81mm M1
Overview
81mm M1
US forces firing their 81mm M1 mortar at German position circa November 1944.
Source: US DoD -
© Public domain
United States - AB Farquhar
United States - Pullman Car Manufacture
Belgium
Israel
South Vietnam
Description
Introduction
The M1 is a World War 2 era 81mm mortar of US origin. It is a slightly modified Brandt mortar and was adopted before World War 2. The M1 was used until the 1950's until it was replaced in US service with the newer M29.
Design
The M1 is a conventional muzzle loaded smoothbore 81mm mortar. It is a slightly modified Brandt Mle 27/31 mortar. It can be disassembled in three pieces, being the barrel, the baseplate and the bipod with sight assembly.
Firepower
The M1 fires a variety of 81mm shells. The maximum range is 3 km. The maximum rate of fire is 30 rounds per minute, with 18 rounds per minute being the normal rate of fire.
Mobility
The M1 can be disassembled in three pieces that can be transported by infantry over short distances. Over longer distance the M1 and its associated ammunition and crew are transported by utility vehicle or light truck.
The M1 mortar has also been mounted on the M4 and M21 halftracks. The mortar is fired from the rear compartment of these open roof vehicles.
Users
The main user of the M1 was the United States. It has been exported to many nations around the world, mostly in Europe, South America and Asia. With most nations it has been replaced by newer designs. Still, the M1 still remains in use today and from time to time pops up in armed conflicts.
Details
Media
81mm M1
US forces firing an 81mm M1 mortar during World War 2.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
81mm M1
81mm M1 mortar on display in a museum in Vietnam
Source: Panda 51
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
M4 MMC
Top view of M4 Mortar Motor Carriage showing the 81mm M1 mortar and ammunition stowage.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
SV 60 self-propelled mortar
The Japanese SV 60 is a self-propelled mortar armed with the 81mm M1 mortar, which can be fired from the rear compartment.