What does an incoming mortar sound like?

There is no noise and thus no warning that a mortar is coming until it explodes directly behind the vehicle. Mortars makes noise when they are launched and when they explode, not during their flight.

What’s the difference between mortars and artillery shells?

Compared to artillery Modern mortars and their ammunition are generally much smaller and lighter than artillery, such as guns and howitzers, which allows light and medium (typically, 60 mm and 81 mm/82 mm) mortars to be considered light weapons; i.e. capable of transport by personnel without vehicle assistance.

Do incoming mortars make a sound?

The whistling sound that is made by incoming artillery shells is only heard when the round goes over your head. The whistle sounds that last two or three seconds, like the ones on old war movies are artillery shells you don’t worry about too much, those shells would land hundreds of feet from you.

What is the difference between a mortar and a howitzer?

Howitzers – shorter barreled guns with “chambers” in the bores for smaller powder charges. They were designed to fire shells at higher elevations over less range. Mortars – short chambered pieces used for lobbing shells at great elevation into the fortifications of the enemy.

How far away can you hear artillery?

Artillery units are scheduled to conduct 24-hour a day live-fire training exercises beginning tonight and ending Thursday evening. Depending on atmospheric conditions, the sound of the explosions may be amplified and heard more than 50 miles away. Mary Hurlbut and 1,618 others like this.

Are mortars artillery?

mortar, portable, short-barreled, muzzle-loading artillery piece that fires explosive projectiles at low velocities, short ranges, and high, arcing trajectories. The weapon is contrasted with larger artillery pieces, which fire at high velocities, long ranges, and low, direct trajectories.

Are mortars better than artillery?

Originally the mortar was built to lob an explosive in a high angle arc so it would land in narrow enemy trenches. Artillery had too much of a flat trajectory and wasn’t able to land inside the enemy trenches, but mortars, whose round went almost straight up and came almost straight down, did a magnificent job.

What is the difference between an artillery and a mortar?

Mortars. Some mortars are too large to be man portable (like a 120mm which is towed). A mortar round has a very steep arc while the artillery round has a flatter trajectory. Another difference is that mortars fire rounds at slower speeds than artillery so they must be fired at a higher angle to achieve any range.

How do you tell the enemy where the mortar section is?

Regardless, the observer should be able to pass on where the enemy is to the mortar (or artillery) unit. It is usually best to tell the mortar section where the enemy is at rather than the FO (Forward Observer). Misunderstanding the transmission can mean the mortars will fire at the FO’s location thinking it is the enemy location.

What is the difference between a howitzer and a gun?

The key difference is that the maximum elevation angle for a Gun is 45 degrees, whereas for a Howitzer it is greater than that, typically around 70 degrees, this enables upper-register fire, ie the trajectory goes a lot higher, which is important in mountainous terrain.

What are mortar rounds used for in war?

The mortar is good for more than just ‘blowing up’ the enemy. There are numerous types of mortar rounds that are usually available. High explosives are the most common. Smoke rounds are used to conceal friendly movement or mark enemy positions for air strikes.