120mm MO-120-RT
Overview
MO-120-RT
French troops during operation Desert Shield with MO-120-RT mortar and VAB-VTM armored personnel carrier.
Source: US DOD -
© Public domain
Japan - Howa
Netherlands - Hotchkiss-Brandt
Turkey - MKEK
HB Rayé (Dutch designation)
HY-12 Tosam (Turkish production)
Mortier 120mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1 (French army designation)
M327 (US Marine Corps service)
EFSS / Expeditionary Fire Support System (US Marine Corps service)
Description
Introduction
The MO-120-RT is an early Colr War era heavy rifled 120mm mortar of French design. It is the heaviest and most powerful mortar in the Brandt lineup. The MO-120-RT was designed in the 1950's and still remains in service today due to its sound design. It is known for its range, accuracy and lethality and has been adopted by many nations.
Layout
The design of the MO-120-RT is very complex for a mortar system and translates into a very high level of effectiveness. The two wheels are permanently attached and act as a bipod for the weapon. An intricate system for traverse and elevation is fitted for optimal laying of the weapon. The rounds are muzzle loaded and either drop fired or trigger fired.
Firepower
The MO-120-RT fires rifled 120mm shells that can be rocket assisted as well. The standard range is 8.1 km and assisted rounds can be fired up to 13 km. The maximum rate of fire is 18 rounds per minute for short period, with the normal rate of fire being around 10 rounds per minute.
Mobility
The MO-120-RT is based on a fixed two wheel carriage that doubles as the bipod. Due to its weight it is hard to be moved by infantry over longer distances. It is normally towed by a medium truck or dedicated armored personnel carrier, such as the French VAB-VTM or Dutch YPR-765 PRMR.
Users
The MO-120-RT has been adopted by many European nations and has been sold to various overseas nations as well. Since it remains arguably the most capable heavy mortar today it is expected to remain in service for some time to come.
Details
MO-120-RT
MO-120-RT in Japanese service being towed by light vehicles.
Source: Los688 -
© Public domain
MO-120-RT
The MO-120-RT is a heavy rifled 120mm mortar. The design is very complex for a mortar system and translates into a very high level of effectiveness. The two wheels are permanently attached and act as a bipod for the weapon. An intricate system for traverse and elevation is fitted for optimal laying of the weapon. The rounds are muzzle loaded and either drop fired or trigger fired.
Related articles
Type 96
The Japanese Type 96 is a tracked self-propelled mortar carrier that uses the MO-120-RT as its armament. The MO-120-RT fires through the roof over a rearward arc.