Self-Propelled Mortar Systems | Military-Today.com

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Self-Propelled Mortar Systems E-book © Military-Today.com 2013 All rights reserved Additional and updated information on mortar systems described within is available at Military-Today.com website: www.Military-Today.com Contact us on: [email protected]


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Contents

Foreword ....................................................................................................................................... 1 Self-Propelled Mortar Systems .................................................................................................... 2

PLL05 ................................................................................................................................. 3

AMOS......................................................................................................................... 4

NEMO................................................................................................................................. 5

2S31 Vena.......................................................................................................................... 6

2S23 Nona-SVK ................................................................................................................. 7

2S9 Nona-S ........................................................................................................................ 8

AMS.................................................................................................................................... 9 About Military-Today.com Website............................................................................................ 10

Join Our Mailing List............................................................................................................... 10 Subscribe to Our RSS Feeds ................................................................................................. 10 Feedback ................................................................................................................................. 10 Advertise With Us ................................................................................................................... 11 Other E-Books......................................................................................................................... 11

Foreword

Dear Reader Thank you for downloading this short e-book! Feel free to share it with your friends. Here you will find information on modern self-propelled mortar systems. I tired to collect in one e-book all information on the current artillery systems of this type. Some of these artillery systems are rear and it is likely that you have never heard of them before. Information on self-propelled mortar systems is arranged by country, where they have been developed. Newer machines are listed first. Information on each artillery system comes with a separate specifications table. This e-book is aimed at the wide range of readers, so I tried to keep everything as simple as possible. Hope you will like this e-book. E-mail your comments, feedback and business proposals to: [email protected] Sincerely Andrius Genys Military-Today.com Webmaster


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Self-Propelled Mortar Systems

Mortars are valuable artillery support weapons. These indirect fire weapons have high rate of fire, high angle of fire and short minimum range. Motars land bombs on nearby targets. Mortar fire is inaccurate, so mortars are used as area weapons. This weapon is good for suppression and destroying of point targets. They are extremely effective against enemy infantry in the open areas. Mortars are also effective against stationary soft-skin and lightly-armored vehicles, and heavy crew-served weapon, that can not be moved quickly. However mortars are not effective against building, bunkers, entrenchments, tanks and other heavily armored vehicles. Mortar systems are vehicle-mounted weapons. Typically these are fitted with 120-mm caliber heavy gun-mortars. These unique weapons are breach-loaded and can be used as mortars of howitzers for direct and indirect fire. These artillery systems are capable of firing high explosive, smoke and other rounds. The whole gun-mortar concept was first developed in the Soviet Union on the 2S9 Nona-S tracked mortar system, intended for the air assault divisions. Twin-barreled self-loading mortars are the latest evolution of these artillery systems. These are designed for rapid rate of fire.


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The PLL05, also referred as the Type 05, self-propelled mortar system is a recent Chinese development. It was introduced in 2001. This vehicle was designed for export market, however no orders were placed. In 2008 a modified variant with redesigned turret was accepted to service with the Chinese Army. This artillery system is used to support mechanized infantry troops.

It is worth mentioning that the gun-mortar system concept was first developed in the Soviet Union on the 2S9 Nona-S tracked mortar system, intended for the air assault divisions. It was followed by the 2S23 Nona-SVK based on the BTR-80 wheeled chassis. In 1997 China planned to acquire about 100 units of the Russian 2S23 Nona-SVK mortar system, but no deliveries were made. Nevertheless China bought three 2S9 Nona-S mortar systems from Ukraine in 2000. The PLL05 is very similar to the Nona-SVK, while turret design also resembles Russian mortar system.

The PLL05 is armed with a 120-mm breach loaded gun/mortar, fitted with a semi-automatic loader. This weapon combines features of both mortar and howitzer. Vehicle fires rifled rounds and any 120-mm mortar mines. The PLL05 is capable of direct and indirect firing. Maximum range of fire is 8.8 km with rounds, 12.8 km with rocket assisted rounds and 7.1 km with mortar mines. The PLL05 can also engage armored vehicles with the HE-AT rounds. This mortar system is also compatible with Russian KM-8 Gran precision guided mortar rounds. It has a range of 9 km. The PLL05 has traverse range of 360 degrees in contrast to 70 degrees of the Nona-SVK. Rate of fire depends on the projectile type and varies between 4 and 10 rounds per minute.

