The MO-120-RT61 towed mortar entered service with the French Army in 1973. These mortars, which can be towed, have a calibre of 120 mm.
The mortar uses standard NATO ammunition, as well as specially designed PR-14 (HE) and PRPA (HERA).
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Structurally, the RT61 consists of a gun barrel with a breech, a base plate and a wheel carriage.
When firing, the wheel carriage is not separated, which makes it easy to roll the mortar by combat personnel while changing position.
Horizontal and vertical guidance devices, horizontal mechanism and clips with shock absorbers are mounted on the carriage.
The base plate provides the mortar with stability when firing. And, in addition, the central assembly of the rotating plate makes it possible to conduct a round barrage without its rearrangement.
Circular windings on the outer surface of the barrelI help to increase the cooling surface during intensive firing.
The PRPA high-explosive rocket-assisted mine was developed especially for RT61. It increased the range of fire to 13 km. In case of need, standard 120mm mines with a range of about 8 kilometers can be fired.
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