May 14, International Scientific and Technological Conference was held in Lviv, Ukraine. During the event, one of the speakers delivered the report titled “The Analysis of Operation of 60 mm Mortars that are fielded in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” According to the paper, MP-60 mortar by Ukrainian Armor is the only 60 mm mortar that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are operating without demur. Over the last three years, the military discovered no characteristic faults.
MP-60 is a lightweight mortar of the NATO caliber designed to perform fire tasks from direct fire damage to living and enemy objects ranging up to 3.5 km.
MP-60 is equipped with two baseplates. A large baseplate allows firing at maximum shooting ranges from fixed tactical facilities or loose terrain. It ensures mortar stability and, therefore, fire precision. A small base plate is used to fire at short and medium ranges as applied to subversive and special-purpose measures. To lower the mortar combat weight and increase mobility, the Ukrainian Armor uses an aluminum alloy to produce baseplates and bipod. Steadiness characteristics of the MP-60 baseplate and the barrel empower to fire enhanced blast and range rounds type М720HE.
“As a manufacturer, we appreciate our responsibility and continuously work on refining our products’ performance and operational characteristics, – noted Vladislav Belbas, Ukrainian Armor Director-General. – Having analyzed MP-60 field combat operation, we refined its design. Specifically, we enhanced the mortar stability on different terrain types, ensured the barrel better fixation in the hoop, and decreased horizontal looseness of the mortar.”
When loading MP-60, the firing quickly changes to a secure position, which improves fighting performance safety (unlike М57 mortar). Moreover, MP-60 has two mounting seats on the barrel to fix the hoop eliminating the barrel slide action in the hoop during the fire and preventing disturbance of aim. MP-60 has no independent trigger, which lessens the probability of double loading and facilitates operation (unlike М60-16 mortar).
