This heavy 120mm mortar comes in two versions, a standard mortar and a long-range version. These weapons can be transported by helicopter sling load, by parachute, towed behind a vehicle, carried in an APC (M113 Family - Tracked Armoured Mortar, Makmat 120mm) or even manhandled if necessary. The wheels on the carriage are the same as fitted to the M-151 Jeep, and have handling rings to aid in manhandling it. All components are made of chrome-plated or stainless steel to resist wear and corrosion. The M-65 is the standard version of this mortar, while the A-7 is the long-range version.
The 120 mm A7 long-range Mortar is a further development of the Soltam made, former models M-65 and A 4, which are in service for decades.
The A 7 was designed for rapid deployment units and for operation by fewer personnel than previous models, and fires to range of 8,500 m using the M59 bomb and 9,500 m with the M100 bomb.
The A7 model is operated by 4 crew members due to its unique design carriage, from which the weapon is not dismounted for use (although, when being fired the Mortar does not rest on its wheels).
Barrel assy', bipod, base – plate and the sight unit are of the same pattern like the K 5 and K 6 Mortars, but are enlarged and reinforced to enable firing to longer ranges.
The carriage is a lightweight two-wheeled carriage with a torsion-bar suspension. It enables the Mortar to be towed behind any vehicle with a towing hook of the right height and size, as well as being pulled by troops or air lifted.
In some roles the carriage is not used and the Mortar is brought into action without it. The A 7 Mortar can be brought in and out of action by 4 crewmembers in less than 1 minute. In addition to supporting the Mortar, the carriage carries the ccessories and tools that are required for operating and maintaining
the weapon. Tools supplied include extractor, to enable Bomb's withdraw it in the event of a misfire. |
