Denel Land Systems2008-09-16 15:40:10

Unique 60mm Breech Loading Long Range Mortar system is unveiled

Following from its development of the New Generation Infantry Combat Vehicle (NGICV) for the South African Army, Denel Land Systems (DLS) has unveiled its unique M10: 60mm Breech Loading Long Range Mortar mortar system designated M10-BLLR.

As a major participant in AAD2008, taking place in Cape Town from 17 to 21 September 2008, DLS is showing the system publicly for the first time on the Denel pavilion in Hall 5. The ‘Badger' ICV, based on the Patria platform, is also on display at the show.

The new DLS M10 BLLR utilizes the ballistic system of the renowned and proven of the Denel Land Systems' M6 Long Range Mortar.

The M10 mortar system with a range of 6000m (at sea level), is a world-first for this kind of weapon. It is also unique in respect of elevation: from -5º to +70º, which allows it to be employed in a direct fire application.

These features make this weapon system ideal for the changing face of modern conflict (and peace support) operations in urban or other close environments. Given its size and low recoil (54kN), the mortar system can be fitted to light vehicles, such as a pick-up truck or even a boat. The weapon has concentric recoil and is liquid-cooled.

In keeping with the client's (SA Army) stated requirement, the system has a sustained rate of fire of six rounds per minute or eight rounds per minute at 1 minute intervals - for 250 bombs.

An important advantage is that it can launch most types of standard 60mm mortar bombs, although it was designed for Denel's own long-range bombs. It also features a load-assist mechanism.

A unique feature of the DLS system is that the barrel can be removed without removing the weapon from the turret.

Although the firing pin is activated electrically activated, the system comes standard with a lanyard for manual redundancy.

DLS had been working on a Breech Loading Long Range Mortar system since the early 2000s. Due to a change in the client requirement, it embarked on the current design, which is shown at AAD2008.

DLS is developing the weapon as part of the development contract it received from Armscor during 2007 for the SA Army's ‘Badger' ICV. Once finalised, company hopes to receive a full production order for the ‘Badger'.

For more information contact:
Po Box 7710
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
Tel:     +27 12 620 3405
Fax:     +27 12 664 5306

 

 

 

 

 


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