M120 120mm Mortar (original) (raw)

The M120 120mm Mortar replaces the M30 4.2 Inch Mortar in motorized infantry units. The M120 is transported on the M1100 Trailer by the M998 High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The M120, like all other US mortars, fires fin-stabilized ammunition from a smooth bore. Although heavy mortars require trucks or tracked mortar carriers to move them, they are still much lighter than field artillery pieces. They outrange light and medium mortars, and their explosive power is much greater. Horseshoe-shaped cheese charges are used to propel the round from the tube. Depending on the distance to the target and the hang time desired, one to four charges are used.

The effect can be deadly for anyone standing inside the 70 meter killing radius. The mortar can reach out and touch an enemy target over 7,000 meters away or as close as 166 meters.

The M120 Mortar System consists of the following major components:

• M298 Cannon Assembly (110 lbs)
• M190 Bipod Assembly (70 lbs)
• M9 Baseplate (136 lbs)
• M1100 Trailer (399 lbs)