M1943 120mm (120-PM 43)

History

The Soviet Army during World War II (1939-1945) used a variety of mortar-class weapons during the conflict - from light infantry-class weapons with 50mm and 82mm ranges to bulky forms with 120mm ranges and siege calibers 160mm model. The Model 1943 (120-PM 43) was a 120 mm form that fired a 4.7-inch projectile with a range of 6,200 yards. As the name suggests, it was launched in 1943 and was based on the 1938 Soviet model that emerged before the war.

The M1943 served during the Cold War years and saw its last notable combat service during the Soviet-Afghan War from 1979 to 1989.

By design, the Model 1943 is a conventional launch tube, bipod support assembly, baseplate and integrated optics. Muzzle Loading - The projectile falls from the open muzzle end, hits the firing pin on the base, and exits the tube at 890 feet per second. The weapon can fire both normal high-explosive (HE) and special high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) projectiles and is mainly used for anti-infantry operations, especially against well-burdened enemies. Tube mounting hardware allows an indirect fire altitude range of +45 to +80 degrees. Trained and experienced crew members can fire up to 9 rounds per minute continuously.

A typical crew consists of six people - required due to the size of the weapons and ammunition.

Like other mortar systems, the M1943 can be disassembled into key components for easy crew transport. If the mortar needed to move quickly, it could be placed on a Soviet army wagon and towed to a new destination by a moving truck.

Overall, the M1943 performed well when it was needed most and held up well during the Cold War years with several Soviet-backed countries and military customers (Afghanistan, China, Egypt, Finland, etc.). It was eventually replaced by a more modern form, even in the Soviet army's inventory, when its usefulness on the battlefield had been exhausted - this was in the 1980s.

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