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160mm PM-43


MT-13


Overview


160mm PM-43

Soviet 160-PM-43 heavy mortar on public display.
Source: pershing11111 - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Heavy mortar
Entered service
1944
Status
Limited service
Development
1942 - 1943
Developer
Soviet Union
Production
March 1944 - August 1947
Producer
Soviet Union - Tula machine-building plant
Number produced
1.557 in total
593 during WW2
Designations
MT-13
160-PM-43
Notable users
Soviet Union
Egypt

Description


Introduction

The 160mm PM-43 is a World War 2 era heavy mortar of Soviet origin. It was developed in World War 2 as a simple and reliable solution for heavy shelling. It is one of the heaviest mortars that has been produced in large quantities.

Design

The design started out in 1942 as an upscaled 120-PM-38 mortar. Muzzle loading the heavy shells was found impractical. The design was radically changed to a breech loading mortar. When loading a shell the barrel is pivoted forward and the round is inserted from the rear. A large circular baseplate provides stability. The two wheels of the fixed carriage serve as a bipod in the firing position.

Firepower

The 160-PM-43 fires massive 160mm shells weighing over 40 kg. The maximum range is 5.150 meters, with the minimum range being 630 meters. The rate of fire is 3 rounds per minute.

Mobility

The 160-PM-43 is towed by a lug on its barrel behind a towing vehicle. This can be a truck or a tracked prime mover. The 160-PM-43 is too heavy to be moved by infantry in the field.

Users

The 160-PM-43 was adopted by the Soviet Union and used during the final stages of World War 2. Over 500 were produced during World War 2, with about half that number serving in combat. Total production was over 1.500 units. The 160-PM-43 was exported in small numbers to a wide range of Soviet allies. It was used by Egypt in the 1967 and 1973 wars with Israel. In Soviet service the 160-PM-43 was supplemented by the more capable M160 mortar, which was adopted in 1949.

Details


Facts 160-PM-43
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Heavy mortar
Crew
7
Dimensions
Weight
1.170 kg in firing position
1.270 kg in travel configuration
Length
3.985 m (travelling)
Width
1.770 m (travelling)
Height
1.414 m (travelling)
Ordnance
Type
160mm smoothbore mortar
Barrel length
3.03 m
Muzzle velocity
140 - 245 m/s
Elevation
+45 to +80°
Traverse
25°
Fire control
Sights
Indirect fire sight
Firepower
Rate of fire
3 rpm
Range
5.150 km maximum
630 m minimum
Carriage
Type
Two wheel fixed carriage that doubles as bipod in the firing position
Tread
1.75 m
Mobility
Towing vehicle
6x6 truck or prime mover
Towed speed
Up to 50 km/h
Autonomous mobility
Too heavy for manhandling in the field

Related articles


120mm PM-43

The 160mm PM-43 was developed to supplement the 120mm PM-38 and PM-43 mortars at the divisional level.

160mm M160

The 160mm M160 is the successor to the 160-PM-43. It has a longer barrel and extends the maximum range to 8 km.