RE: Mortars Range
Is it possible that mortar units are equipped with multiple ammunition types that have different max ranges and HE charges? Heavier HE ammo for shorter ranges and lighter HE ammo for extended ranges?
E.G., Wikipedia (I know, I know) lists the M1 81mm US mortar as having:
M43A1 round, Weight 6.87 lb (either round weight or the HE charge), Range 3000m
M45 round, Weight 10.6 lb, Range 2000m
M56 round, Weight 15 lb, Range 1200m
So the dramatic drops might be different rounds and the steady drops are dispersion, flight time, drift, etc.
Mike
More info: Looked at the German 81mm mortar in Wiki and they supposedly used the same round with additional powder charges to increase range. So it would be interesting to see if the German mortar has a steadier drop off in effect than the US M1 mortar.
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