82-PM-41

The 82-pm-41 (Russian: 82-Полевой Миномёт-41), M-41 or the 82-mm mortar Model 1941 (Russian: 82-мм миномет обр. 1941 г.) was a Soviet 82-millimeter calibre mortar developed during the Second World War as an infantry battalion mortar, and which begun production in 1941.[2] It differed from the Model 1937 by the presence of a removable wheel base, by the arched construction base plate (as in 107-mm and 120-mm mortars), and also a different two-legged construction. Wheels were slipped over the semi-axis of the bipod feet and removed during firing.[3] Design improvements were made to reduce weight and production cost, and improve manoeuvrability.[4] The ballistic data of the Model 1941 mortar were analogous to the Model 1937. The 82-mm mortar Model 1941 was more convenient to transport than the Model 1937, but was less steady during firing and had a worse centre of gravity.[5]

82-mm mortar Model 1941
82-mm mortar Model 1941
TypeMortar
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1941–1990s
Used by Soviet Union
Other users
WarsSecond World War
Korean War[1]
Lebanese Civil War
South African Border War
Production history
Designed1940–1941
Produced1941–1943
Specifications
Mass56 kilograms (123 lb)
Length1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in)
Crew4
Shell3.05 kg (6 lb 12 oz)
Caliber82 millimetres (3.2 in)
Elevation45° to 85°
Traverse5° to 25° (using traversing mechanism)
Rate of fire15-25 rpm
Muzzle velocity211 m/s (690 ft/s)
Maximum firing range3,040 m (3,320 yd)
SightsMPB-82

To correct shortcomings of the 82-mm mortar Model 1941 it was modernised during initial production; the construction of the bipod, wheel and fastening of the sight was changed. The modernised mortar was called the 82-mm mortar Model 1943.

Due to the initial need to rectify design issues 1937 Model mortars continued to be used during World War II and produced alongside Models 1941 and 1943. As many Model 1937 Mortars were lost early in the war, this mortar served in the Battle for Moscow, Battle of Stalingrad, Battle of Kursk, and other campaigns, operations and engagements of the first three years of the war.[6] The German designation for captured M-41 mortars was 8.2 cm GrW 274/3(r).[7]

Users

Citations and notes
  1. Rottman, Gordon L. (December 2002). Korean War Order of Battle: United States, United Nations, and Communist Ground, Naval, and Air Forces, 1950-1953. Praeger. p. 198. ISBN 978-0-275-97835-8.
  2. p.19, Norris
  3. p.54, Barker, Walter
  4. p.192, Bishop
  5. p.136, Sweeting
  6. 9, Cornish
  7. Chamberlain, Peter (1975). Mortars and rockets. Gander, Terry. New York: Arco Pub. Co. p. 30. ISBN 0668038179. OCLC 2067459.
  8. Gander, Terry J. (22 November 2000). "National inventories, Cape Verde". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001-2002. p. 1186.
  9. Gander, Terry J. (22 November 2000). "National inventories, Congo". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001-2002. p. 1440.
  10. Gander, Terry J. (22 November 2000). "National inventories, Cuba". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001-2002. p. 1508.
  11. Gander, Terry J. (22 November 2000). "National inventories, Cyprus". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001-2002. p. 1509.
  12. "National inventories, Sudan". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001-2002. 2000. p. 4570.
  13. Gander, Terry J. (22 November 2000). "National inventories, Syria". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001-2002. p. 4546.
  14. Gander, Terry J. (22 November 2000). "National inventories, Togo". Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001-2002. p. 4569.

References
  • Bishop, Chris, (Ed.), The Encyclopaedia of weapons of World War II, Barnes & Noble Books, New York, 1998
  • Norris, John, Infantry Mortars of World War II, Osprey Publishing, 2002
  • Barker, A. J., & Walter, John, Russian Infantry Weapons of World War II, Arco Pub. Co., 1971
  • Cornish, Nik, Images of Kursk: History's Greatest Tank Battle, July 1943, Brassey's, 2002
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