Weapons of counterinsurgency warfare
For SOBR instructors
Nowadays, junior officers appointed as commanders of special assault groups try not to take a mortar with them, citing the large weight of the system. The real reason is that now the principle of working with a portable mortar has been forgotten even among the troops, and in law enforcement systems this topic has always been a “blind spot”. At the same time, the unique combat capabilities of mortars for waging counterguerrilla warfare remain unclaimed.
Once upon a time, about 50 years ago, it was portable mortars of 50-82 mm caliber that turned out to be practically indispensable weapons in closed, rugged and difficult terrain with a complete absence of landmarks. A portable mortar is, first of all, a rational combination of the power of a projectile (feathered mine) and the lightness of a movable throwing device - the mortar itself. The most valuable quality of a mortar is its low weight with the great power of the mine, which gives a colossal effect of fragmentation and high explosive at the target. It is enough to note that the effectiveness of exploding one 82 mm fragmentation mine is equal to the combat performance of five or six F-1 hand grenades. In this case, the ratio of the weight of the mortar to the weight of the mine will be 1/16.
A mortar is a smooth-bore weapon that fires non-rotating feathered projectiles, that is, mines. The mortar differs from other artillery systems not only in its light weight, but also in its simplicity of design, ease of learning, and steep trajectory (elevation angles from 45 to 85o). The greater steepness of the flight path of mines makes it possible to destroy hidden targets that are not hit by flat fire from artillery and grenade launchers, facilitates concealment, selection and camouflage of one’s own firing positions, and ensures firing from deep shelters and shooting “over the heads” of friendly units. A mobile mortar is indispensable as a means of directly supporting friendly formations, both attacking and defending or ambushed.
Mortar systems have very high accuracy and shooting accuracy. This allows you to effectively and quickly destroy enemy snipers, machine gunners and grenade launchers directly on the scene. A mortar is a flexible and powerful weapon, capable of resolving a local tactical situation like no other. The mine's high lifting height also makes it possible to effectively shoot down the enemy from tactical heights.
In short, a mortar is a means that allows you to actively control the specific course of combat events.
The purpose of this material is to give law enforcement officers, officers and soldiers of internal troops an initial understanding of what a mortar is and how to handle it if you have to deal with it.
The design of a portable muzzle-loading mortar of the classical design is simple.

Photo 1. The mortar barrel (1 in Photo) is a smooth-walled pipe without rifling, onto which the breech is screwed into the rear (lower) part. At the bottom of the breech there is a firing pin, on which the capsule of the main (tail) charge of the mine is broken when it is lowered into the barrel. From below, the breech ends in a ball heel. Through this part, the barrel is connected to the base plate (2 in the Photo). There is a hole in the ball heel into which any pry bar can be inserted for screwing and unscrewing the breech from the barrel when cleaning the mortar.
In 82 mm mortars, the firing pin is rigid, screwed into the bottom of the breech. This ensures simplicity of design and increases the rate of fire.
The barrel rests on a biped-carriage, which gives it vertical and horizontal guidance angles.

Photo 2. It contains lifting (4 on Photo 2), rotating (5 on Photo 1) and horizontal (6 on Photo 1) mechanisms. The two-legged carriage is detachably connected to the barrel through a shock absorber (7 in Photo 2) by means of a clip (8 in Photo 2) and a basting. All mortar guidance mechanisms are screw type.

Photo 3. The leveling mechanism, which has a transverse level (9), is designed for precise leveling of the mortar in cases where the sight is rigidly mounted on a two-legged carriage. Typically the sight is mounted on the left side of the rotating mechanism. The need for precise leveling disappears when a swinging sight is used, which levels independently.

The base plate serves as support for the trunk. It consists of a main sheet to which stiffeners (coulters) are welded from below. Distribution of recoil force on large area helps reduce pressure on the ground.
When fired, due to elastic deformation of the slab and soil, the barrel moves along the axis by an insignificant amount and then returns to old place. To prevent damage to the mortar mechanisms during sudden movement of the barrel, the biped-carriage is attached to the barrel using spring shock absorbers.
Post-war mortars of 82 mm caliber are equipped with fuses to prevent double loading. This device prevents the laying of a second mine when the mortar is already loaded.

Photo 4. The mortar is shown schematically with the designation of the main parts in photo 1-2-3-4.

Photo 5. Mortar sights are optical and mechanical. Each mortar sight has a goniometer circle (10) for horizontal aiming. Horizontal aiming of the mortar is carried out by directing the sighting line of the protractor to the aiming point. The mortar sight, just like the artillery compass, has a scale on the horizontal circle of the protractor, divided into large divisions of 1-00 (one hundred thousandths) for an optical sight and small divisions of 0-20 (twenty thousandths) for a mechanical sight. In addition, the scope has a drum for measuring angles with an accuracy of 0-01 (1 thousandth) (11 in Photo 5). Let us remind you that one thousandth is 1/1000 of the distance to the target, deployed “along the front”. Therefore, a correction of 1/1000 to the side at a distance of 1 km will give a deviation of 1 meter, at 2 km - 2 m, respectively. The mortar is aimed horizontally by a rotating mechanism.
The sight itself with a level is used to measure vertical angles and vertical range guidance. To aim at the range, the required sight is installed on its scale (13 on Photo 5), and then, using the lifting mechanism, the barrel is raised or lowered until the air bubble at the level of the sight takes the middle position and the target hits the sighting element. These trunks are given the required elevation angle.
The sight is transported (carried) separately from the mortar. When installing a sight on a mortar, the number 30 on the protractor circle is aligned with the marks on the base of the sight. By technical device The mortar is simple and does not require much effort to master. The 82 mm mortar can be transported over long distances when disassembled. The crew usually consists of 4 people.
A mortar shot consists of a projectile (mine) and a powder charge.

Photo 6. A mine is a non-rotating feathered projectile designed to be fired from a mortar. It is intended mainly to hit a target with shrapnel or to smoke a target, or to illuminate the area.
A fragmentation mine consists of a drop-shaped body, a bursting charge, a fuse and a stabilizer.

The body of the mine is designed to connect all the parts of the mine, to place the explosive charge, and to form fragments when it explodes. The body is made of steel or steel cast iron. IN head part The fuse is screwed into the body, and the stabilizer is screwed into the bottom. There are one or two centering bulges on the outer surface of the body. They are necessary so that the mine does not “walk” in the barrel bore, but runs along it smoothly and with a small gap. There are centering protrusions on the wings of the stabilizer. All this ensures the correct movement of the mine along the barrel.
To reduce the breakthrough of powder gases between the mine and the inner surface of the barrel, annular grooves are made on the centering thickening of the barrel. In these grooves, the powder gases expand, swirl and decelerate, losing pressure and speed. Therefore, the amount of gases escaping is small - 10-15o.
The stabilizer gives the mine stability in flight and serves to accommodate the main and additional propellant charges (bundles), and also centers the mine as it moves along the barrel. It consists of a tube with holes and feathers welded to the tube. Mines come in six- and ten-feather types. After the main (tail) propellant charge placed in the tube is ignited, the powder gases rush into the barrel through the fire transfer holes. In this case, additional charges located on the stabilizer tube or placed between its feathers ignite.
The explosive charge is intended to explode a mine. The explosive is usually thick.
The fuse is designed to ignite the explosive charge of a mine when the mine collides with an obstacle after being fired.
The propellant charge of the 82 mm mortar consists of a tail cartridge (main charge) and additional charges.
The tail cartridge (main charge) is a cardboard sleeve with a powder charge. A primer is inserted into the metal bottom of the cartridge case. The top of the charge is covered with wads.
Additional charges (bundles in artillery slang) of the 82 mm mortar are collected in packages (caps), shaped like boats for six-finned mines, which are secured between the stabilizer feathers. Charges for ten-fin mines are shaped like rings and are mounted on a stabilizer tube.
A shot from an 82 mm mortar occurs as follows: a mine lowered into the barrel bore falls down inside the barrel and is impaled by the primer of the tail cartridge on the protruding firing pin (striker) of the breech, causing the primer to ignite, the flame from which ignites the main charge (of the tail cartridge). The resulting powder gases break through the cardboard walls of the cartridge case and through the holes in the stabilizer tube into the breech of the barrel. The force of the main charge is enough to give the mine an initial speed of 70 m/sec. and throw it at a distance from 85 to 475 m. Using gas pressure, the mine moves with increasing speed along the barrel bore, sliding the centering thickening along its walls, and is thrown outward along the axis of the barrel bore. If there are additional charges on the stabilizer tube, the hot gases of the main charge ignite additional charges through the holes in the tube, as a result of which the gas pressure in the barrel increases and the firing range increases.
Features of a mortar shot - due to the absence of rifling in the barrel, the mine does not receive rotational movement. The point of application of the recoil resistance force (the ball heel stop) coincides with the direction of the recoil force, as a result of which the take-off angle is practically not manifested. Due to low pressures in the barrel (compared to cannon ones), mortars do not have a barrel flare, which ensures its unlimited survivability.
When a mine falls and collides with any obstacle, the mine fuse is triggered and ignites the explosive charge of the mine. The resulting gases rupture the body of the mine and fragments fly very flatly in all directions. Depending on what material, what historical period and by what technology the hull was made, from 200 to 1000 fragments are formed. The reality of hitting a target with fragments depends on the height of the target and is determined by the radius of scattering of fragments, hitting the target given height. The radius of actual destruction of lying targets with an 82 mm fragmentation mine is no less than 18 m. At the same time, the grass in the affected area is completely mowed down. The radius of major destruction of growth targets with the same mine is 30 m, with the obligatory destruction of the target by 2-3 fragments. The scattering of fragments is up to 350-400 meters. The fragmentation effect of a smoke mine is 35-40% less than a fragmentation mine, but the target is also hit by flying pieces of burning phosphorus.
Smoke mines are useful in the field, in the forest, and in the mountains. With their help, the enemy's positions are smoked, which practically blinds him. In addition, smoke mines are used for target designation, sighting, and in the mountains - determination of wind speed at altitude. The density and stability of the smoke cloud depends on the number of exploding mines, the state of the atmosphere, and the strength and direction of the wind.
Among the features of mortar ballistics, the following should be noted: the maximum (maximum) range angle for an 82 mm mine is about 45°. This angle is given to the mortar barrel, which is leveled “along the zeros” in the horizontal and vertical planes. When firing from mortars, only mounted trajectories are used, obtained at elevation angles greater than the angle of greatest range. Therefore, the sight scale on the mortar has a reverse cut. The so-called “narrow” sighting fork for an 82 mm mortar is equal to 50 meters.
The shape of the mounted mine trajectory depends on the elevation angle and on the initial speed imparted to the mine by one or another number of additional charges. The greater the elevation angle and the lower the initial speed, the shorter the horizontal range. Conversely, the lower the elevation angle and the higher the initial speed, the greater the horizontal range. By simultaneously changing the initial speed and elevation angle, you can obtain several mounted trajectories with the same horizontal range, but different heights. Large elevation and fall angles of the mounted mine trajectory almost completely eliminate the presence of dead spaces and provide the ability to fire from behind high shelters and hit targets in any terrain. Due to the lack of rotation of the mine, derivation in flight is completely absent.
Attention! When fired, the mortar shell rises very high, and accordingly is significantly blown away by the wind, which at different altitudes has a significantly higher speed than that of the ground. This is especially noticeable in the mountains, where winds blow at different altitudes different directions with different strengths!
In counter-guerrilla warfare, mortars are often used to ensure the attacking advance of our battle formations by firing “over our own heads.” This is permissible only if firing is completely safe for friendly units, excluding the possibility of accidentally hitting them. Safety is ensured by the presence of such a distance between the target and the location of friendly formations closest to it, which excludes the possibility of them being hit by fragments of their own mines. When calculating this distance, the following are taken into account:
a) the half of the total dispersion of mines closest to its location, increased by one and a half times;
b) radius of dispersion of mine fragments (30 m); c) possible deviation of mines due to inaccurate accounting of the influence of wind.
In the case of firing at an unshooted target, the distance between the target and friendly units must be greater than the specified value by the amount of the “narrow fork” (see earlier). In this case, you should shoot with the initial sight setting, obviously increased by a possible error in determining the firing range and taking into account the influence of weather conditions - in general, by 25% more than a certain distance to the target.
Example. To safely open fire from an 82 mm mortar from a distance of 600 m on the first charge at an unshooted target located in front of friendly units, between the latter and the target it is necessary to have a minimum distance of about 150 m (according to the calculation table, plus the size of a narrow fork of 50 m). The initial installation of the sight should correspond to a distance of 750 m. If events take place in a forest or on rough terrain, where the firing distance is usually 150-200 m, then this is exactly what is needed.
If your units are hidden in the folds of the terrain from being hit by fragments of their own mines, then the distance between them and the target they are covering can be reduced by the amount of the radius of scattering of fragments, i.e. at 30 m.
As follows from the above, the precise measurement of the distance from the mortar to the target plays a decisive role in such firing. At one time, German rangers, when displacing partisans with fire, had mortar spotters in their attacking combat chains. The mortar fire was adjusted by telephone, the length of which was always 200 meters. The sights on the German 50 mm "tray" mortars, which, together with the control cells, advanced behind the advancing targets on a permanent tether to the telephone wire, were placed at a distance of 300 m.
In this case, an adjustment was usually made according to the course of events ±30 m closer/farther.
Later, the German experience was used without changes by the special battalions of the MGB to suppress the resistance of the OUN-UPA. It was the Soviet 82 mm mortars that turned out to be the ideal weapon for forest combat - target designation was given to them on the spot, the distances were close, the targets were grouped, the mortarmen had undergone front-line training, the mortars were carried, installed and aimed quickly. And most importantly, the mines were triggered by contact with foliage and tree branches and exploded in the air. The Bandera ambush positions in the trees lost all meaning. It was impossible to hide in the folds of the terrain below. The losses were horrific.
To fire mortars on the plain, you should be guided by the plain shooting tables. The firing tables for six- and ten-fin mines are not the same. The ring charge is approximately twice as strong as the boat charge.
Attention! When firing, be sure to take into account corrections for the deviation of the mine’s weight from normal (sign H). To do this, multiply the tabular correction with its sign algebraically by the deviation of the mine’s weight (the number of signs on the mine) and raise the resulting result with its sign to the range.
Example! Table correction (+6m), three minuses are marked on the mine (---). We multiply: (+6) x (-3) = -18 m. Amendment – ​​18 m. Reduce range by 18 m (from the shooting table for vehicle No. 102).
The mortar is perhaps one of the few types of heavy weapons that can be transported unassembled over rough terrain. Therefore, it is indispensable in the mountains. In the mountains the target will not be as mobile as on the plains, but it will always be higher or lower than the level at which the mortar position is located. Therefore, mortar firing in the mountains is carried out according to flat firing tables, adjusted for tables of target elevation in relation to the mortar horizon.
In this case, to obtain the sight setting, a correction for the elevation/lowering of the target must be algebraically added to the flat table sight setting.

