120mm L4 MOBAT
L7 ConBAT
Overview
MOBAT
L4 MOBAT with ammunition of the separate loading type in front.
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MoBAT | Mobile Battalion Anti-Tank
L7 (ConBAT in UK military service)
ConBAT | Converted Battalion Anti-Tank
Description
Introduction
The MOBAT is an early Cold War era recoilless rifle of UK origin. It is a modified version of the original BAT that was introduced in 1953. The MOBAT was created in an attempt to make the BAT more mobile, hence the name "Mobile Battalion Anti-Tank".
Design
The MOBAT retains the ordnance and carriage of the original BAT but does away with the large gun shield. This reduces the weight and silhouette of the weapon. A 7.62mm Bren spotting rifle was added to the BAT for increased hit probability. Later in the service life the spotting rifle was replaced by the 12.7mm L40A1, which has a brighter tracer round. Removal of the gun shield also allowed for a 360° traverse. Despite the reduced weight the MOBAT remains three times heavier than the American 106mm M40 Recoilless Rifle.
Variants
Firepower
The the MOBAT fires the 120mm L2 HESH round, which is useful against both armored vehicles and infantry positions. The penetration is around 400mm RHA and the maximum rate of fire is only 4 rounds per minute. The effective range of the MOBAT is about 800 meters due to the addition of the Bren spotting rifle. The maximum range remains 1.600 meters. Due to the addition of the spotting rifle the first round hit probability improved significantly.
Mobility
The original BAT was very heavy and could only be towed by truck. The MOBAT is much lighter and can be towed by the Austin Champ, Land Rover or any other light utility vehicle. The MOBAT can also be moved by infantry over very short distances.
Users
The first and foremost user of the BAT series of recoilless rifles was the United Kingdom. They were used from the 1950's until they were replaced in the 1970's by the Vigilant and Milan anti-tank missiles. The BAT was also exported to various nations, mostly belonging to the Commonwealth. Nowadays the BAT in no longer in use.
Details
Related articles
120mm BAT
The MOBAT features the same ordnance as the earlier BAT, but does away with the gun shield in lieu of increased mobility.
120mm L6 WOMBAT
The WOMBAT is a much lighter version of the 120mm recoilless rifle on a small two wheel carriage. It is less than half the weight of the MOBAT.