120mm Type W86
Overview
120mm W86
120mm W86 heavy mortar. Note the triangular baseplate and sleeve type buffer.
Source: Chinese internet -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Cambodia
Algeria
Jordan
Description
Introduction
The Type W86 is a late Cold War era heavy mortar of Chinese origin. It was developed to replace the older Type 55 in Chinese service. The W86 is slightly lighter than the Type 55, but has a much increased range.
Design
The W86 is a smoothbore mortar which is more modern and lighter than the previous Type 55. It features a recoil buffer that is wrapped around the barrel in a similar fashion as with the 81mm W87 mortar. A conventional bipod and triangular baseplate are fitted. During travel a small two wheel carriage is used to transport the W86, which is towed by its muzzle. The crew consists of 7 to 9 people.
Firepower
The W86 fires a new series of 120mm shells out to 7.7 km. Old pattern Soviet and Chinese 120mm shells can also be fired but out to shorter ranges of about 5.5 km. The maximum rate of fire is 20 rpm. Practical rate of fire is probably about 12 rpm.
Mobility
Although the W86 can be disassembled in several pieces it is far to heavy to be man portable. The two wheel carriage allows it to be towed by troops into position and by light vehicle over longer distances. The W86 is also available on a turntable for mounting it in vehicles such as the YW-531H.
Users
The W86 was adopted by China, but in much lower quantities than the older Type 55. Reportedly the W86 was removed from service in the 2010's in favor of more portable 82mm and 100mm mortars. The W86 has been exported to various nations, often in conjunction with vehicles equipped to quickly emplace and displace the W86.
Details
Media
120mm W86
120mm W86 heavy mortar. Note the triangular baseplate and sleeve type buffer.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
120mm W86
120mm W86 heavy mortar in Algerian service shown on its transport vehicle.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
120mm W86
120mm W86 heavy mortar in Algerian service shown on its transport vehicle.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
120mm W86
120mm W86 heavy mortar offered for export with highly modified EQ2050 transport vehicle.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
120mm W86
120mm W86 heavy mortar offered for export with highly modified EQ2050 transport vehicle.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
120mm PM-43
The W86 was developed to replace the Type 55, which is a Chinese production model of the Soviet WW2 era 120-PM-43 mortar.
120mm 2B11 Sani
The 2B11 Sani is a Soviet/Russian heavy mortar developed to replace the 120-PM-43. The 2B11 may have spurred the design of the W86.