Secondary armament consists of 12.7-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof.

PLL05

120-mm self-propelled mortar system

Armor of this mortar system provides all-round protection against 7.62-mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. Front arc of this armored vehicle withstands 12.7-mm rounds. The PLL05 is fitted with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems.

Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

The PLL05 uses 6x6 chassis of the Type 92 armored personnel carrier. Vehicle is powered by the Deutz BF8L413F turbocharged diesel engine, developing 320 hp. The PLL05 is fully amphibious. On water it is powered by two waterjets. Vehicle can be airlifted by the Y-8 or other similar size military transport aircraft.

Entered service 2008 Crew 4 men

Dimensions and weight Weight 16.5 t Length 6.7 m Width 2.8 m Height 2.8 m

Armament Main gun 120-mm gun/mortar

Barrel length ? Machine guns 1 x 12.7-mm

Projectile weight ? Maximum firing range 7.1 / 8.8 / 12.8 km Maximum rate of fire 8 - 10 rpm

Elevation range - 4 to + 80 degrees Traverse range 360 degrees

Ammunition load Main gun 36 rounds

Machine guns ? Mobility

Engine Deutz BF8L413F diesel Engine power 320 hp

Maximum road speed 85 km/h Amphibious speed on water 8 km/h

Range 800 km Maneuverability

Gradient 60% Side slope 30%

Vertical step ~ 0.6 m Trench ~ 1.2 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/artillery/pll_05.htm


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The AMOS or Advanced MOrtar System was developed as a joint venture between Patria (Finland) and Haaglunds (Sweden). Hagglunds is responsible for the turret and Patria for the breech loaded 120-mm mortars. It is a new- generation mortar, designed for a rapid rate of fire. Finland ordered a total of 24 of these twin-barrel mortar systems on the Patria AMV chassis. Sweden ordered two AMOS systems on the CV90 chassis.

The AMOS is a turret with two 120-mm breech loaded mortars. Compared with conventional mortars the AMOS has increased firepower. It's maximum rate of fire is 24 rounds per minute. Vehicle has an automatic ammunition handling system. This artillery system is capable of multiple round simultaneous impact firing. It can fire up to 14 rounds and leave position before the mines hit target simultaneously. This mortar system also has a direct fire capability. Maximum range of direct fire is 1 500 m. The AMOS is compatible with all standard 120-mm mortar ammunition as well as smart guided ammunition, including the Strix precision guided munitions. The Strix was developed by Saab Bofors Dynamics. It has a range of 5 km.

This artillery system is fitted with automatic electronic target engagement and firing systems. The AMOS has a brief reaction time. It can open fire in less than 30 seconds and leave firing position in less than 10 seconds.

Armor of the AMOS turret protects against infantry weapons and artillery shell splinters. This artillery system has a muzzle blast protection. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system.

The AMOS mortar turret can be mounted on a variety of wheeled or tracked chassis, including CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, or stretched M113 armored personnel carrier. The AMOS was even tested on naval vessels, particularly the Swedish Combat Boat 90.

AMOS


Variants

NEMO (NEw MOrtar) is a lighter version of the AMOS, fitted with a single barrel, but has the same ballistics as the ordnance. This variant was developed by Patria. It is in service with Finland and Slovenia.

Entered service 2007 Crew 1 + 2 / 3 men

Armament Main gun 2 x 120-mm mortars

Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm / 12.7-mm Maximum firing range over 10 km Maximum rate of fire 24 rpm


Ammunition load Main gun 50 - 60 rounds

Machine guns ?

More information: http://www.military-today.com/artillery/amos.htm


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The NEMO of NEw MOrtar was developed as a private venture by the Patria Weapons Systems Oy. It is a lighter version of the AMOS mortar system with a single barrel, integrated onto a Patria AMV 8x8 chassis. Finish army ordered 24 of these vehicles. First vehicles were delivered in 2006. Slovenian Army became the first export customer of the NEMO system. First deliveries are expected in 2008.

