Each round has fins to stabilize it in flight and cause it to strike fuze-end first. The propelling charge consists of a primer, an ignition cartridge, and (usu) four or six removable propellent increments. The primer and ignition cartridge are inserted in the base of the fin shaft. The removable increments are between the fin blades or the boom assembly. The projectile is dropped down the barrel, fin end first, the primer strikes the fixed firing pin which detonates the primer and ignition cartridge, which in turn ignites the propellent increments, forcing the round out of the barrel, carrying the primer and cartridge with it and readying the mortar for the next round.
General specifications
Weight: 136 lbs assembled; tube 44.5 lbs; mount 46.5 lbs; base plate 45 lbs.
Overall Length: 3 ft 9.5 in.
Muzzle velocity (HE): 700 f.p.s.
Rate of Fire: 18 rounds/min norm; 30-35 rpm max
Rocket: M7A1 shaped charge,rocket motor ignited electrically
Maximum Range (HE): 3290 yds
Sight: M4
Ammunition:
M43A1 Light HE: 6.87 lbs; range min 200 yds; range max 3290; 80% frag radius 25 yds (comparing favorably with 75mm howitzer); fast detonating fuse (explode on surface).
M45, M45B1 Heavy HE: 10.62 lbs; range max 2558 yds; bursting radius comparable with 105mm howitzer; equipped with delay fuse so some penetration possible for demolition use.
M56 Heavy HE: 15.01 lbs; range max 1300 yards; adjustable fuse for quick or delay operation.
M57 WP (White Phosphorus): 10.74 lbs; range max 2470 yds; designed to lay down screening smoke, but had definite anti-personnel and incendiary applications.
M57 FS: 10.74 lbs, range max 2470 yds; laid down dense white smoke.
M301 Illuminating shell: range max 2200 yds; attached to parachute; burned brightly (275,000 candlepower) for about 60 seconds, illuminating an area of about 150 yards diameter; used M84 time fuse, adjustable from 5 to 25 seconds before priming charge detonated, releasing the illum and chute.
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