M252, 81mm Mortar

History

The M252 Medium Smoothbore Mortar System provides accurate long-range indirect fire support to U.S. ground forces. It is an 81mm high-angle, crew-operated system that entered service with the U.S. Army in 1987. The American M252 is based on the British standard L16 81mm mortar.

The M252 consists of several key components that make up the whole. This includes the M253 cannon (launch tube), the M177 mortar mount, the M3A1 baseplate and the M64A1 sighting device. The M253 gun is 50 inches long and can fire a variety of ammunition types, including High Explosive (HE), Red Phosphorous and Smoke, Illuminator, and other NATO-approved ammunition. The barrel is sealed with a Blast Attenuator Device (BAD) to protect the crew. Elevation is achieved by using a spiral elevation and lateral system.

A crew of three is recommended for maximum firefighting efficiency.

The M252 has a minimum range of 83 meters and a maximum range of 5,935 meters. The entire unit weighs 91 pounds. The maximum rate of fire is up to 30 rounds per minute and the duration is up to 2 minutes. Continuous fire eight to sixteen rounds per minute. The M252 replaced the older 81mm M29 mortar and is in service with the U.S.

Army and U.S. Marine Corps.

Specification

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Dimensions

Performance

Changes