The NEMO is an unmanned mortar turret, which can be fitted to most APCs, or small naval vessels. The 120-mm mortar barrel used in NEMO is basically identical to that installed in the twin AMOS. This vehicle provides direct and indirect fire support. Firing range is about 10 km depending on the projectile and charge combination. The NEMO fires HE-FRAG, smoke, illumination and cargo rounds. It is also compatible with all standard 120-mm mines. Patria currently develops new precision guided mortar munitions. Maximum rate of fire is 10 rounds per minute. Patria claims that a burst rate of three rounds in 12 seconds can be achieved. The system is also capable of six-round simultaneous impact firing. Sustained rate of fire is 7 rounds per minute.

The NEMO is ready to fire in less than 30 seconds and can leave firing position in less than 10 seconds. Brief redeployment time allows to avoid counter-battery fire and allows to use shoot and scoot tactics.

Fire control system of the NEMO offers high fire accuracy.

A typical crew of NEMO consists of commander, gunner and two loaders.

The Patria AMV offers high degree of protection. Basic armor without add-on armor modules provides all-round protection against 7.62-mm armor-piercing bullets and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

NEMO


Vehicle is powered by the Scania DI 12 diesel engine, developing 490 or 540 hp, depending on the variant. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. It is speculated that the NEMO is not amphibious.

NEMO on Patria AMV chassis Entered service 2006

Crew 4 men Dimensions and weight

Weight ? Length 7.75 m Width 2.83 m Height ?

Armament Main gun 120-mm

Barrel length ? Machine guns -

Projectile weight ? Maximum firing range ~ 10 km Maximum rate of fire 10 rpm


Ammunition load Main gun 50 - 60 rounds

Machine guns - Mobility

Engine Scania DI 12 diesel Engine power 490 / 540 hp

Maximum road speed over 100 km/h Range 800 km

Maneuverability Gradient 60%

Side slope 30% Vertical step 0.7 m

Trench 2 m Fording 1.5 m

More information: http://www.military-today.com/artillery/nemo_mortar_system.htm


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The 2S31 Vena (vein) self-propelled mortar system was revealed in 1997. This vehicle is designed to support mechanized infantry formations. The 2S31 Vena has been offered for the export customers, however it received no production orders to date.

The 2S31 Vena is armed with a 120-mm rifled gun/mortar. It is a further development of the 2A51 gun, mounted on the 2S9 Nona-S. The 2S31 Vena has longer firing range comparing with the 2S9 Nona-S, even though it uses the same ammunition. This mortar system can be used as mortar or howitzer, delivering direct or indirect fire. Maximum range of fire is 7.2 km with mortar mines and 13 km with gun shells. Various munitions can be used, including HEAT, HE-FRAG, smoke. Vena is compatible with all munitions, developed for the Soviet/Russian 120-mm combined gun/mortar systems. It can also fire any 120-mm mortar rounds. For precision attacks against armored targets the 2S31 uses Kitolov-2M precision guided munitions.

Secondary armament consists of 7.62-mm remotely-controlled machine gun, mounted on top of the roof.

The Vena is fitted with advanced fire control system, which ensures a high first-round-hit probability. Fire control system includes reconnaissance, target acquisition, navigation and positioning systems.

Armor of the 2S31 Vena provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.


The 2S31 Vena mortar system is based on the much modified BMP-3 IFV chassis. Vehicle is powered by the UTD-29 diesel engine, developing 500 horsepower. The Vena is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.

2S31 Vena


Entered service - Crew 4 men

Dimensions and weight Weight ~ 19.5 t

Length (gun forward) 7.4 m Hull length 6.75 m

Width 3.15 m Height ?


