US Model 29 81mm Mortar

By Crusader1307

First deployed in 1952, The US Model 29 81mm Mortar was a lightweight, crew served Infantry weapon which proved to be a reliable component to The US Military Arsenal for almost 40 years. It was one of the foremost Infantry supports weapons used in small unit Operations during America's involvement in Southeast Asia. The barrel of The Mortar weighed close to 80-pounds and was mounted on a Baseplate (30-pounds). A traversing and elevation front Tripod was attached and used for targeting placement. Crewed by (5) Mortarmen, The M29 had a range of over 5,000-yards. A well trained Crew could fire 30 rounds of 81mm Shell per minute (although 5 to 12 Rounds was considered better for maintaining barrel coolness). Replaced in 1987, The Model 29 is still used by many National Armies throughout The World.