120-PM-43_mortar

120-PM-43 mortar

120-PM-43 mortar

Mortar

The M1943 Mortar or 120-PM-43 (Russian: 120-Полковой Миномёт-43) or the 120-mm mortar Model 1943 (Russian: 120-мм миномет обр. 1943 г.), also known as the SAMOVAR, is a Soviet 120 millimeter calibre smoothbore mortar first introduced in 1943 as a modified version of the M1938 mortar.[5] It virtually replaced the M1938 as the standard weapon for mortar batteries in all Soviet infantry battalions by the late 1980s, though the armies of the Warsaw Pact utilised both in their forces.[6]

Quick Facts M1943 Mortar, Type ...

Design

This muzzle-loading mortar can be easily broken down into three parts – barrel, bipod and baseplate – for movement over short distances or towed by a GAZ-66 truck on a two-wheel tubular carriage. The baseplate mounting permits all-azimuth firing, however as with most Soviet mortars it was difficult to turn rapidly over a wide traverse. It could accommodate small-angle shifts of up to 6 degrees without having to shift the baseplate though.[6]

Variants

It was copied in China as the Type 53 mortar.[7] A more robust but heavier version, the Type 55, was developed by Norinco.[8] Egypt also produced a locally modified variant, the Helwan Model UK 2.[9] An improved version called the 2B11 Sani was also produced by the Soviets and, in combination with the 2B9 Vasilek, was being used to phase out the M1943 from service.[6]

Users

A map with nations that use the 120-PM-43 mortar in blue

Former users

References

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    US Department of Defense. "120mm M-1943 Mortar". North Korea Country Handbook 1997, Appendix A: Equipment Recognition (PDF). p. A-91. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
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    Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost (23 March 2021). "Tracking Arms Transfers By The UAE, Russia, Jordan And Egypt To The Libyan National Army Since 2014". Oryx Blog.
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    Humanitarian Operation Factual Analysis July 2006 – May 2009 (PDF). Ministry Of Defence Democratic Socialist Republic Of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
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