Attention! On rocky ground in the mountains, shooting is carried out without a support plate! The base plate in such conditions is not only useless, but also harmful - it is not fixed on the stone, and after each shot it moves back. In this case, the mortar has to be installed and aimed again for each new shot. In this case, valuable time is lost, the effectiveness of fire is reduced and ammunition consumption increases. To install a mortar on rocky ground, two recesses are cut out with a pick or ice ax for the two-legged carriage and one deeper recess for the ball heel of the breech. The mortar barrel rests directly on the stone with its ball heel. Instead of a base plate, which weighs 15-18 kg, it is more profitable and better to take 4-5 additional mines - they are simply tucked into the waist belt with stabilizers.
But in such cases it is prohibited:
a) hold the ball heel with your foot - more than one fool has had his foot crushed;
b) shoot with the barrel resting not on a biped, but placing it on the back of another fool - more than one spine has been broken from this practice, and no one has ever counted those shell-shocked from the shock wave of the shot.
When firing on crushed stone ground, the mortar barrel rests on the crushed stone with the lower part of the breech and the ball heel immersed in the crushed stone.
If the enemy is located significantly higher than you on a slope of 40-50 degrees, but not at the crest of the height, it will be more profitable for you to shoot so that the mines hit 20 meters above the enemy’s positions. In addition to being hit by shrapnel, he will also be covered by a rockfall caused by a mine explosion. The advantage of a position at a tactical height is reduced to zero. Therefore, having a mortar, you can easily refute the well-known postulate: “In the mountains, whoever is higher is right!” Having a mortar, you can fight off an ambush, ensure the offensive advance of your “bottom-up”, and also cover a partisan mortar firing from top-down from a closed position. It has already been confirmed that a skilled mortarman, firing from an 82 mm mortar in the mountains at distances of 1-1.5 km at large quantities targets hit, consumes less ammunition “by weight” than a machine gunner or even an easel automatic grenade launcher.
Two checkpoints or strong points located at a distance of 400-500 m from one another, equipped with 82 mm mortars, are practically inaccessible to capture by partisans. Why? Because when attacking a checkpoint, the adjacent territory with “dead” spaces where the enemy accumulates can be easily treated with mortar fire from a neighboring checkpoint. Having a mortar battery of two or three 82 mm mortars can knock down the enemy from tactical heights as effectively as using combat helicopters.
To effectively fire a mortar in the mountains, you need to know the military topography very well and navigate the map.
Of course, the partisans will also have mortars. But in practice this means little and is not decisive. For accurate, fast, effective firing from a mortar, especially at non-obvious and unobservable targets hidden behind reverse slopes of heights, it is necessary to be able to very quickly make accurate mathematical calculations. This can only be done by a professional artillery officer, who usually immediately destroys the target with the first or second mine. Guerrilla mortarmen take a long time to aim, using trial and error, overshoots and undershoots, according to the principle “2 bast shoes to the right, 10 fathoms forward.” The effectiveness of fire on a moving target in this case is zero. This is the essence of using a mortar as a counter-guerrilla weapon. An army mortarman will always (always!) be incomparably stronger than partisan mortarmen.
Mortar - unusually strong tactical weapon. Therefore, during the war, the Germans had 50 mm caliber “tray” mortars in every platoon, and we suffered the same losses from them as from German machine guns. Our artillery gunners were the best in the world, but the German mortar men were unsurpassed. Our partisans also suffered greatly from them.
The Soviet military leadership thought in large-scale strategic categories. The calibers of Soviet mortars had a consistent tendency to increase. Mortars of 50 mm caliber, and then 82 mm, were gradually withdrawn from service as unsuitable for conducting large-scale combat operations. Their release was discontinued. Events in Afghanistan forced us to remember the tactical need for 82 mm mortars and resume their production.
Western armies have never abandoned small-caliber mortars. In Fig. 5-6 show the French MO-6OL and the American M-224 DE - light 60 mm mortars and mines for them. The weight is 14.8 and 20.4 kg, respectively, the firing range is 2060 m and 3500 m, respectively. The French MO-6OL mortar was developed back in 1934 and has not changed since then. Both of these mortars have proven themselves to be extremely effective remedy in the fight against narco-guerrilla groups in the mountainous jungles of Latin America.
In this section, the selection of charges for the Soviet 82 mm battalion mortar and firing tables from it are given for distances of no more than 2300 m. As practice shows, this is the distance of the observed target, and only trained virtuoso artillerymen can shoot further in counter-guerrilla warfare. Further distances in mountainous wooded area correspond to shooting at unobservable hidden targets, require complex calculations, the highest level of training, as well as fire adjustments carried out by special methods. In your case, this is unrealistic, and to improve your mortar skills, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the firing tables of TS GRAU No. 102 for the 82 mm mortar. It contains details on the mortar system, on sights and ammunition.
It should be noted that mountain treks force you to give up excess weight. Therefore, it is preferable to take old-style mortars without a double-loading safety device with simple lightweight sights into the mountains.
Firing a mortar is a dangerous activity, so the following rules should be observed:
- shooting through the ridge of the cover is possible if the distance from the ridge to the mortar is not less than “one and a half height” of the cover along the horizon;
- when installing the mortar on the ground, the inclination of the base plate to the horizon should be 25-30o;
- the base plate must rest on the ground with its entire surface and be recessed into it no less than? coulter heights;
- the openers of the biped must be recessed into the ground up to the plates and be approximately at the same level with the ball heel of the breech;

Photo 7. Before firing, the cap of the M-5 and M-6 fuse is removed and the integrity of the membrane (14) is checked;
- additional charges (bundles) are unsealed only at the firing position immediately before firing, ring additional charges are put on the stabilizer pipe only in the lowest position (all the way to the tail); The boat charges of six-fin mines are secured securely so that they do not fall out during loading; Do not leave mines with additional charges in the open air, do not place them on uncovered ground, grass, snow, etc.; in summer, protect additional charges from dampness and sunlight; in winter - from snow, frost, hoarfrost.
It is prohibited: to shoot with damp charges, which have poorly sewn caps, and with all charges of the ABPl 42-20 or VTM gunpowder brand, manufactured before 1945 inclusive (these gunpowders can detonate), to shoot mines in which the fire transfer holes are clogged with snow, ice, oil, dirt, etc., mines with stabilizer defects, mines with a damaged fuse membrane and body defects.
Loading order.
When loading, the mine is inserted with a stabilizer into the muzzle of the barrel, recessed in the barrel to the centering thickening and released. After which, immediately remove your hands and especially your head away from the barrel, bend down to the side of the mortar and close your ears! If you don’t have time to do this before the shot, best case scenario- concussion, at worst - an accident.
When shooting, do not allow a rate at which a collision between a flying mine and a mine being brought for loading is possible (as a rule, a high rate of fire is not needed in the mountains). It is necessary to ensure that there are no obstacles in the mine’s flight path, even light ones - snow cornices, tree foliage, etc., which can cause premature detonation due to the high sensitivity of the fuse.
In case of a misfire, wait at least 2 minutes (there may be a long shot), and then sharply push the barrel with a bannik or any wooden object, or, at worst, with a butt; this may trigger the primer of the main (tail) charge. If the shot does not fire, wait at least 1 more minute, then discharge the mortar.
To discharge, loosen the shock absorber clip, carefully and without jerking, turn the barrel 90° in the hinge support of the plate, separate the barrel from the plate and, supporting the biped, raise the breech of the barrel to a horizontal position. In this case, one of the crew numbers holds his palms in a “ring” near the muzzle, so as not to touch the fuse, carefully accepts the mine and removes it from the barrel. During all these manipulations, do not stand in front of the muzzle! To prevent a shot during discharge, it is strictly forbidden to lower the raised breech of the barrel until the mine is pulled out! After which the mine’s tail cartridge is changed, and it is used for its intended purpose.

Tactical and technical data of the 82 mm battalion mortar of the 1937-1941 model. (THE USSR)
Caliber – 82 mm
Barrel length – 1220 mm
Weight in firing position – 50 kg
Longest firing range – 3040 m
Fragmentation mine weight – 3.1 kg
Smoke mine weight – 3.46 kg
The weight of the explosive charge of a fragmentation mine is 0.40 kg
Weight of the tail (main) propellant charge – 8 g
Weight of additional propellant charge (boat) – 7 g
Weight of ring-shaped propellant charge – 13 g
Rate of fire – 15 rounds per minute.

Min markings:
Lighting – S-832s
Propaganda six-feather - A-832-A
Fragmentation ten-feather - 0832D
Fragmentation ten-arm of improved design - 0832DU
Fragmentation six-feather - 0832\smoke ten-feather - D-832
Smoke six-feather – D-832
Fuses M-4, M-5, M-6.

Alexey Potapov
Special forces of the 21st century. Elite training. Volume 1. SPC "People's Health", LLC "VIPv"

At the dawn of the 20th century, a time of change came in the organization of military operations. While the belligerents dug in, dug multi-way trenches and fenced off with wire fences, all the power from the use of firearms, from rifles to machine guns, and the powerful fire of the guns could not inflict high damage to the fighters.

The wire barriers are demolished by artillery fire, which was brought up by the enemy army. The fortifications are also being destroyed, but the enemy infantry units took cover behind deep trenches and, for the most part, did not suffer losses. What to do?
The appearance of mortars on the battlefields dramatically changed the balance of power. Also, the maximum firing range of a mortar became a decisive factor for changing tactics not only on the battlefield, but also in urban combat conditions.

The first Russian mortar

Historically, the first mention of the use of a weapon for throwing projectiles based on the mortar principle was mentioned during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 - 1905.

There were many naval pole mines in the warehouses of Port Arthur. They were a conical iron projectile on a long 15-meter pole. The execution of the idea of ​​firing such “shells” was entrusted to Captain L.N. Gobyato. For this, it was decided to use a 47 mm single-barreled Gochinks gun, which was mounted on a primitive carriage, which helped increase the elevation angle from 45° to 65°.
Before shooting, a pole with a mine was placed in the barrel (the pole was shortened) and a wad, which simultaneously served as a buffer during the shot. A cartridge case with a charge was placed behind it.

To stabilize the mine in flight, it was equipped with a four-leaf stabilizer. The mortar's firing range ranged from 40 to 400 meters, and the mine caused significant destruction during the explosion. And this is not at all surprising, since the ship mine and combat charge weighed 6.2 kg!

Mortar from the Patriotic War

In August 1941, the Defense Committee of the Soviet Union decided to increase the production of 120 mm mortars. It was a smooth-bore rigid system with an imaginary triangle diagram. The mortar was loaded from the muzzle side.

The firing range of the 120 mm mortar was at different firing angles from 460 m to 5700 m (firing angles from 45° to 80°).

Among other things, the mortars were equipped with twin shock absorbers and an oscillating sight, which improved combat performance.

Mortars 1955

The experience of using the 120-mm gun of the 1943 model in combat was taken into account when creating the regimental mortar in 1955. The development of mortars of this modification was carried out under the direction of B.I. Shavyrina. With the same mass, the firing range of the 120 mm mortar was increased and amounted to 7.1 km.

Firing accuracy was:

• average lateral deviation 12.8 m;
• median range slope

The mortar could be deployed into combat position in 1.5 minutes.

Self-propelled mortar "Tundzha"

Development of this self-propelled gun began in 1965. The MT-LB special gun tractor is used as the chassis. The M-120 (2B11) mortar was located in the vehicle body. The deployment of the mortar into a military position was arranged in such a way that the base plate rested on the ground, while the barrel protruded beyond the dimensions of the vehicle.

Ammunition weighing 16 kg, 120 mm mines type:

• 0-843A;
• 3-843A;
• 0-843, etc.

Mortar firing range 120 mm, m:

• 480-7100.

Pointing angles:

• vertical 45°-80°;
• horizontal ± 5 ^26).

Rate of fire in combat conditions, rds/min:

• to 10.

Ammunition, min:

Mortar complex "Sani"

In 1979, the 120 mm "Sani" complex was adopted. It includes:

• mortar 2F510;
• pneumatic wheel travel 2L81 (detachable);
• transport vehicle 2F510 (GAZ-66-05 base).

Accurate firing range of 120 mm mortar:

• from 480 to 7100 m.

Rate of fire:

• 15 rounds per minute.

The mortar is equipped with sighting devices:

• sight MPM-44M;
• gun collimator K2-1;
• lighting device LUCH-P2M.

The exact firing range of a mortar controlled by the KM-8 arsenal:

• 9.0 kilometers.

Installation "Nona-S"

The current trend in the development of mortar weapons comes down to the merging of 120 mm mortars and cannon breech-loading artillery howitzers. The self-propelled gun called 2S9 "NONA-S", which entered service in 1976, has the ability to fire both rifled projectiles and mines with fins, which affects the increased firing range of the 120 mm gun.

The capabilities of "NONA-S" have been significantly expanded and make it possible to use it not only to suppress numerical strength the enemy, but also to destroy defensive structures and conduct a successful fight against tanks.

For use in mountainous conditions, "NONA-S" is especially indispensable, since the barrel raised to the zenith solves problems of suppressing manpower that are inaccessible to howitzers or cannons.

An important feature is the extremely short range firing a 120 mm mortar:

• for a projectile - 1700 m;
• for mines - 400 m.

Therefore, the ammunition includes 120 mm mines:

• high-explosive fragmentation;
• lighting;
• smoke;
• incendiary.

The practical firing range reaches 7.1 km.

The rate of fire of the mode (7-8 shots) per minute is ensured by an automatic hammer. After the shot, the gun barrel is purged under pressure with compressed air to remove powder gases.

"Vein"

In 1995, the 2S31 Vena self-propelled gun was created, in which the firing range of a 120 mm mortar reaches up to 14,000 meters.

The installation's ammunition contains:

• OF - 49 and OF - 54;
• OF50 active-missile projectiles;
• All types of 120 mm caliber mortar ammunition can be used, in addition to domestic and foreign ones;
• guided missiles "Kitolov - 2M".

The guidance angle in the vertical plane ranges from -4° to +80°. Aim recovery is automatic after each shot.

The gun's ammunition capacity is 70 rounds in ammunition racks, and it is also possible to supply ammunition from the ground through a special hatch in the starboard side with an armored cover.
The firing range of modern mortars is constantly increasing and the use of such self-propelled guns of the "Vena" type is becoming especially relevant.

"Hosta"

A thoroughly modernized 120 mm howitzer with a firing range of 13 km, the Khosta received a new circular rotation turret. And also components and innovations from 2S31 "Vena", 2S23 "NONA" SVK were installed. Wherein chassis also a modernized BS MT-DB.

The main difference is the improved 2A80-1 cannon, which was equipped with which made it possible to increase the rate of fire by 2 times and fire absolutely all types of 120 mm caliber projectiles:

• high-explosive fragmentation;
• mine;
• modern shells 3FOF112 "Kitolov-2".

In the new 2S34 Khosta mortar system, firing can be carried out without preparing positions, not only by direct fire, but is also capable of hitting targets on reverse slopes.

Its targeted rate of fire was increased from 4 to 9 rounds per minute.

Towed mortar

Along with self-propelled guns of the "Sani" type into service Russian army received and towed:

• 2B16 "Nona - K";
• 2B23 "Nona M1".

At the same time, they did not lose their fighting qualities, like the SAO.

Such a need arose to supply air assault brigades with its own artillery. During the development of the "Nona K" 2B16 mortar gun. The experience of combat operations in Afghanistan was taken into account. This type of mortar was adopted for service in 1986.

Already in 2007, the Russian army adopted the 120 mm 2B23 "NONA - M1". The weapon was used to destroy both enemy personnel and lightly armored vehicles.

The mortar batteries of the ground forces were also equipped with the 2B23 mortar. For use there was the possibility of landing from an aircraft on specially equipped platforms. The ammunition capacity of this mortar includes all types of 120 mm min.

These mortars have been combat tested in many local conflicts.

Modern weapons with a 120 mm mortar firing range of 400 to 7000 meters cannot always rely on timely delivery of ammunition. Therefore, the tendency to use such weapons during combat operations involves the use of 120 mm charges from mortars of the armies of other countries. The use of this formula allows for fire support of friendly forces on enemy territory.

Previous games in the Assassin's Creed series delighted fans with bustling, lively and majestic cities. In Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, everything is the opposite, the main focus is on vast territories Caribbean. The shift in emphasis entailed a number of changes: islands, medium-sized cities and ships came to the fore. Even the confrontation between the Assassins and the Templars faded into the background. Moreover, the main character’s thoughts are not occupied with solving global problems, but are focused on finding ways to get rich quick. “Jackdaw” will help Edward Kenway make his dreams come true, become famous and become a thunderstorm of the seas and oceans. A nondescript military brig, taken from the Spaniards, will eventually turn into a floating fortress. With the help of , found in or on the ocean floor among the wreckage, you can improve everything: the hull, guns, mortars, falconets and ammunition. And here change ships in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag it is forbidden; sailing on a battleship is only allowed according to the plot. is also limited and appears only for those who bought a licensed copy of the game and have a stable Internet connection; the pirated version does not have this option.

Boarding in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag begins only after the battle, when the hull strength of the enemy ship drops to the red mark. As soon as this happens, white zones appear on both sides, which you need to enter at low speed and then hold down the [S] key. During capture, depending on the size of the ship, additional goals appear (kill the enemy captain, spies on the masts, a certain number of soldiers, blow up barrels of gunpowder or tear down the flag), which must be completed, otherwise the ship will not be captured. When boarding important role The size of the team plays a role; the larger it is, the higher the chances of success. The team can be replenished in taverns or picked up people on rafts right in the ocean by pressing the [Space] key on close range from a shipwreck victim. After boarding, you have a choice of what to do with the vanquished: release them to reduce their level of fame in order to get rid of the pirate hunters, use the wreckage of the ship to repair the Jackdaw (on land, repairs are carried out by port captains) or attach the ship to the Kenway fleet. Regardless of the decision made, the cargo from the holds becomes a trophy. Chests with money and items are stored on the decks of ships abandoned in the ocean. They need to be inspected, not drowned.

Controlling a ship in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag:

• Shot from cannons with ordinary cannonballs- move the camera with the mouse to the left or right side of the ship, hold down [RMB] and press [LMB] (you cannot shoot from both sides at the same time while being between two enemy ships).
• Firing heavy cannonballs- move the camera with the mouse to the left or right side of the ship and press [LMB] (the number of available cores is indicated in the lower right corner of the screen; you can replenish cores in the captain’s cabin through the ship’s layout, from the port captain on the islands, or after a successful boarding). Heavy cannonballs cause enormous damage at short range. To use heavy cores, you first need to buy the upgrade of the same name in the captain's cabin.
• Shot with nipples- move the camera with the mouse to the bow of the ship, hold [RMB] and press [LMB], or immediately press [LMB]. Nipples help tear sails, break masts, slow down or stop opponents.
• Shot from falconets- hold down the key and release after pointing at the weak point of the ship, marked with a red pointer. You cannot shoot from falconets at random targets, as was the case in AC3, but they can be used during boarding by approaching them and pressing the [E] key.
• Shot from mortars- hold down the [Q] key, point the mouse at the target and press [LMB]. The amount of charge is indicated in the lower right corner of the screen. Supplies are replenished through the captain's cabin on Galka or from the port captain on the islands. Mortars deal massive damage from a long distance. Very effective against battleships and forts. To use mortars, you first need to buy the upgrade of the same name in the captain's cabin.
• Spyglass- hold down the [E] key. Use the mouse wheel to zoom in, and use the [W] key to mark the selected ship.
• Use of incendiary projectiles- move the camera towards the stern with the mouse and press the [LMB] key. Gunpowder barrels are effective against pursuers.
• Using a ram- direct the ship towards the enemy and crash into it at full speed.
• Raise the sails and speed up- press the [W] key several times.
• Stop and release the steering wheel- press [S] several times to stop the ship, and then hold [S].
• Dodging enemy shots- hold down the [Space] key.
• Control of sailor songs (shanti)- keys and .
• Align the camera and change the viewing angle- keys [C], [←], , [↓], [→].

30. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The duration of the mortar's combat service and the trouble-free operation of all its mechanisms depend on proper handling and care of the mortar, as well as on careful preparation of the mortar for firing and marching.

The preparation of mortars for firing is carried out under the direction of the platoon commander. It consists of inspecting mortars, checking and adjusting the operation of mechanisms, as well as checking sighting devices.

Inspection of the mortar is carried out in order to timely identify and eliminate malfunctions, as well as prevent damage and the consequences of improper care and handling of the material part of the mortar. In military units, the inspection is carried out by the chiefs of artillery weapons, artillery technicians and officers to whom the material part is entrusted by service, within the time limits established by the Internal Service Charter, as well as by persons appointed to conduct inspection inspections of artillery weapons and ammunition.

The mortar must always be ready for combat use, but before each firing it is necessary to once again make sure that the mortar and all its mechanisms are in full working order. It should be remembered that even minor malfunctions that are not identified and corrected in a timely manner can cause serious damage to the material part and lead to an accident, and poorly adjusted mortar mechanisms and uncalibrated sighting devices reduce the accuracy of fire and, as a result, increase the consumption of ammunition.

During shooting, you need to continuously monitor the operation of the mortar and promptly correct all noticed malfunctions.

It is prohibited to fire long-range charges from the M-120 mortar.

31. INSPECTION OF THE MORTAR AND CHECKING THE OPERATION OF MECHANISMS

Inspect and prepare the mortar for firing in the following sequence:

1. Thoroughly clean the mortar from dust and dirt, paying special attention to the condition of the breech and the screws of the lifting and turning mechanisms.

2. Inspect the barrel and breech. There should be no cracks, swelling or dents on the outer surface of the barrel and breech, which form bulges in the barrel bore that are visible to the naked eye.

Check the reliability of the pipe fastening in the holder 2 (see Fig. 21) and basting 3 basting clamp; remove grease from the bore.

Note. Careful removal of lubricant from the barrel bore is one of the main conditions for preparing a mortar for firing.

It is necessary to remove the lubricant not only because the lubricant slows down the movement of the mine when loading the mortar, which can cause misfires, but also because the lubricant has big influence for ignition and combustion of charges.

Oily and wet charges do not ignite well and burn unevenly. Therefore, the presence of lubricant in the bore during firing leads, as a rule, to undershooting of mines and their large dispersion.

When removing lubricant from the barrel bore, they are often limited to running the bannik with the breech screwed onto the pipe. In this case, the lubricant is not removed from the barrel bore, but is driven into the breech, i.e., where the charge is located before the shot.

If the lubricant remains in the barrel bore, then the powder grains enter the lubricant, become oiled and do not burn. Therefore, special attention must be paid to removing grease from the barrel bore and, whenever possible, before shooting, when wiping the barrel bore, unscrew the breech from the pipe and thoroughly wipe both the barrel bore and the breech. Inspect the barrel bore that has been wiped clean. In poor lighting, place a sheet of white paper at an angle in front of the muzzle. When inspecting the canal, pay special attention to ensure that there are no cracks, swelling or dents. A barrel that has cracks, swelling or dents on the outer surface or in the bore is not allowed to be fired.

Carefully check the condition of the bore, making sure that there are no solid particles left in it that could damage the barrel during shooting. Inspect the obturation ring, check whether there is compression on it along the entire circumference in the form of imprints of the pipe and breech belts, indicating a tight fit of the obturation ring to the corresponding surfaces of the pipe and breech.

3. Check the operation of the firing mechanism.

To do this, descend several times impact mechanism, while the trigger lever must return to the initial position under the action of a spring. Then, with the breech separated, check the size of the firing pin exit.

4. Check the double charging fuse.

Remove grease from the parts by wiping them with a clean cloth and check whether the fuse is assembled correctly. Then check the security of the safety lock on the barrel and set the safety mechanism to the “Open” position.

5. Check the operation of the lifting and turning mechanisms. The check is carried out on the mortar installed in the firing position. The handles of the lifting and turning mechanisms should rotate easily and smoothly, without jerking or sitting. If the forces on the handles are greater than normal (over 4 kg), then inspect the mechanisms, especially carefully examine the screws of the lifting and turning mechanisms, and identify the reason for the tight movement of the mechanism handles (dirt and nicks may be the cause).

The mortar guidance mechanisms (lifting and rotating) may have backlash - rolling in the connections of the lead screws with their uterus or with other landing parts of the two-legged carriage.

There may be play in the rotating mechanism:

Axial (longitudinal) and radial (transverse) - in the connection of the screw with the eyes of the swivel;

Axial and radial - at the connection of the uterus with the screw.

To select axial and radial play in the connection of the screw with the swivel eyes, you need to use a wrench screwdriver ( 51–15 ) unscrew the plug 1 (see Fig. 16), remove the washer 2 and bend the tooth of the washer; then the key ( 51–20 ) rotate the cone 4 to an angle at which the screw rotates smoothly and without rolling in the swivel eyes, then insert the washer, bend its tooth into the slot of the cone and screw in the plug.

In mortars with an optional shock absorber, you can adjust only the axial play of the propeller. To do this you need to remove the washers 11 And 12 (see Fig. 18), tighten the nut 13 and turn it at such an angle that there is no axial motion of the screw in the swivel eyes and at the same time the screw rotates easily and smoothly.

To select the uterine backlashes you need a key ( 51–12 ) loosen the locknut 11 (see Fig. 16) and tighten the adjusting nut 10 in the direction of the arrow marked on the uterus; Tighten the nut so that the screw rotates easily and without play. If the uterus has two adjusting nuts, then they need to be tightened alternately. In mortars that do not have a locknut or nut, and the uterus is made split (see Fig. 20), it is necessary to remove the wire and tighten the adjusting bolts, and then secure them again with wire.

In the lifting mechanism, only the axial (longitudinal) play of the screw is adjusted. To do this, you need to unscrew the screws that lock the cover on the lifting mechanism body and use a key ( Sat51–20, see fig. 11) tighten the cover on the lifting mechanism body so that the screw rotates smoothly and easily, without axial motion.

In other mechanisms, backlash is selected by shimming washers or replacing worn parts in repair shops.

It must be borne in mind that play in the mortar mechanisms increases the overall instability of the mortar barrel, which worsens the accuracy of fire. The wobble of the mortar barrel should not be more than ±0-20. If the instability of the barrel is greater and it is impossible to reduce it through adjustments, the mortar must be sent to a workshop for repair.

6. Inspect the two-legged carriage and check for any breakages or damage on it, as well as cracks on the swivel. Check the operation of the sight leveling mechanism (where it is available), make sure that the shock absorber springs are in good condition and check for any deflections in the shock absorber rods. The shock absorber should freely (without sitting) extend to the stroke amount when pulled by the swivel and return to its original position when the forces are removed from the swivel.

7. Inspect the base plate; There should be no damage (cracks) on the plate, especially in the welds.

8. Check sights.

32. CHECKING SIGHTS

Checking sights includes:

Quadrant check;

Preparing the sight for alignment;

Preparing the mortar for checking the zero aiming line;

Alignment of the sight (alignment of the elevation angle scales, zero line of sight and swivel level to the transverse level of the sight).

To reduce the amount of deviation of the zero aiming line depending on the elevation angle, it is necessary to align the mortar's zero aiming line at an angle of 63° (7-00).

Alignment of the control mortar quadrant KM-1

To align the quadrant you must:

Disconnect the barrel from the plate;

Place the breech of the barrel on some kind of rigid support (traces, park boxes, etc.) with a height of 1200–1300 mm, placing the biped approximately vertically;

Wipe dry the control area on the barrel;

Level the control platform of the trunk in the transverse direction, using the leveling mechanism;

Remove the quadrant from the case and wipe the bottom plane of its base dry;

Set the zero division of the quadrant scale against the pointer and place the quadrant on the control platform along the barrel along the longitudinal mark so that the tip of the quadrant arrow is directed towards the muzzle of the barrel; working with the lifting mechanism of the biped, bring the quadrant level bubble to the middle;

Rotate the quadrant 180°, if the level bubble remains in the middle, then the quadrant is correct.

If, after turning the quadrant, the level bubble does not retain its average position, then it is necessary to select approximately half of the error by turning the quadrant disk relative to the pointer; then, rotating the lifting mechanism flywheel, bring the quadrant level bubble to the middle and again rotate the quadrant 180°. If the level bubble is not in the middle, repeat the entire description above until the level bubble remains in the middle position when the quadrant is rotated 180°.

Note. It may be that when you first rotate the quadrant 180°, the level bubble moves so much that it does not. It will even be possible to approximately determine the magnitude of the error. In this case, it is recommended that by rotating the handle of the lifting mechanism, bring the level bubble to the middle, noticing exact number turns of the handle (take into account the backlash), then turn the handle to reverse side by half the observed number of its revolutions. Turn the quadrant dial to bring the level bubble to the middle.

Rotate the quadrant 180°. If the level bubble remains in the middle, then the quadrant is correct. If, when rotating the quadrant 180°, the level bubble moves slightly from the average position, then continue the check as indicated above; If the bubble again moves so much that it is impossible to determine the magnitude of the error by eye, then continue the check using the lifting mechanism, taking into account more accurately the number of turns of the handle.

Preparing sights for inspection

To prepare sights for testing, you must:

Remove the scope from the case and wipe with a clean, dry cloth;

Inspect the sight and its mechanisms, test the smoothness of their movement and check the presence of all nuts and screws;

Install the sight with its axis into the bracket socket and secure it with the handle;

Set the sight to zero settings: protractor 30-00, sight 7-00; Working with the precision leveling mechanism (or the sight leveling mechanism, where available), bring the cross-level bubble of the sight to the middle.

Determination of backlashes of the protractor

To determine the backlash of the protractor it is necessary:

Point the crosshair of the viewfinder at any aiming point located no closer than 400 m from the mortar, rotating the protractor drum in one direction; read the protractor setting using the protractor scale and drum and remember it;

Reduce aiming by rotating the protractor drum in the same direction;

Align the sighting crosshair with the same aiming point, rotating the protractor drum in the opposite direction, and read the protractor setting.

The difference between the first and second settings is the backlash of the inclinometer. The backlash must be determined three times and its value taken as the arithmetic mean of the three determinations. In addition, checking the backlash of the inclinometer in the order indicated above should be done in three positions that differ from each other by approximately 10–00, for example, with inclinometers 20–00, 30–00 and 40–00.

The amount of backlash of the inclinometer should not exceed two thousandths (0-02). When more dead movement, in at least one position, the sight must be replaced.

Determination of backlashes of the elevation angle mechanism

To determine the backlash of the elevation angle mechanism, you must:

Set the “50” scale division of the tested quadrant against the pointer, place the quadrant on the control platform along the barrel, as indicated above, and, by rotating the handle of the mortar lifting mechanism, bring the quadrant level bubble to the middle, i.e., give the mortar barrel an elevation angle of 50° ; remove the quadrant from the trunk;

Bring the longitudinal level bubble of the sight to the middle by rotating the drum of the elevation angle mechanism in one direction (toward decreasing the sight setting); on a scale 27 (see Fig. 31) and the drum scale 4, read the sight setting and remember it;

Remove the longitudinal level bubble from the middle position, continuing to rotate the drum in the same direction;

Bring the longitudinal level bubble back to the middle, rotating the drum in the opposite direction, and read the sight setting again.

The difference between the first and second settings of the sight is the backlash of the elevation angle mechanism.

The backlash must be determined this way three times and the arithmetic mean taken as its value.

In the same order, check the backlash of the elevation angle mechanism at an angle of 65°. The amount of backlash of the elevation angle mechanism should not exceed two thousandths (two divisions of the drum scale).

If the dead travel is greater, at least at one elevation angle, the sight must be replaced.

Preparing the mortar for checking the zero aiming line

Before checking the zero aiming line, it is necessary to level the mortar in the transverse direction, for which you should:

Install the mortar, if possible, on a flat area, giving it an elevation angle of 63°;

Wipe the control platform on the barrel and install a previously checked control quadrant on it (perpendicular to the axis of the barrel bore along the transverse mark on the platform); set the zero division of the quadrant scale opposite the pointer;

Bring the quadrant bubble to the middle using a clamp (see Fig. 12) and a precision leveling mechanism (see Fig. 13).

Alignment of the MPM-44 sight (MPM-44M)

The sight levels are not verified in the troops, since they cannot be adjusted in any way under military conditions. Level alignment is carried out at factories that manufacture sights, or in workshops that have special adjustment devices.

To align the sight, you must select an aiming point (tree, pole, pole, etc.) located at a distance of at least 400 from the mortar m.

If the aiming point is selected at a distance of at least 400 m is not possible in front of the mortar, then you can align the sight using a special shield, which should be placed in front of the mortar at a distance of at least 10 m without removing the mortar from the firing position. To do this, you need to draw two brightly prominent ones on a piece of plywood, a board, the wall or the bottom of a box. parallel lines 200–250 long mm and width 3–5 mm each.

The distance between the lines should be 136 mm. On a light background, lines should be drawn with dark paint (black, blue or charcoal). On dark background lines should be drawn with white paint or chalk.

Place the shield in front of the mortar so that the lines on the shield are vertical (check the installation of the shield using a plumb line).

After selecting the aiming point or installing the shield, aim the mortar barrel roughly by eye at the aiming point or shield. In this case, the slab and biped must be placed on the ground so that when further work at the mortar they did not change their position. Therefore, it is most advisable to align the sight without removing the mortar from the firing position; The barrel must be securely secured in the shock absorber cage so that the white line on the barrel is not pushed to the side when looking at the barrel from behind.

Align the sight in the following order.

Alignment of elevation angle scales

Give the mortar barrel an elevation angle of 63" with the greatest accuracy along the control quadrant, carefully installed on the control area of ​​the barrel.

Bring the transverse level bubble to the middle (using the sight leveling mechanism).

Then, rotating the drum 4 (see Fig. 31), remove the bubble at the longitudinal level 6 to the middle. In this case, the risk of the pointer 24 should coincide with the “10” mark on the scale 27 , and “0” drum scale 4 - with pointer mark 13 . If the position of the scales does not correspond to the specified, then it is necessary:

Unscrew the four screws 12 one turn and, holding the drum 4 with one hand, turn the dial with the other 5 1З and tighten the four screws all the way 12 ; at the MPM-44M sight, the blind nut securing the drum is unscrewed and screwed in accordingly;

Unscrew the screw one turn 25 and turn the screw two turns 14 , move the pointer until its marks align with the “10” scale division 27 , then tighten both screws fully.

To avoid friction, check for the presence of an end gap between the pointer 24 and scale 27 ; the gap must be at least 0.15 mm.

Alignment of the zero line of sight

Behind the mortar, at a distance of 10–15 m from it, install the compass so that the line of sight from the compass to the aiming point (or the right line on the shield) passes approximately through the middle of the ball heel of the breech of the mortar being tested.

Then, by rotating the compass monocular and working with the rotating mechanism of the mortar, align the white line on the mortar barrel and the aiming point (or the right line on the shield) with the vertical crosshair line in the compass monocular. The bubbles of the longitudinal and transverse levels should be in the middle.

Rotating the drum 4 , align the vertical line of the crosshair of the sight sight mounted on the mortar with the aiming point (or the left line on the shield). In this case, the risk of the pointer 19 should coincide with the “30” mark on the scale 18 large divisions of the protractor, and the mark of the pointer 9 should coincide with the “0” mark on the scale 17 small divisions of the protractor.

If the position of the scales does not correspond to the specified one, then it is necessary to loosen the locking screws by half a turn. 3 , securing the scale 18 large divisions of the protractor, and move this scale until the “30” division aligns with the pointer stroke 19 , then tighten the screws all the way.

Then loosen the four screws one turn 7 on the drum 4 and, holding the handwheel with one hand; another turn the dial 17 until the zero division aligns with the pointer 9 , after which the screws 7 screw it in until it stops (in the MPM-44M sight, unscrew and screw in the blind nut securing the drum, respectively). Check whether the aiming of the mortar and sight are not lost.

Note. If there is no compass, then aiming the white line on the mortar barrel at the aiming point (or the right line on the shield) can be done using a sight mounted on the second mortar behind the mortar being checked at a distance of 10–15 m, or a plumb line suspended behind the mortar at a distance of 3–5 m.

Check the swivel level in the following order: give the mortar an elevation angle of 63° (along the quadrant) and accurately orient the swivel using the precision leveling mechanism along the transverse level of the sight, while the swivel level bubble should be in the middle.

If the swivel level bubble is not in the middle, then loosen the fastening screws, turn the level in one direction or the other and bring the bubble to the middle, then secure the level again with the fastening screws.

Notes 1. If the mortar has a sight swing mechanism, then before adjusting the level of the swivel it is necessary to align the marks on the swing mechanism clamp.

2. If the swivel level agreed with the sight level at a mortar elevation angle of 63° moves away from the middle when the mortar elevation angle changes (within the operation of the lifting mechanism by more than 0.5 divisions of the level), then this swivel level cannot be used; in this case, when aiming the mortar, use only the sight level.

Checking the sight stand

After checking the sighting devices, it is necessary to check the rack attached to this mortar and determine the error of the rack. To determine the error of the stance, you need to mark at any aiming point with a sight mounted on a mortar without a stand, then mark at the same aiming point with a sight mounted on a mortar with a stand, and determine the difference in marks both by the protractor and by the elevation angle. To determine the difference in elevation angle marks, you need to use the sight's elevation angle drum to bring the longitudinal level bubble to the middle and subtract its reading from the resulting reading of the elevation angle scale before installing the sight on the stand. This difference will be the stand error (without taking into account the dead moves of the sight) in terms of elevation angle.

A stand error of no more than 0-05 is allowed (by the protractor and by the elevation angle). The actual error of the rack must always be taken into account when working with it. If the rack error exceeds 0-05, then the rack must be taken to the workshop.

33. SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF FIRE POSITION

It is necessary to select and prepare a firing position in such a way that it ensures camouflage of the mortar, its stability when firing and the ability to quickly change the direction of fire.

It must be borne in mind that the safety of the material part of the mortar and the accuracy of fire depend on the choice and quality of preparation of the firing position.

Camouflage is achieved by placing the mortar in closed firing positions (reverse slopes, hollows, full profile trenches, etc.).

The installation of a mortar in open positions should be carried out only in exceptional cases, when the conditions of the situation require immediate opening of fire, and there are no natural shelters on the ground.

To prevent mines from exploding prematurely along their flight path, mortars must be positioned so that the distance from the mortar to the shelter is one and a half times the height of the shelter (for example, if the height of the shelter is 10 m, then the mortar must be installed no closer than 15 m from cover). The area in the direction of firing must be cleared of trees, the branches of which the mine may touch during flight, as a result of which premature rupture may occur.

When preparing a firing position, it is necessary to take into account that depending on the quality of the soil (soft, hard or medium hard), its preparation for installing the base plate should be different.

The best soil for installing a mortar base plate is medium-hard soil (alumina, black soil, soil overgrown with turf, etc.). Such soil ensures slight settlement of the base plate, sufficient stability of the mortar when firing and safety of the material part.

Rice. 73. Strengthening the soil under the base plate by driving stakes

Before installing the base plate, the soil must be treated (depending on the conditions and condition of the soil). Installing a base plate on soft ground (floating sand, swamp, etc.) without treatment leads to increased settlement of the plate when fired, which is accompanied by a high level of aiming confusion and can cause damage to the material part. Installing the base plate on hard ground (frozen, rocky, etc.), as well as on medium-hard ground without treatment, leads to poor stability of the mortar (bouncing) and damage to the material part of the biped, sight or base plate.

Soft soil is processed using one of the following methods:

Bags of earth, turf, small branches mixed with earth, crushed stone, etc. are placed under the base plate;

Pegs 5–8 thick are driven into the ground on which the slab rests. cm and length?-1 m(Fig. 73);

Place 2–4 mats of branches under the base plate (Fig. 74); existing dense soil (turf, small branches mixed with soil, etc.) is poured between the mats and on top of them;

The base plate is installed on the roots of the bush;

The base plate is installed in a rectangular wooden frame (Fig. 75); The log house is made from logs approximately 15 cm; the existing dense soil (turf, small branches mixed with soil, etc.) is poured inside the log house; when installing a base plate in a log house, it is necessary to ensure that the sides of the slab do not rest against the walls of the log house; the emphasis of the sides of the slab against the walls of the frame can cause it to break during shooting;

Rice. 74. Strengthening the soil under the base slab by laying mats of branches

Rice. 75. Installing a base plate in a rectangular wooden frame

The soil is strengthened with stakes driven into a cone (Fig. 76).

The hard soil under the slab is loosened by approximately? m. If it is impossible to loosen the soil with the existing entrenching tool (crowbar, pickaxe), the soil is loosened by blasting using sapper means. 2-3 bags of earth are poured onto the top layer of loosened soil.

Preparing medium-hard soil comes down to loosening the soil and digging a ditch (trench) for the slab.

Rice. 76. Strengthening the soil with stakes driven into a cone

34. TRANSFER OF THE MORTAR FROM MARKING POSITION TO COMBAT POSITION

Bring a wheeled mortar with a mortar to the prepared firing position and place it with the pivot foot towards the rear. Unfasten the straps securing the biped to the walk. Lifting the move by the front part, gradually lower the base plate to the place prepared for it, keeping the move from tipping over. Release the barrel from the clip securing it. Release the two-leg from the fastening with the clamp supports, unwind the chain of the two-leg and unfasten the tie connecting the plate to the passage. Supporting the barrel, move the stroke back. Move the barrel over the plate (forward) and place it in the firing position. At the same time, place the uterus of the rotating mechanism in the middle of the screw and, by rearranging the biped, direct the barrel of the mortar approximately towards the intended target.

If the safety catch was removed during transportation of the mortar, it must be placed on the barrel of the mortar.

When transporting a mortar without moving (on a utility cart, in a sleigh, etc.), transfer the mortar to the firing position in the following order: remove the base plate from the cart and install it on the ground, remove the barrel and install the ball heel in the support cup of the plate, supporting the trunk with your hands at an elevation angle of 45–80°. Then remove the shock absorber with the two-legged arm from the cart, rest the coulters on the ground, and place the shock absorber with the clip under the barrel. Insert the shock absorber clip and the outline of the clip into the recess on the barrel and secure it with a clamp.

Installing a mortar at a firing position

Correct installation of the mortar at the firing position is one of the important factors ensuring effective shooting. Incorrect installation of the mortar at the firing position leads to the following;

To poor stability and, as a result, to frequent aiming confusion, which is accompanied by a deterioration in the accuracy of fire, and consequently, an increase in ammunition consumption;

To damage to the material part of the mortar (settlement and breakage of shock absorber springs and screws of the lifting and turning mechanisms, as well as breakage of individual parts of the mortar biped and damage to the sight).

Installing the base plate should be carried out so that the amount of movement or settlement of the slab from the shot is no more than that allowed by the shock absorber, i.e. no more than 150 mm.

If the withdrawal or settlement of the slab is greater than the specified value, then the shock absorber springs are compressed until the coils touch, and further withdrawal of the slab leads to a hard impact, which is accompanied by an even greater settlement of the slab, and then breakage of the springs and bending of the shock absorber rods, bending of the screws of the lifting and turning mechanisms, bending swivel and biped, damage to the sight, etc.

When installing the base plate, the following rules must be observed:

The inclination of the base plate to the horizon towards the direction of fire should be 25–30°,

The base plate must rest with its entire surface on solid soil and must be immersed in it by at least? coulter heights;

Under the surface of the base slab, you need to create a dense earthen cushion, on which the base slab should rest with all its notches and depressions (Fig. 77), and not at individual points.

Biped installation. The openers of the biped should be recessed into the ground up to the plates and be approximately at the same level with the ball heel of the breech (Fig. 78).

Rice. 77. Installing the base plate

Moreover, if the elevation angles are less than 65° (sight 6-50 and more), the biped is moved forward by approximately 1600 mm from the center of the ball heel of the breech and connects to the upper groove of the barrel, and at elevation angles greater than 65° (sight 6-50 and less) the biped is moved forward by about 1000 mm and connects to the lower bore of the barrel.

Rice. 78. Installing a mortar at a firing position

When installing a mortar at a firing position, two grooves are made with radii equal to 1000 and 1600 mm, to move the biped forward from the center of the base plate. The biped openers are installed in one or another groove depending on the elevation angle given to the mortar.

35. MORTAR GUIDANCE

If, after installing the mortars, a parallel fan was built at the firing position, then the sight adapter posts must be removed. It should be remembered that it is impossible to fire a mortar with a rack installed, since in this case the rack, swivel bracket and sight may break.

Aim the mortar in the following order:

1. Check the leveling of the sight along its transverse level.

2. Set the commanded elevation angle on the sight by operating the sight elevation angle drum.

3. Bring the bubble of the longitudinal level of the sight to the middle, using the lifting mechanism of the mortar.

4. Install the commanded protractor on the sight and, using the rotating mechanism of the mortar, align the vertical thread of the crosshair on the sighting reticle with the aiming point. If the angle at which you want to turn the mortar is greater than the angle selected by the rotating mechanism, but not more than 3-00, then you should rearrange the biped.

If the angle of rotation is greater than 3-00, then rearrange the biped and the base plate so that the cutout in the cup of the base plate is located in the direction of the trunk.

5. Bring the cross-level bubble of the sight to the middle by rotating the adjusting screw of the sight swing mechanism (in mortars that have a device for leveling the sight) or using the swivel leveling mechanism.

6. Check the aiming and, using the rotary mechanism, accurately align the vertical thread of the crosshair of the sighting reticle with the aiming point; if necessary, perform additional leveling of the sight or swivel.

7. Check the position of the bubble of the longitudinal level and, using the lifting mechanism, bring it to the middle. Then check again the leveling (along the transverse level) and aiming.

8. When firing, do not remove the sight from the mortar swivel.

36. LOADING THE MORTAR, FIRING A SHOT AND DISCHARGING THE MORTAR

Before loading the mortar, set the firing device to the “hard” or “free” firing pin position.

To set the striker to the “Hard” position you need the switch handle 12 (see Fig. 4) turn it, setting it against the letter “F”, marked on the breech, and to set the firing pin in the “Free” position, set the switch handle against the letter “C”, also marked on the breech.

After aiming and installing the firing device, loading and firing are carried out on command. In order to fire a shot, you need to insert a mine with additional charges on it and the fuse tap installed according to the command with a stabilizer into the muzzle of the barrel and, having sunk it into the barrel approximately to the centering thickening, release it.

The fuze cap must be removed immediately before loading. After lowering the mine, the loader must quickly remove his hands from the barrel.

In the “Hard” position of the firing pin, the shot is fired by self-impaling the primer of the mine’s tail cartridge onto the firing pin while lowering the mine into the mortar barrel.

In the “Free” position of the firing pin, to fire a shot, after lowering the mine into the mortar barrel, you need to pull the trigger cord until it stops, and after the shot, release it again. When firing, it is necessary to especially carefully monitor the position of the double-loading safety blade in order to prevent the barrel from being loaded with two mines.

Note. It must be borne in mind that when transitioning from shooting with the “Hard” position of the firing pin to shooting with the “Free” position of the firing pin, the first shot due to carbon deposits or contamination of the firing pin may occur by self-piercing, as with the “Hard” position of the firing pin. Therefore, to prevent possible self-piercing of the primer of the mine’s tail cartridge in the “Free” position of the striker, before loading the mortar, perform 2-3 idle releases of the firing mechanism.

37. DISCHARGING THE MORTAR

In case of misfire when shooting with the firing pin in the “Free” position, trigger the trigger 2–3 more times; if the shot does not fire, then, after waiting at least 2 minutes, approach the mortar and sharply push the barrel of the mortar (with a banner, a shovel handle or some kind of pole) so that the mine falls into place (if it did not reach it earlier), after then, after waiting at least a minute, perform the descent 2-3 more times; if the shot does not follow, then it is necessary to unload the mortar.

In case of a misfire when firing with the firing pin in a “hard” position, you should wait at least 2 minutes, then go up to the mortar and sharply push the mortar barrel (with a banner, a shovel handle or some kind of pole) so that the mortar sits in its place (if she had not reached him before).

If the shot does not follow, then, after waiting at least 1 minute, move the handle 12 switch (see Fig. 4) to position “C”, then discharge the mortar.

In mortars of earlier manufacture, which have a firing device with a switch stopper, before unloading the mortar, it is necessary to press the switch stopper by rotating the stopper knob. To unload the mortar, it is necessary to separate the trigger cord from the firing device and give the barrel the smallest elevation angle (about 45°).

After this, loosen the outline of the shock absorber clip, carefully, without jerking, rotate the barrel 90° in the ball bearing of the plate, separate the barrel from the plate and, holding the biped, lift the breech of the barrel. In this case, one number of the crew must keep his hands near the muzzle so as to keep the mine from falling to the ground, trying not to put pressure on the fuse head (hands must be kept near the muzzle after the barrel takes an approximately horizontal position).

When the mine touches your hands, carefully remove it from the barrel. To avoid a shot when unloading, it is strictly forbidden to lower the raised breech of the mortar barrel while the mortar is in the barrel bore.

A mine whose tail cartridge has misfired, but the mine itself did not have its fuse and stabilizer damaged during unloading, can be used. To do this, it is necessary, after removing the additional charges, to remove the misfired tail cartridge using an extractor, insert a new tail cartridge and equip the mine with additional charges.

38. MONITORING THE MORTAR WHEN FIRING, POSSIBLE MALFUNCTIONS AND WAYS TO ELIMINATE THEM

When shooting, the following must be observed:

1. Check and correct aiming after each shot.

2. Monitor the operation of the shock absorber and the installation of the plate.

The slab must rest tightly on the ground and not allow large draft when fired. At the beginning of shooting, when the ground has not yet been compacted, the base plate from each shot should not go deeper into the ground by an amount greater than that allowed by the shock absorber stroke. When the soil under the slab is compacted, the shrinkage of the slab should be greatly reduced. If shooting conditions allow, the first shot must be fired with the smallest or medium charge.

If the slab is installed correctly on medium ground and the shock absorber operates correctly (without sitting), after several shots the mortar aiming is almost not lost.

3. Monitor the installation of the biped. Under no circumstances should the swivel mechanism be allowed to rest against the swivel shelf.

When shrinking the slab, it is necessary to dig up the openers of the biped so that they are approximately at the same level with the ball heel of the breech. When the slab moves back, it is necessary to periodically rearrange the two-leg so that the normal movement of the two-leg is approximately maintained (1600 mm at elevation angles less than 65° and 1000 mm at elevation angles greater than 65°).

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in failure of the mortar. If the slab shrinks significantly, firing should be stopped and the soil under the base slab should be compacted.

4. Make sure that the bubbles of the transverse level of the sight and the level of the swivel (in mortars with a swivel leveling mechanism) are in the middle at all times.

5. Check the mounting of the sight on the swivel and the shock absorber clip on the barrel after 8-10 shots.

Possible malfunctions of the mortar when firing and how to eliminate them

Possible faults	Causes of malfunctions	Troubleshooting Methods
Misfires	1. Contamination of the firing pin (carbon deposits, the cap or primer of the ignition charge remains)	1. Clean the impact mechanism
	2. Breakage or wear of the striker	2. Replace the firing pin
	3. Contamination of the barrel bore (carbon deposits from previous firing), as a result of which the mine is slowed down when it moves down after loading	3. Clean the bore
	4. Non-central (eccentric) firing of the primer	4. Reject the mine
	5. Ignition primer failure	5. Replace ignition charge
	6. Broken or deformed hammer spring	6. Replace the hammer spring
Sticking and tight movement of the lifting mechanism screw	1. Contamination of the lifting mechanism	1. Disassemble and clean the lifting mechanism from dirt, and then lubricate
	2. Nicks on the lifting mechanism screw
Sticking and stiffness of the rotary mechanism	1. Contamination of the rotating mechanism	1. Disassemble and clean the rotating mechanism
	2. Nicks on the rotary mechanism screw	2. Clean nicks with a personal file
Shock absorber knock	Breakage or permanent deformation of the shock absorber spring	Disassemble the shock absorber and install a spare spring
Sticking (stiff movement) of shock absorber rods	Insufficient lubrication or contamination of shock absorber rods, springs and cylinders	Clean cylinders, rods, springs from dirt, add lubricant
Pitching the fuse on the barrel	Loosening the nut securing the fuse to the barrel	Place a wooden spacer on the upper edge of the fuse housing and, using a hammer on the spacer, push the fuse back, then tighten the nut until it stops.
The safety mechanism returns to the "Open" position without energy. The mine is retained in the fuse when loading the mortar (tight movement of the safety mechanism in the axial direction)	1. Contamination of the mechanism	1. Disassemble and clean the safety mechanism
	2. Spring deformation or breakage	2. Replace the spring
After lowering the mine, the safety mechanism remained in the “Open” position	Lever wear or spring deformation	Replace lever or spring
The safety mechanism is not set to the “Closed” position	Contamination of the safety mechanism or nicks on the surface of the lever and housing	Clean the safety mechanism and remove any nicks on the surface of the lever and housing
Damage to parts of the safety mechanism	Combat or operational damage	Replace damaged parts with new ones from the spare parts kit

39. TRANSFER OF THE MORTAR FROM COMBAT POSITION TO MARKING

The procedure for transferring a mortar from combat position in marching the following:

1. Attach accessories (banner, pickaxe, shovel, crowbar and pole) to the wheel drive. Place covers on the muzzle and breech of the mortar barrel.

2. Raise the frame of the mortar move with the pivot foot up and in this position bring the move to the mortar from behind so that it fits into the hooks of the base plate with its U-shaped brackets (thickened parts of the brackets) (Fig. 79–81), then put on the move tie onto the slab bracket and tighten the tie.

3. After the base plate is laid and secured to the travel frame, carefully (without removing it from the base plate) the barrel of the mortar. tilt two or three people so that the muzzle of the barrel rests in the travel cage, where it is secured with a mark and a clamp.

Rice. 79. The mortar is in a traveling position. Wheel travel arr. 1938 (the right wheel is not shown in the top picture):

1 - wheel travel; 2 - mortar; 3 - box for spare parts; 4 - banner and milestone; 5 - Sapper shovel; 6 - pickaxe; 7 - crowbar

Rice. 80. The mortar is in a traveling position. Wheel travel of the design of plant No. 702 (the right wheel is not shown in the top figure):

1 - wheel travel; 2 - mortar; 3 - box for spare parts; 4 - banner and milestone; 5 - Sapper shovel; 6 - pickaxe; 7 - crowbar

Rice. 81. The mortar is in a traveling position. Wheel travel of the design of plant No. 106 (the right wheel is not shown in the top figure):

1 - wheel travel; 2 - mortar; 3 - box for spare parts; 4 - banner and milestone; 5 - Sapper shovel; 6 - axe; 7 - park boxes with mines

4. Fold the biped, wrap the chain and secure the legs in the barrel clamp.

5. Lower the travel frame with the mortar and check whether the plate is securely fastened with the barrel tie in the travel cage and the biped in the barrel clamp. Attach the legs to the travel frame with two straps.

6. Cover the laid mortar on top with a general covering cover.

40. INSPECTION OF THE MORTAR BEFORE MARCHING

Inspect the mortar before moving in the following order:

1. Check whether the mounting of the trunk, biped and plate, as well as the box with spare parts and entrenching tools is secure.

2 Inspect the suspension of the B-20.

3. Inspect the wheels, make sure that the tires are intact and securely fastened to the rims, check the condition of the disks (for cracks, bending, etc.), check that all the nuts are screwed onto the bolts until they are tight.

Check that the wheels rotate freely by lifting them off the ground. The wheels should rotate freely.

4. Check the serviceability of the stoppers, as well as the presence of all bolts, nuts and cotter pins.

When transporting the mortar behind cars and tractors that have rear buffers, the latter must be removed, as they limit the rotation of the mortar and can lead to breakage of the pivot foot.

The rotating hook of the vehicle (tractor) must be secured, since the pivot foot of the B-20 stroke rotates.

41. MORTAR OBSERVATION ON THE MARCH

During movement, it is necessary to observe the mounting of the trunk, biped and base plate. When driving on bad roads and rough terrain, make sure that the slab does not touch the ground, as this may break the parts of the travel mount.

At halts and stops, check whether the box with spare parts and entrenching tools are securely fastened; Make sure that the wheel hubs do not heat up and lubricant does not leak from them. If the hub gets very hot, then as soon as possible, remove the wheel, inspect the roller bearings and change the lubricant. Replace faulty roller bearing. Check if the nuts securing the wheels to the axle shafts are loose; Secure loose nuts.

Experience in the combat use of mortar weapons in local conflicts at the end of the 20th century beginning of the XXI V.

Mortars, as a class of weapons, became widespread during the Second World War. It was then that this weapon became one of the main artillery fire support weapons for tactical-level infantry units (platoon-company-battalion).

On the eve of World War II, virtually all countries participating in it adopted various mortars. So on August 1, 1940. The Red Army had 5,543 82-mm mortars in Wehrmacht units by June 1941. there were 11,767 mortars (six 81 mm in the machine gun company of each infantry battalion). Light 50, 60 and 81 (82) mm mortars become the standard artillery system of infantry companies and battalions - infantry artillery.

What determines the infantry’s choice of mortars?

Firstly, the mortar has enough high accuracy and firing range, ensuring reliable destruction of enemy personnel, weapons and unarmored equipment in battle. Secondly, it provides the opportunity for relatively hidden firing (a closed firing position and low sound intensity when fired make it difficult for the enemy to detect the crew).

Crew of the 82-mm mortar mod. 1938 During the Great Patriotic War

Thirdly, the high rate of fire - from ten to twenty rounds per minute ensures a high density of fire in critical moments of the battle. Fourthly, the relatively light weight of weapons and ammunition increases the maneuverability of infantry units and reduces their dependence on supporting artillery fire, which is not always effective due to the time required for passing commands and the possibility of hitting friendly troops when the safe distance radius (RDR) decreases.

The average weight of an 81/82 mm mortar, disassembled into three main parts (barrel, bipod and base plate) is about 50 kg. The weight of an 81/82 mm high-explosive fragmentation mine ranges from 3.2 to 4.4 kg. The classification of 81/82 mm mortars by caliber deserves special attention. In fact, these weapons are of the same caliber, as will be discussed below.

The first episodes of combat use of mortars

The first episodes of combat use of mortars were noted during the defense of Port Arthur in 1904. (mortar designed by Lieutenant General of the Artillery of the Russian Army Leonid Nikolaevich Gobyato). During the Second World War, mortars were in service with the armies of all warring parties. The first Soviet 82-mm mortar was adopted by the Red Army under the name BM-36 in 1936. In SKB-4 Boris Ivanovich Shavyrin (Leningrad) an 82-mm battalion mortar mod., which is easier to manufacture and operate, is being created. 1937 (BM-37), replacing its predecessor. Battalion mortars (this concept refers to all portable 81 and 82 mm systems) during the battle were directly subordinate to the commanders of infantry companies and battalions.

This made it possible to quickly and with high accuracy hit enemy infantry and machine gun crews directly in front of the battle formations of friendly troops, which is very problematic when using cannon artillery (cannons and howitzers).

The first baptism of fire of the BM-37 took place in the area of ​​the Khalkhin Gol River in battles with the Japanese invaders, providing the infantry with indispensable assistance in destroying the enemy in the trenches and on the reverse slopes of the hills.

In 1941 and 1943 The Soviet battalion mortar was modernized. During the Great Patriotic War, battalion 82-mm mortars mod. 1937, 1941 and 1943 were in service with rifle battalions, serving as the main means of fire support rifle company. 82-mm battalion mortar mod. 1943 was produced for a long time in the post-war period and is still in service with the Russian army and the armies of other states.

The domestic 82-mm mortar is supported by the fact that during the Great Patriotic War, Soviet crews often used captured German 81-mm and Lendlease American 81-mm mines for firing. A unique example of the development of a domestic modern battalion mortar was shown to the world by the war in Afghanistan of 1979-1989. In the early 1970s. the main 82-mm mortar of the Soviet army BM-43 model 1937/1943. was withdrawn from service Ground Forces. Leadership of the USSR Armed Forces until the end of the 1970s. there was no place for 82-mm mortars in a “nuclear missile war.” They remained in service only with Airborne troops, and in units of the Ground Forces it was completely replaced by a 120-mm mortar, which was used to arm mortar batteries of motorized rifle battalions. However, the design bureau of the Gorky Machine-Building Plant was proactively developing a new 82-mm mortar.

And not in vain... With the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, it became clear that only portable systems can provide infantry units operating autonomously at a considerable distance from the towed and self-propelled artillery, effective close fire support. Just at this time, factory tests of the 82-mm 2B14 mortar developed in Gorky (Nizhny Novgorod) were carried out. An order was received from the military for the urgent production of a batch of 100 pieces, which passed field and military tests in Afghanistan.

In 1983 The 82-mm mortar 2B14 “Tray” was adopted by the Soviet army. Later, its modification was created - 2B14-1, which had minor design changes. In Afghanistan, 82-mm mortars BM-43 and 2B14 "Tray" were in service with mortar companies of motorized rifle, parachute and air assault battalions of the Limited contingent of Soviet troops.

Since the beginning of the 80s. and Afghan rebels used 82mm mortars. Their main Type 53 mortar was essentially a Chinese version of the Soviet BM-43 mortar. In addition, the Afghan rebels used two identical 60-mm Type 63 and MB mortars made in China and Pakistan, respectively, as well as an 82-mm Yugoslav M69 mortar coming to Afghanistan from Arab countries. In addition to 60 and 82 mm systems, Afghan rebels since 1987. began to receive Spanish 120-mm Esia mortars through the United States.

The 60mm company mortar deserves special attention. The division of mortars into company (up to 60 mm), battalion (75 and 81/82 mm) and regimental (106.7 and 120 mm) came into practice on the eve of World War II. 60-mm systems and domestic 50-mm mortars mod. 1941 infantry companies were armed. However, the domestic 50-mm mortar was discontinued at the initial stage of the Great Patriotic War. Nevertheless, company 60-mm mortars are in service with many modern armies peace. Already in their very name it is indicated that these weapons belong to the company level fire support weapon complex, i.e. weapons for direct fire support of platoons of infantry companies.

In modern military operations, especially during local wars and armed conflicts, there is a steady trend of fragmentation of units and formations into smaller units of the tactical level. In such conditions, small infantry units need their own effective means of defeating the enemy.

The systems of assault weapons (rocket-propelled anti-tank and assault grenades, rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade launchers and flamethrowers) and fire support weapons (large-caliber machine guns and sniper rifles, under-barrel and automatic grenade launchers, man-portable anti-tank missile systems and recoilless rifles) created in recent decades cannot be replaced on the battlefield small caliber mortar. It is indispensable in close combat when destroying the enemy in trenches and folds of terrain, behind reverse slopes, houses and fences. These are the tasks facing company mortars in modern combat. At the same time, the presence of mortar men directly in the combat formations of infantry units simplifies fire control for commanders and facilitates a rapid response to a rapidly changing combat situation.

Carrying mortar shells by Soviet infantrymen in Afghanistan. 80s

The absence of small-caliber mortars in service with the Russian Army is justified by the presence in the weapons system of infantry units at the platoon-company level of 40-mm under-barrel and 30-mm automatic grenade launchers. However, the power coefficient of a 60-mm fragmentation mine is several times higher than that of a similar indicator

30 and 40 mm fragmentation grenades, which significantly affects the reliability of destruction of enemy infantry and fire weapons in field-type shelters, destruction of enemy equipment and fire weapons. A company mortar covers the firing range of an underbarrel grenade launcher by 3-5 times, and with the same firing range as an automatic grenade launcher, it is several times superior to it in terms of weight and dimensions. For example, the weight of a 30-mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher with a sight is 30.5 kg, and a 60-mm mortar is three times less.

The "Tray" crew fires at the rebel positions. Afghanistan, 80s

Here is an example of the use of 60-mm mortar fire by a company tactical group of the parachute battalion of the Jordanian Armed Forces at one of the tactical exercises in 2003, which I was able to attend. The paratroopers were faced with the task of destroying the “terrorists” who had taken refuge in one of the nomads.

Supported by the fire of 20-mm cannons from fire support helicopters AN-1 Cobra (USA) and BMP Ratel (South Africa), Jordanian paratroopers dismounted from armored vehicles and blocked the “terrorists.” When the fire from the helicopter and combat vehicles began to pose a danger to the paratroopers approaching the target, fire was opened on the “terrorists” from a 60-mm Type 63 mortar, the firing position of which was located in the combat formations of a dismounted unit.

Under cover of mortar fire

Under the cover of mortar fire (combat rate of fire 10-12 rounds per minute), a pair of flamethrowers crawled towards the object and destroyed the “terrorists” with a salvo from LPO-50 light infantry flamethrowers (USSR). By the way, for some reason the LPO-50 is ignored by domestic anti-terrorist units, although it is much more convenient to burn terrorism out with fire than to “soak it in the toilet.”

About successful examples There is no information about the use of 60-mm mortars by rebels in Afghanistan; these weapons were painfully rare among the Mujahideen. Much more problematic for the Soviet and Afghan troops was the fire of the most common artillery system among the rebels - 82-mm mortars. Former farmers, artisans and students studied to master mortar weapons at training centers and camps in Pakistan and Iran. By the way, this art was taught to them at one time by the same Jordanian non-commissioned officer who masterfully placed 60-mm mines 20-30m ahead of the flamethrowers during an anti-terrorist exercise, covering their advance to the firing line.

By luck, I did not have to deal with his students in Afghanistan... But our garrison, two weeks after my departure from it, was less fortunate in this regard. November 27, 1987 The garrison of Soviet and Afghan troops in the city of Asadabad was subjected to a massive fire attack using all artillery weapon systems available to the Mujahideen. It all started with the defeat of a Mi-8 helicopter in the air by fire from a Stinger MANPADS. Then the rebels opened fire on the garrison and residential areas of the city with 107-mm rockets and, under their cover, dragged 82- and 120-mm mortars to the firing lines. It was in Asadabad that the delivery of the 120-mm Esia mortar to the Afghan rebels was confirmed. Military personnel of the Asadabad garrison learned about the enemy's use of 120-mm mortars by the characteristic aluminum tail of exploding mines.

Like the Stinger, the Esia 120mm mortar was of American origin, although it was produced in Spain. The fact is that at this time the United States decided to adopt a 120-mm mortar system into service with the Marine Corps in order to ensure the supply of expeditionary forces with NATO-standard 120-mm mortar ammunition (at that time the US had only 60-, 81- and 106.7 mm mortars). Their choice fell on the Spanish mortar. It was necessary to test it in Afghanistan in order to make a final decision on its adoption. Our intelligence learned in advance that a new powerful weapon system was being adopted by the Afghan rebels, and the first confirmation of this was given by the scouts of the 334 ooSpN (a separate special forces detachment), when the reconnaissance group of Lieutenant Igor Matveychuk was killed in an ambush in Surubi County in October 1987 field commander Mujahideen, seizing from him firing tables from the 120-mm Esiya mortar and other documentation.

120-mm mortars were also used by Soviet troops in Afghanistan, but battalion 82-mm “Tray” mortars earned great popularity among our troops. The Soviet infantry, leaving for the mountains, did not part with them. The “tray” was much lighter than the Chinese 82-mm mortar in service with the Mujahideen, but maneuvering the weapon in battle was not particularly required. Unlike the Soviet troops, they used defensive tactics.

The rebels set up stationary mortar positions in the highlands in strongholds of fortified areas or in “greenery” (irrigated valleys and gorges) near their bases. In the highlands and in winter, they often froze the mortar base plate into the ground. With this method of equipping a firing position, it was possible to conduct intense concentrated fire in series of several mines without restoring aiming. It is this method of shooting, after preliminary zeroing and waiting for a convenient moment to open fire, that ensures maximum effect defeat of openly located manpower that does not have time to hide from fire. Major Solovyov’s subordinates from the air assault battalion of the 66th Motorized Rifle Brigade came under such mortar fire on December 2, 1986 during the capture of the Ogz and Shpolkai fortified areas in the south of Nangarhar province. Only the next day did the paratroopers manage to knock the enemy off the ridge and capture an 82-mm mortar with a base plate frozen into the ground, then the reason for the high accuracy of fire from the enemy crew became clear.

In the foreground are captured 60- and 82-mm mortars captured by our troops in Afghanistan. On the left is S. Bekov, Advisor to the CPSU Central Committee in the Vostok operational zone.

In addition to standard 82-mm battalion mortars, our troops also used captured mortars in Afghanistan. First of all, 60-mm systems, but such cases were sporadic and not widespread due to the small number of these weapons and mines for them in the Mujahideen’s weapons system. So the scouts of the 3rd company of the 154th special forces during the winter of 1985-1986. used a Type 63 60mm mortar captured from the enemy until they ran out of mines.

The experience gained in handling non-standard weapons was useful to the scouts in battle on March 29, 1986. on the Afghan-Pakistan border in the Krer gorge (transshipment base for the Shahid Abdul Latif and Fatah caravans). At a critical moment in the battle, the scouts deployed an 82-mm mortar they had captured in battle. Type 53 towards the enemy. Thanks to the fire, they managed to stop the counterattack of the superior rebel forces and ensure the evacuation of the wounded. Scouts of the 22nd Special Operations Brigade used captured 82-mm mortars, installing them in the bodies of combat vehicles (captured pickup trucks and standard Urals),

Armed forces of the USSR in the 80s. on " Afghan war"We didn't get hung up.

In 1984 The 2I27 product, which is a UAZ-469 vehicle with a kit for installing, stowing and transporting two 82-mm mortars and transportable ammunition, is being supplied to the Ground Forces for separate air assault brigades (ADB) and battalions (ODShB). In the UAZ-469 vehicle, in addition to two 2B14-1 mortars and spare parts for them, there were: in the first version - 116 mines (36 in 12 trays and 80 in 8 park boxes), a crew with a driver - 2 people; in the second option - 76 mines of transportable ammunition (36 in 12 trays and 40 in park boxes), crew with a driver - 4 people. However, this weapon was not suitable for the conditions of Afghanistan; it was suitable for raid operations during a large-scale war.

Mortars were actively used in the 90s. last century during the Yugoslav War

In Afghanistan, another method, or rather technique, of using mortars on a vehicle chassis was developed - the use of nomadic mortars. The rebels used this trick. The Afghan mujahideen, using roaming fires (ROF) tactics, transported their 82mm mortars in the back of pickup trucks and sometimes on pack animals or tractor trailers. At the same time, they created in advance the necessary supply of mines near the intended firing position and, at the appointed time, delivered only a mortar to it.

Moreover, the creation of caches of ammunition near firing positions concerned not only mortars, but also other weapon systems. This is what explained the high mobility of gangs, unencumbered by carrying ammunition. Even machine gunners had their hiding places in the area of ​​responsibility or in places where ambushes and other armed actions were carried out.

Whoever knew this was no longer surprised that when inspecting killed or captured rebels, they had only a minimum supply of ammunition from 30 to 180 for a machine gun and carbine (rifle) and a little more for machine gunners, and grenade launchers rarely carried more than 2- 3 grenades. Special forces reconnaissance officers always took advantage of this circumstance, catching the enemy by surprise during an ambush or raid.

Crew of the "Tray" mortar of the GRU Special Forces unit. Chechnya, 2005

The Afghan experience in using CBS was also in demand by the domestic army special forces, but in another war. It is reconnaissance and sabotage groups armed with a mortar that are best suited to the tactics of nomadic fire weapons. Mortar fire behind enemy lines, like no other (with the exception of sniper fire), affects the morale of the personnel of the opposing side.

So in Tajikistan in the early 90s. The special forces reconnaissance group successfully applied the KOS tactics using the Yugoslav 81-mm mortar M69 (M081LC), captured from the Mujahideen by reconnaissance officers of the 15th separate special forces brigade back in 1987. The design of this mortar made it possible to mount a domestic mortar sight on it. The Yugoslav mortar was 11 kg lighter than the domestic 82-mm BM-43 mortar, and the firing table on a metal nameplate was attached directly to the barrel. The mortar was transported on a UAZ-469 vehicle, and was deployed at the firing position by a crew from three people, not counting volunteer assistants from the Popular Front of Tajikistan.

The tactics of nomadic fire weapons determine several stages of action: collecting intelligence information about the target of the raid; terrain reconnaissance and selection of firing positions; reaching combat positions (firing position, observer-spotter, cover (support) subgroup); fire engagement (target shelling); changing firing position or retreat.

The transportable ammunition of the 81-mm nomadic mortar consisted of ten to forty 82-mm mortars of domestic production. This universal “omnivorousness” of 81- and 82-mm battalion mortars is explained by different approaches to caliber determination. In domestic practice, the caliber of the barrel is designated, and in the West - mines. The versatility of the 81 and 82mm calibers of the mortar allows the use of both mines. For example, the Mujahideen in Afghanistan successfully used Pakistani, British and American 81-mm mines with 82-mm Chinese mortars.

In fact, the difference in caliber of the 81/82 mm mine and the 81/82 mm mortar is the same and amounts to 0.7 mm. It is the absence of contact between the mine and the walls of the barrel when fired, thanks to the annular grooves on the body of the mine that create an “air cushion,” that explains the high accuracy of the mortar’s fire. To ensure high shooting accuracy, the first place, in addition to correct aiming of the weapon at the target, is the mass of the mine and same temperature propellant charge (main and additional). It is quite difficult to produce mortar shells that are accurate in weight due to the technological features of their production (casting and turning).

Domestic manufacturers mark mines of different weights with a cross-shaped core. Mines with one, two or three “crosses” are classified into three different weight groups. This should be taken into account when firing a series of mines and, especially, when hitting the enemy near friendly troops. Oddly enough, many mortarmen of the Russian army do not know about this, which is confirmed by their actions during the counter-terrorism operation in the North Caucasus. Apparently, the old Soviet artillery school and the experience of the Great Patriotic War, in which Soviet artillery, including mortars, were recognized as the best, have been forgotten.

The mortar crew of the GRU Special Forces reconnaissance unit prepares its mortar for firing. Chechnya, 2005

During the counter-terrorism operation in the North Caucasus, 82-mm 2B14 and BM-43 mortars were widely used by both federal forces and gangs. The federal troops suffered especially significant losses from enemy mortar fire during the capture of Grozny in January 1995. Having an extensive network of informants and observer-spotters, illegal armed groups used the tactics of fire raids to concentrate Russian troops in courtyards and on the streets. In the “Second Chechen Campaign,” the militants, fortunately, “underestimated” mortars, but the federal forces used them quite widely.

Thus, during the destruction of R. Gelayev’s bandit group in December 2003, thanks to the high professionalism of the mortar crew of the army special forces, the federal forces managed to completely block the enemy with fire. For two days, the crew of the 82-mm mortar 2B14 “Tray” held the surrounded enemy in a gorge on the northern slope of the Kusa ridge with harassing fire, and subsequently provided the assault groups with direct fire support. At the same time, the mortar men were in a closed firing position 1.7 km from the assault groups, and the mines were placed 30-50 m from the attackers.

The 82 mm mortar appeared in the early 2000s. It is no coincidence that it is in service with the domestic army special forces. The combat experience of using mortars in Afghanistan and Tajikistan had an impact here, Foreign experience Strength special operations, a number of publications in the domestic media and the enthusiasm of individual special forces officers.

Foreign experience Experience in combat use of mortars

Foreign experience The experience of combat use of mortars by special forces of the USA and Great Britain indicates that this type of weapon does not play a role last role during special operations.

A typical example was the operation of the 22nd SAS Regiment (Special Airborne Services) of the British Armed Forces to destroy Argentine Air Force aircraft on Pebble Island during the Falklands conflict, which took place on May 14-15. The day before, May 10, 1982, two patrols of four people each were landed on the island of West Falklands from helicopters with the task of conducting reconnaissance of the aircraft's base.

Having crossed the strait in collapsible canoes, the patrols equipped two observation posts (OP) and established the presence of 11 Pukara attack aircraft at the reconnaissance airfield. On the morning of May 14, at the opposite end of Pebble Island, three Sea King helicopters landed a detachment of the 22nd SAS Regiment, armed with small arms, grenade launchers and two 81-mm mortars. Arriving at the airfield, a detachment of 40 people divided into two groups and took up their starting positions.

One group of 20 people was supposed to destroy aircraft parked with mortar fire, and the other was to cover their actions and cut off reinforcements from the nearest Argentine garrison. The operation took place in the dark using flare mines and shells from the guns of the destroyer Glamorgan. During the special operation, all Argentine aircraft were destroyed. British losses were two wounded.

It is difficult to find a more effective weapon than the mortar of a reconnaissance and sabotage group when destroying enemy aircraft and helicopters at airfields and landing sites. Various rebel groups in Africa have accumulated a wealth of experience in this type of combat against enemy aircraft. Latin America, Southeast Asia and Afghanistan. The protection of airfields with an extensive network of outposts and outposts, minefields and engineering obstacles is often powerless from mortar fire.

Armed with portable 60- or 82-mm mortars, small reconnaissance and sabotage groups, operating behind enemy lines at a considerable distance from the main forces, can always count on effective fire support from their own mortar. Even in Afghanistan, where it operated efficient system air support for special forces, given the relatively primitive air defense of the rebels, the special forces could not always hope for help from army and attack aircraft.

In addition to air defense, the work of aviation is also limited by weather conditions. Artillery support is free of such disadvantages, but its capabilities are limited by the firing range of the barrel and rocket artillery Ground forces. In such a situation, the issue of increasing the firepower of special forces is solved very simply - with our own mortars.

The main advantages of the 82-mm mortar as a special forces weapon are not only its high shooting accuracy, but also the possibility of covert firing, as well as the high mobility of this artillery weapon system.

In the early 2000s. Domestic designers, by order of the GRU General Staff, developed the 82-mm silent mortar system BShMK 2B25. However, due to the short-sightedness of certain officials of the military department, the work was curtailed, and there are no plans to adopt a silent mortar into service with the Russian Armed Forces in the near future. But in vain. The mortar, which has no analogues in the world, has a mass of about 12 kg and a firing range

about 1200m. At the same time, its fragmentation mine is several times more effective than a conventional 82-mm high-explosive fragmentation mine, and the sound of the shot is no louder than a hammer hitting wood...

Alas, what kind of silent mortars can we talk about for the domestic special forces if its very numbers are being reduced, while the United States and our other “sworn friends” attach paramount importance to the development of special operations forces.

The high mobility of 60- and 82-mm mortars is ensured by the ability to carry them by personnel, parachute landing (in cargo containers), delivery by helicopter, light vehicles and armored personnel carriers. The kit of the domestic 82-mm mortar 2B14 includes packing devices that allow it to be carried by three servicemen (barrel - pipe, base plate, bipod and sight). The fourth number of the crew carries the mines themselves, but if necessary, they can be carried over short distances by the remaining numbers. When a mortar crew operates in infantry combat formations or as part of a reconnaissance and sabotage group, other military personnel are recruited to carry mines.

In China, where infantry is one of the world's most numerous military branches, universal pack devices are used to carry 82mm mortars and recoilless rifles, heavy machine guns and other fire support weapons. Our servicemen had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with them in Afghanistan. The versatility of the packs is achieved by the presence of a standard back pad with mounting brackets, straps and shoulder straps with shoulder pads. With the help of such a pack you can carry any types of heavy weapons in standard cases or securing them to packs with belts, as well as other loads.

It is clear that the battalion mortar has not lost its importance in modern high-tech warfare. Portable 82 mm mortar in Armed Forces Russia cannot be replaced by an automatic mortar of the same caliber 2B9 "Vasilyok" or mortars of a larger caliber. Other infantry support weapons of the 21st century, including high-precision ones, are also unable to fully replace them.

Alexander MUSIENKO, reserve colonel