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.

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.

Ammunition
It uses the M-61 series of bombs in high explosive, smoke, illumination and practice versions.

Variants

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

Users

 * 🇨🇴 Colombia - Colombian Army
 * 🇲🇽 Mexico: M4L3
 * 🇿🇦 South Africa - South African Army

Specifications

 * 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