TDA 81mm

History

During the Cold War era (1947-1991), the French army introduced the TDA 81mm, a new light infantry-class field mortar with a 81mm caliber. This mortar series was put into service in 1961 and underwent upgrades over the years, with the LLR 81mm being the latest version.

Light infantry mortars like the TDA 81mm offer indirect long-range fire support for ground infantry operations, allowing troops to engage enemies without direct line of sight. The system comprises a launch tube, optical assembly, base plate, and support feet. It boasts a firing rate of up to 20 rounds per minute and can reach targets up to 3,400 yards away. Typically, a team of four operates the mortar.

The TDA 81mm is capable of firing various projectiles including high explosive, illumination, smoke, and white phosphorus for practice. It weighs a total of 43 kg, with the launch tube at 14.4 kg, the base plate at 14.9 kg, and the bipod at 12.2 kg.

Notably, both the French and South African armies utilize the TDA 81mm series, known as the M-3 in the latter.

Specification

Base

Year of Operation:1961

Origins: France

Categories: Medium Infantry Mortar

Manufacturer: State Factory - France/South Africa

Operator: France; South Africa

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

Action: Manual operation

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 1,640 mm (64.57 inches)

Barrel length: 1,640 mm (64.57 inches)

Cured weight: 99.65 lbs (45.20 kg)

Attractions: Integrated optics kit.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber: 81mm

Circle/Feed: Single shot; reusable launch tube

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived: 10,170 feet (3,100m | 3,390m)

Rate of fire: 16 Number of revolutions

VARIANTS

LC 81mm - Light short tube variant

LL 81mm - Long tube variant

LLR 81mm - Paratrooper model from 1997; off-road version with reinforcement for long term use.

M-3 - Designated South African Army