Barrel length calibers Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm

Projectile weight 17.3 kg Maximum firing range 7.2 - 13 km Maximum rate of fire 8 - 10 rpm



Machine guns 500 rounds Mobility

Engine UTD-29 diesel Engine power 500 hp




Vertical step 0.8 m Trench 2.5 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/artillery/2s31_vena.htm


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The 2S23 Nona-SVK self-propelled mortar system was developed in the late 80s. It is a variant of the tracked 2S9 Nona-S, which was designed for the Soviet air assault divisions. The 2S23 Nona-SVK was specially developed for the Soviet motorized infantry and uses an 8x8 wheeled chassis. First production vehicles were delivered in 1990. A small number of the 2S23 Nona-SVK mortar systems is currently in service with the Russian Army.

The Nona-SVK fitted with a slightly different turret, than the 2S9 Nona-S. This mortar system is armed with a 120-mm 2A60 breech loaded mortar. It is a variant of the 2A51, used on the 2S9 Nona-S. Both vehicles use specially developed rifled rounds, and any 120-mm mortar mines. This mortar system can be used as mortar or howitzer, delivering direct or indirect fire. Maximum range of fire is 8.85 km with ordinary projectiles, 12.8 km with rocket assisted projectiles and 7.15 km with mines. Some sources claim, that a HE-FRAG projectile of the 2S23 is as effective as a standard 152-mm howitzer projectile. It's armor-piercing round penetrates 600 - 650 mm steel plate at 1 000 m range. The 2S23 Nona-SVK is also compatible with the Kitolov-2 precision guided munitions. These laser-guided rounds have a range of 9 km and a hit probability of 80 - 90%. Ammunition load was increased to 30 rounds. The Nona-SVK can also use ground ammunition.

Secondary armament consists of remotely controlled 7.62-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof. The 2S23 Nona-SVK also carries four AKS-74 assault rifles, two Igla-1 surface-to-air missiles and 15 hand grenades.

Front armor of the Nona-SVK provides protection against 12.7-mm projectiles. All-round protection is against 7.62-mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. The Nona-SVK is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

2S23 Nona-SVK



The Nona-SVK is based on a modified BTR-80 armored personnel carrier chassis. Wheeled chassis of the 2S23 has a number of advantages over the 2S9 Nona-S, such as greater strategic mobility and lower life cycle costs. Vehicle is powered by the KamAZ-7403 diesel engine, developing 260 horsepower. It is fitted with central tyre inflation system. Run-flat tyres can also be fitted. The 2S23 Nona-SVK is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. The Nona-SVK may also be used by Russian naval infantry units.


Dimensions and weight Weight ~ 14.5 t Length 7.5 m Width 2.9 m Height 2.75 m


Barrel length 24.2 calibers Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm

Projectile weight 17.3 kg Maximum firing range 7.15 / 8.85 / 12.8 km Maximum rate of fire 8 - 10 rpm




Engine KamAZ-7403 diesel Engine power 260 hp




Vertical step 0.5 m Trench 2 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/artillery/2s23_nona_svk.htm


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The 2S9 Nona-S self-propelled mortar system was developed for use by the Soviet air assault divisions. This light and airdroppable vehicle entered service with the Soviet Army in 1981. The 2S9 Nona-S was first seen in public in 1985. It is estimated that around 1 000 of these vehicles were built. The 2S9 Nona-S was successfully used during the Soviet war in Afghanistan and both Chechen wars.

The 2S9 Nona-S is armed with a 120-mm 2A51 breach loaded mortar. It is compatible with rifled rounds, specially developed for this artillery system, and any 120-mm mortar mines. This mortar system can be used as mortar or howitzer, delivering direct or indirect fire. Maximum range of fire is 8.85 km with ordinary projectiles, 12.8 km with rocket assisted projectiles and 7.1 km with mines. Minimal firing range is 1.7 km firing rounds and 400 m, firing mines. The Nona-S can engage armored vehicles. It's armor-piercing round penetrates 600 - 650 mm steel plate at 1 000 m range. It is also compatible with the Kitolov-2 precision guided munitions. The Kitolov-2 laser-guided round has a maximum range of 9 km and a hit probability of 80 - 90%.

The Nona-S artillery system proved to be effective in mountainous terrain during the Soviet war in Afghanistan. It could engage targets, that were not accessible to ordinary guns and howitzers, because of elevation range.

