M120, 120mm Mortar

History

The M120 Mortar System is an Israeli 120mm Soltam K6 heavy field mortar in service with the US Army. Adopted by the U.S. military in 1991, the weapon is identical in form and function to its Israeli counterparts. Due to its size and weight, the weapon is transported to deployment on an M1100 series trailer. The same weapon in vehicle-mounted form is known as the M121 and appears on the Stryker IFV and M113 APC mortar delivery platforms.

The M326 MSS (Mortar Mounting System) is another vehicle-mounted form, although it has a quick-release feature that allows the weapon to be placed in the field for short periods of time.

The M120 mortar system consists of the launch tube, optics, base plate and bipod mount. 4. The 120mm projectile passes through the muzzle and strikes the waiting pin to trigger the projectile firing process. Trained crew members can fire up to 16 rounds per minute and 4 rounds continuously.

The range is up to 7,900 yards. The entire system weighs 320 pounds - although it's lightweight for a "heavy" combat weapon. A typical strike force consists of five men, and the traditional transport vehicle is the M998 HUMVEE.

The M120 can fire a variety of High Explosive (HE) projectiles, as well as flares, sniper, smoke and practice rounds.

The Soltam K6 series serves major operators worldwide in Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Iraq, Mexico, Taiwan and Turkey. The M120 is just one of several types of mortars used by the U.S.

Armed Forceseach of which is procured based on caliber and combat weight to fulfill a specific battlefield role.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes