. The tube is generally set at between 45 and 85 degrees angle to the ground, with the higher angle giving shorter firing distances. The bomb has a small baseline charge and no cartridge case; for extra range propellant rings are attached to the bomb's fins. When it reaches the base of the tube it hits a fixed firing pin, which detonates the baseline charge and fires the projectile. Some mortars have a moving firing pin, operated by a lanyard; others may be fired by a trigger.

Light and medium mortars are portable, and usually used by infantry units. The chief advantage a mortar section has over an artillery battery is the flexibility of small numbers, mobility and the ability to engage targets in cover with plunging fire. Mortars are able to fire from the protection of a trench or other type of cover. In these aspects, the mortar is an excellent infantry support weapon, as it can be transported over any terrain and is not burdened by the logistical support needed for artillery.

A mortar can be carried by one or more people (larger mortars can usually be broken down into components), or transported in a vehicle. An infantry mortar can usually also be mounted and fired from a mortar-carrier, a purpose-built or modified armored vehicle with a large roof-hatch. Heavy mortars can be mounted on a carriage, MBS or permanently vehicle-mounted as a self-propelled mortar. A mortar can also be a launcher for fireworks, a hand-held or vehicle-mounted projector for smoke shells or flares, or a large grenade launcher.