M252 | |
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![]() M252 mortar | |
Type | Mortar |
Place of origin | United Kingdom (designed) United States (manufactured) |
Service history | |
In service | 1987–present (United States)[1] |
Used by | See Operators |
Wars | Vietnam War (prototype model) Soviet–Afghan War Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War Syrian Civil War |
Specifications | |
Mass | 41.3 kilograms (91 lb) |
Length | 50 in (127 cm) |
Barrel length | 1.27 metres (4 ft 2 in) |
Crew | 5 |
Caliber | 81 millimetres (3.2 in) |
Elevation | 45°–85.2° |
Traverse | 5.6° |
Rate of fire | 8–16 rpm sustained 20–30 rpm in exceptional circumstances and for short periods |
Effective firing range | HE: 91–5,935 m (99–6,490.6 yd)[1] |
Feed system | muzzle-loaded |
The M252 81 mm medium weight mortar is a British-designed smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for long-range indirect fire support to light infantry, air assault, and airborne units across the entire front of a battalion zone of influence. In the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, it is normally deployed in the mortar platoon of an infantry battalion.