Soltam M-65

The Soltam M-65 is a 120 mm mortar that was developed by Tampella in 1953 via introduction of new baseplate for 120 Krh/40 invented by Hans Otto Donner. In 1960s Soltam Systems of Israel bought a license. The mortar system comes in two versions, a standard mortar and a long-range version.[1]

Soltam M-65
M-65 Standard
TypeMortar
Place of originIsrael
Service history
Used bySee Operators
Production history
DesignerTampella
Designed1953
ManufacturerSoltam Systems
VariantsSee variants
Specifications
Mass231 kg (firing position), 351 kg (travelling)
Crew6

ShellStandard 120mm NATO mortar round
Caliber120 mm
CarriageM151 Jeep style carriage wheels
Elevation+30°/+80°
Traverse-20°/+20°
Rate of fire1st minute: 16 rounds burst, 4 rounds per minute sustained thereafter.
Maximum firing range6500m

Design

This heavy mortar is light enough to be transported by helicopter sling load, drop by parachute or carried in an APC such as the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. It can also be towed as a normal artillery piece or even manhandled if necessary. The wheels on the carriage are the same as fitted to the M151 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.

Vehicle mounted version

Operators

Map with M-65 operators in blue

Current operators

Former operators

See also

References

  1. "Soltam K5 and K6 120 mm light mortars (Israel), Mortars". Jane's. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  2. "SIPRI arms transfer database". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Information generated on 3 April 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2014. Check date values in: |date= (help)

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