Thin aluminum armor of the 2S9 Nona-S provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

The 2S9 Nona-S uses modified chassis of the BTR-D air assault transporter. Vehicle is powered by the 5D20 diesel engine, developing 240 hp.

The 2S9 Nona-S is fully amphibious. This artillery system can be airdropped, using a parachute system.

2S9 Nona-S


Variants

2S9-1 Sviristelka, variant of the 2S9, developed for naval infantry.;

2B16 Nona-K, towed variant of the Nona-S for the ground forces;

2B18 Nona-M experimental towed mortar;

2S23 Nona-SVK, variant of the Nona-S for the land forces. It is based on the BTR-80 APC chassis and is fitted with improved 2A60 gun/mortar;

2S31 Vena, further development of the 2S9, based on the BMP-3 IFV chassis. Vehicle is fitted with longer barrel for increased range of fire.


Dimensions and weight Weight 8.5 t

Length (gun forward) 6.02 m Hull length 5.89 m

Width 2.63 m Height 2.3 m


Barrel length 24 calibers Machine guns -

Projectile weight 17.3 kg Maximum firing range 7.15 / 8.85 / 12.8 km Maximum rate of fire 8 - 10 rpm



Machine guns - Mobility

Engine 5D20 diesel Engine power 240 hp





More information: http://www.military-today.com/artillery/2s9_nona_s.htm


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The AMS (Armored Mortar System) was developed as a private venture by the Royal Ordnance and Delco Systems. It's development began in 1985. The AMS is intended to provide heavy mortar support for infantry units. The first prototype was built in 1986 and used M113 armored personnel carrier chassis. Improved AMS was ready for mass production in 1995. It used Swiss Piranha 8x8 APC chassis. The same armored personnel carrier was in service with the US Marines as the LAV-25. The AMS is in service with Saudi Arabian National Guard, which purchased 73 of these vehicles. This artillery system was trialed in Australia, however it received no production orders from this country

The AMS is a two-man turret, housing a 120-mm smoothbore breech loaded mortar. Vehicle provides direct and indirect fire support. The Armored Mortar System fires all standard 120-mm mortar mines, including HE-FRAG, smoke, cargo and illumination mines. Maximum range of fire is 6.5 km with ordinary mine and up to 12 km with rocket assisted. Intense rate of fire is 8 and sustained - 4 rounds per minute. The AMS can fire a 3 round burst in 15 seconds. Vehicle can engage armored targets with STRIX precision-guided projectiles. It has a range of 8 km and penetrates 700 mm armor plate.

Secondary armament consists of 12.7-mm or 7.62-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the roof. The Armored Mortar System is fitted with Delco GPS-aided fire control system.

Armor of the AMS provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle can leave firing position swiftly, once a fire mission has been completed.

Vehicle has a crew of four. It consists of driver, commander, loader and ammo preparer.

The AMS is powered by the Detroit Diesel 6V-53T diesel engine, developing 275 hp. Vehicle is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.

AMS


Variants

AMS II, improved variant of the AMS developed by BAE Systems Land Systems. Maximum range of fire is around 10 km. It is compatible with SMART precision guided rounds. The AMS II incorporates new turret electrical system. It's fire control system enables fast and accurate targeting. It is claimed that the AMS II can fire the first round 15 seconds from vehicle stop. Maximum rate of fire is 13 rpm. Vehicle protection can be upgraded with add-on modular armor if required.

Entered service ? Crew 4 men

Dimensions and weight Weight ~ 15 t Length 6.39 m Width 2.45 m Height 2.7 m

Armament Main gun 120-mm mortar

Barrel length 25 calibers Machine guns 1 x 7.62

Projectile weight 13.3 - 13.8 kg Maximum firing range 6.5 / 12 km Maximum rate of fire 8 rpm




Engine Detroit Diesel 6V-53T Engine power 275 hp





More information: http://www.military-today.com/artillery/ams_mortar_system.htm


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Self-Propelled Mortar Systems | Military-Today.com