M-4 commando mortar

The M-4 commando mortar, also known as a patrol mortar, is a lightweight 60 mm commando mortar manufactured by Denel Land Systems.^[1]

An instructor pointing out the use of the range table

Description

As with other mortars of this type it is intended for rapid use over short ranges as a fire support weapon. It has a lanyard operated trigger mechanism in the breech which allows it to be carried loaded with a bomb, unlike other mortars that have fixed firing pins. The lack of a bipod means it is not as accurate as a conventional mortar and is unsuitable for sustained fire use. The sighting system incorporated in the handle consists of a pair of curved spirit levels one to indicate that it upright in the lateral plane and the other indicates the range with a charge table. Beta lights illuminate the sight for night use.^[2]

Ammunition

It uses the M-61 series of bombs in high explosive, smoke, illumination and practice versions.^[2]

Variants

• M4: pulling a lanyard releases the firing mechanism^[3]
• M4 Mk 1: equipped with a fixed firing pin^[3]
• M4L3: version with simplified baseplate and sight, range is shorter (1,200 m).^[3]

Users

•  Colombia - Colombian Army^[4]
•  Mexico: M4L3^[3]
•  South Africa - South African Army^[2]

Former users

•  Rhodesia – Rhodesian Army

Specifications

^[2]

An M-4 commando mortar used by South African paratroops

• Type: Muzzle loading mortar
• Calibre: 60 mm
• Mass: Total 7.2 kg - barrel 3.2 kg - breech 0.9 kg - baseplate 1.9 kg - sight/handle - 1.1 kg
• Barrel length: 650 mm
• Traverse: 300 mil
• Elevation: 710 to 1510 mil
• Muzzle velocity: 171 m/s
• Range: 100 m minimum - 2100 m maximum