Panzermörser 52-3

Schützenpanzer, lang, HS-30, Typ 52-3

Overview

Panzermörser 52-3

Forward view of a Panzermörser 52-3 self-propelled mortar on display in a museum.
Source: Huhu - © Public domain

Origin

Germany

Type

Self-propelled mortar

Entered service

Early 1960's

Status

Out of service

Development

Late 1950's

Developer

Switzerland - Hispano-Suiza
Germany

Production

Early 1960's

Producer

Germany

Number produced

Small number, but at least several dozen

Designations

Schützenpanzer, lang, Typ 51-3
Panzermörser 51-3

Notable users

Germany

Variants

The Panzermörser is a variant of the HS-30 mechanized infantry combat vehicle. The same chassis is used, but there is no turret with 20mm autocannon. Instead the troop compartment is fitted with a mortar which fires through large hatches in the roof.

Panzermörser 51-3

Production model of the Panzermörser. Fitted with an 81mm mortar. All vehicles were produced to this standard and updated to 52-3 at later stage.

Panzermörser 52-3

Upgunned version of the Panzermörser with a 120mm mortar. Retrofit of existing Panzermörser 51-3 took place in 1966.

Details

Facts Panzermörser 52-3

General

Origin

West Germany

Type

Self-propelled mortar

Crew

5 (estimate)

Dimensions

Weight

14.4 t combat load

Length

5.56 m

Width

2.54 m

Height

1.5 m to vehicle roof (estimate)

Main armament

Type

120mm MO-120-AM50 smoothbore mortar

Mount

Tripod mount in crew compartment

Ammunition

About 30 (estimate)

Traverse

Fires over frontal arc

Stabilizer

Secondary armament

Type

7.62mm MG3 machine gun

Mount

Pintle mount with small gun shield

Ammunition

500 rounds (estimate)

Traverse

Manual traverse and elevation

Stabilizer

Chassis

Chassis type

Tracked chassis, 5 roadweels

Layout

Idler front, drive sprocket rear

Ground pressure

0.74 kg/cm²

Suspension

Torsion bar

Automotive

Engine model

Rolls-Royce B81 Mk 80F

Engine type

V8 petrol

Power output

220 hp

Mobility

Speed

58 km/h

Range

270 km

Power to weight ratio

15.3 hp/t

Obstacle crossing

Wall

0.6 m

Trench

1.6 m

Gradient

60 %

Fording

0.7 m

Protection

Armor type

Steel

Armor thickness

30 mm at 45° front

30 mm sloped sides

NBC system

Smoke system

2x4 smoke grenade dischargers

Equipment

Night vision

Media

Panzermörser 52-3

Left side view of a Panzermörser 52-3 self-propelled mortar on display in a museum.

Source: Huhu

HS-30 mortar carrier

Demilitarized Panzermörser self-propelled mortar available for civilian sales.

Source: www.panzer-handel.de

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Subcomponents

HS-30 tracked vehicle

The Panzermörser is based on the HS-30 mechanized infantry combat vehicle. The open roof crew compartment makes it ideal for conversion to a mortar carrier.

120mm MO-120-AM50

The French Brandt MO-120-AM50 smoothbore mortar is the main armament of the Panzermörser 52-3.

7.62mm MG3 machine gun

For self-defense a 7.62mm MG3 machine gun is fitted. A small gun shield provided on the pintle mount.