New Turkish 81mm mortar system ready for production after seven years in development
A side view of the SM-81 Keskin 81mm breech-loaded mortar showing the flat panel display fire control system. (Photo: author)
Turkiye's Saver Advanced Defense Technologies, a subsidiary of Ermaksan, has completed development of a unique pedestal-mounted breech-loaded 81mm mortar and quantity production can commence when orders are placed, according to the company.
This system has been developed over a seven-year period using internal R&D funding.
The 81mm mortar tube is 1.453m long and fitted with a hand-operated vertical sliding breech mechanism with a screw breech being one potential option.
Traverse is through a full 360 degrees with weapon elevation from -5 to +82 degrees, with both being manual with an elevation and traverse indicator being fitted.
The recoil system is mounted above
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