There are several different calibres of mortar, from the 51mm which can be carried and operated by one man, to the large crew-served mortars of 160mm, firing a 40kg projectile over ranges of up to 10km.
The L16 81mm medium mortar has served the British Army well for 30 years. It fires a 4.2kg high explosive bomb, with a cast iron casing designed to break into fragments of the optimum size. The propelling charge is clipped to the tail, using up to six charges to suit the desired range. Other rounds available are smoke, white phosphorous and an illuminating parachute flare.
The L16 breaks down into three manpackable loads: Baseplate (11.6kg), Barrel (12.7kg), Mounting (12.3kg) and sight unit (1.25kg). It has a maximum range of 5,650m, and can be fired at up to 15 rounds per minute. The mortar can also be mounted in a vehicle, such as an APC, firing through the roof hatch, to keep pace with a mechanised advance.
An 81 mm mortar is a medium-weight mortar. It is a 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.
Many countries use an 81 mm mortar in their armed forces. Examples are:
- Finland – 81 KRH 71 Y
- Myanmar – BA-90 mortar
- United Kingdom – L16 81mm mortar
- United States – M252 mortar
