Ordnance ML 9.45-inch Heavy Trench Mortar (Flying Pig)

History

The British ML 9.45" (240mm) mortar was based on the 1915 240mm mortar design and introduced in 1916 . The British version differs from the French LT in that the propellant charge is a muzzle charge, whereas the French 240mm gun has a breech charge in a brass case.

In June 1916, after unsatisfactory trials with the French model, the British replaced 30 and dropped 150 lb bombs with their own models, followed by another 200 in December 1916.

51" (1,300 mm) barrel Mark I, June 1916. In 1917, the 69-inch (1,800 mm) barrel Mark II and Mark III followed, and a small number of Mark IVs.

Specification

Basics

Years in Service

1916

Origins

UK

Categories

Heavy Duty Smoothbore Mortar

Manufacturer

State Factory - UK

Carrier

Australia; UK

Roles

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,300 mm

51. 18 inches

Barrel length

1,300 mm

51. 18 inches

Cured weight

1,909. 20 lbs

866.00 kg

Attractions

unavailable

Action

unavailable

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

240 mm

Circle/Feed

Single shot; reusable

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

7,200 feet

(2,195m | 2,400m)

Mile speed

475 ft/s

(145m/s)

Variant

Mk IMk IIMk IIIMk IV