M1937 82mm (82-PM 37)

History

The Soviet Union used several different types of mortars during World War II, with calibers ranging from 50mm, 82mm, 120mm and even 160mm. The 82mm class itself consists of three different versions, starting with the 82-PM 36 (M1936) which is a replica of the excellent French Brandt model of 1927/33.

Then came the 82-PM 37 (M1937) and the improved 82-PM 41 (M1941). The M1941 itself was modernized to address its initial flaws as the 82-PM 43 (M1943).

The design of the M1937 is attributed to B.I Szayrin and is closely related to the established line of the M1936, which entered service in 1937 (as its name suggests). The M1937 was a newer mortar design that introduced recoil springs to relieve pressure on the bipod during firing. In addition, a lighter base plate was installed to improve portability, and a special safety device was installed to prevent two mortar shells from accidentally falling into the launch tube. Overall, the M1937 retained the widely accepted mortar form, including the launch tube, bipod structure and base plate, all of which could be disassembled for transport.

Lift and roll controls are included on the bipod structure as levers, as are the integrated sights. Elevation for indirect fire was limited to 45 to 75 degrees, and lateral coverage was 6 to 15 degrees.

The input system weighs about 120 pounds and fires a 7-pound high-explosive-laden projectile (also outputs various other types of projectiles, such as smoke and flares). A well-trained crew - usually three to four people - can sustain a rate of fire of 25 to 30 rounds per minute.

Each fired projectile reportedly had a muzzle velocity of 690 feet per second and a range of 3,300 yards.

A version of this mortar was captured by the invading Germans and renamed "8.2 cm Granatwerfer 274/2(r)", which also joined captured M1936 and M1941/43 models ("8.2 cm Granatwerfer 274 (r) and 8.2 cm grenade launcher 274/3(r)). Due to the urgent needs of the Soviet Union, the Red Army troops used the M1937 as well as the previous M1936 models and the upcoming M1941/43 models.

In addition to being used by the Red Army, the M1937 was also adopted by the Chinese ("Type 53"), Egyptian ("Helwan M-69") and Syrian ("PM-37") armies.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes