Self-propelled mortars in the AFP

[Adroth]

Looks both the PA and the PMC are moving ahead with their respective self-propelled mortar / mortar carrier projects.

For the PMC

Update on present and future projects: the Phase 1 of the LARSU program (Light Armor Systems Upgrade) of PMC will start by next month with Textron Marine as the proponent and done in Laguna. The project is under the modenization program - the phase 1 will cover the propulsion phase that requires the V-150 Commando engine be replaced by an engine the same with the V-300. It will require the cutting and extension of the hull. Now in our drawing boards is what do with the old engines. We hope to reconfigure and operationalize the four old Chaimites to an ambulance and mortar carrier using the old engines of the V-150 if the Navy will provide funds.

yes Frank the relics point display is earmarked as the 1st mortar carrier after we finish the 3 ambulances for the 3 marine brigades.

For the PA - LAD

From: http://www.army.mil.ph/Army_Sites/INFANTRY%20DIVISIONS/Web%202007/m113.htm

On using the  M113 as Mortar  Carrier

Currently, this Command is also studying the option of converting the personnel and cargo area of an APC M113 to an 81-mm mortar carrying area. This could add to the capability of the unit and can be effective in our support to infantry troops in Internal Security Operations.

We plan to organize a mortar platoon per battalion.

[mamiyapis]

Any updates guys? This is an important project, IMO. Field artillery protected like this will allow it to further move down the line to the front and allow the mortar to extend it's useful range well into enemy lines.

[phichanad]

whats next, self propelled artillery? I was once driving beside a huge wheeled mobile crane, which looks like a Scud missile transporter without the crane, why not develop a modified self propelled artillery using the same transporter? or even using a smaller body similar to the truck-mounted French Ceasar 155mm, or even just using a heavy 120mm mortar.......there are a lot of units ready for modification at Subic...

[viking]

whats next, self propelled artillery? I was once driving beside a huge wheeled mobile crane, which looks like a Scud missile transporter without the crane, why not develop a modified self propelled artillery using the same transporter? or even using a smaller body similar to the truck-mounted French Ceasar 155mm, or even just using a heavy 120mm mortar.......there are a lot of units ready for modification at Subic...

As it is now you really dont need SPA, its costly to aquire and operate and in the internal role you dont face counterbattery fire or have the need to follow the armoured colums forward.

And dont forget SPA with broken engine you are one gun less, with towed arty you just take another truck

[ghost_recon27]

Looks both the PA and the PMC are moving ahead with their respective self-propelled mortar / mortar carrier projects.

It sounds good and it adds fire power capability on both sides(PA & PMC)

[Ignatius1]

As it is now you really dont need SPA, its costly to aquire and operate and in the internal role you dont face counterbattery fire or have the need to follow the armoured colums forward.

And dont forget SPA with broken engine you are one gun less, with towed arty you just take another truck

I very much agree with viking...Towed arty and mortars would be better options primarily because of the reasons he stated.  I think the critical improvement should be improving accuracy through improvements in the areas of FDC and FIST.

[Adroth]

I very much agree with viking...Towed arty and mortars would be better options primarily because of the reasons he stated.  I think the critical improvement should be improving accuracy through improvements in the areas of FDC and FIST.

Just checking Mr I. Is this what these acronyms mean?

FDC - Fire Direction Center

FIST - Fire Support Team

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Yup. There is definitely more to artillery than just the tubes.

http://timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=4638.0

[Ignatius1]

Just checking Mr I. Is this what these acronyms mean?

FDC - Fire Direction Center

FIST - Fire Support Team

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Yup. There is definitely more to artillery than just the tubes.

http://timawa.net/forum/index.php?topic=4638.0

Roger on the above definitions. It is certainly important to have proficient gun crews - training should be kept up. It is also important to be able to call for and coordinate fires. This should be from company level FSOs/FIST all the way to Brigade FSOs/FSCOORD.

[Adroth]

Self-propelled mortars in action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmE4CpF79W4

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From: http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/armored_personnel_carriers/m-113/Mortar.html

Note the turn-table upon which the mortar is mounted.





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Photos of the M1129 Stryker Mortar Carrier

http://www.primeportal.net/apc/rich_sahli/stryker_mc_photos.htm

Excellent detail of the interior

http://data.primeportal.net/apc/rich_sahli/stryker_mc/stryker_mc_2_of_3.jpg

[frank]

Mobile Mortars:  Fire Support For Every Intensity Conflict
AUTHOR Major Patrick D. Connally, USMC
CSC 1991
SUBJECT AREA - Warfighting
         EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: MOBILE MORTARS: FIRE SUPPORT FOR EVERY INTENSITY CONFLICT

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1991/CPD.htm

[darthnbs]

You can also add that these mobile mortar carriers will keep the ammos nice and dry.

[Ignatius1]

You can also add that these mobile mortar carriers will keep the ammos nice and dry.

I think that towed arty/mortar is a better option for the AFP.  Ammo can be stored in the prime mover or a dedicated ammo vehicle (which will still keep them nice and dry). Having trained crews all along the fire support chain is the answer. 

Highly trained FOs + FDC + gun/mortar crews = effective fire support.