Soltam M-65

Soltam M-65
M-65 Standard
Type Mortar
Place of origin Israel
Service history
Used by See Operators
Production history
Designer Tampella
Designed 1953
Manufacturer Soltam Systems
Variants See variants
Specifications
Weight 231 kg (firing position), 351 kg (travelling)
Crew 6
Shell Standard 120mm NATO mortar round
Caliber 120 mm
Carriage M151 Jeep style carriage wheels
Elevation +30°/+80°
Traverse -20°/+20°
Rate of fire 1st minute: 16 rounds burst, 4 rounds per minute sustained thereafter.
Maximum firing range 6500m

The Soltam M-65 is a 120 mm mortar that was developed by Tampella in 1953 via introduction of new baseplate for 120 Krh/40 invented by Hans Otto Donner. In 1960s Soltam Systems of Israel bought a license. The mortar system comes in two versions, a standard mortar and a long-range version.[1]

Design

This heavy mortar is light enough to be transported by helicopter sling load, drop by parachute or carried in an APC such as the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. It can also be towed as a normal artillery piece or even manhandled if necessary. The wheels on the carriage are the same as fitted to the M151 Jeep, and have handling rings to aid in manhandling it. All components are made of chrome-plated or stainless steel to resist wear and corrosion.

Vehicle mounted version

Operators

Map with M-65 operators in blue

Current operators

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Soltam K5 and K6 120 mm light mortars (Israel), Mortars". Jane's. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 "SIPRI arms transfer database". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Information generated on 3 April 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2014. Check date values in: |date= (help)

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