New, lighter mortar system for U.S. Army
A new lightweight 81mm mortar system from the U.S. Army's Picatinny Arsenal is being fielded by U.S. troops.
The Arsenal reports the new M252A1 81mm system is 12 pounds -- or 14 percent -- lighter than its predecessor, the legacy M252 mortar system."The new lightweight system reduces the load for dismounted battalion mortar platoons, while retaining the same durability, rates of fire, and range of the legacy system," said Lt. Col. Will McDonough, product manager Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems, with the arsenal's Program Executive Office for Ammunition.Ted Greiner, assistant product manager for 60 and 81mm mortar systems at Picatinny Arsenal, said weight reduction was achieved through the use of new materials.
