Rheinmetall demonstrated its new Mortar Mission Module with the Ragnarok 120 mm mortar system in a series of live firing exercises held in Norway.
The multinational Rheinmetall Nordic Mortar Day was attended by military and industry representatives from Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany. Held in Rena, Norway, in sub-zero temperatures and snowy conditions, the demonstration validated the system’s ability to effectively deliver mobile indirect fire in harsh Arctic conditions.
The Mortar Mission Module is self-contained, featuring the 120mm Ragnarok mortar, fire controls, and ammunition stores within a single “module” that can be mounted on a vehicle chassis or other platform, or positioned and fired from the ground. Rheinmetall representatives noted that the module can be integrated onto various platforms and is compatible with other mortar weapon systems.
The 120mm Ragnarok mortar is manually muzzle loaded, featuring a dual recoil damping system that reduces the firing forces transmitted to the base, allowing for installation on multiple platforms. It has electrically driven azimuth and elevation controls, capable of training up to +/- 3200 mils. The mortar includes automatic compensation for +/- 20 degrees of roll or pitch of the platform, ensuring a level firing platform for each shot. The system also incorporates integrated GPS/INS positioning with automatic one-push laying, including corrected aiming between rounds.
The 120mm mortar has a range of up to eight kilometres with a maximum rate of fire of 18 to 20 rounds per minute. According to company officials, the weapon system can take position, fire four rounds, and then move again to a new position in under sixty seconds. The mortar requires a minimum crew of two soldiers. The weapon is compatible with the full range of 120mm mortar ammunition.
In the firing demonstrations, the module is installed on an HX-Series tactical truck. The system’s firings demonstrated its ability to deliver accurate, responsive indirect fire, while also being able to quickly relocate to fire from a new position. Its ability to “shoot and scoot” reduces the weapon and crew’s vulnerability to counter-battery fire, thereby enhancing overall battlefield survivability.
Overall, the Mortar Mission Module provides an additional option for delivering mobile, responsive, and reliable mid-range fire support for ground forces. It is relatively simple and adaptable to various tactical platforms, able to be introduced with reduced maintenance and logistical demands while operating alongside motorised combat units. It also expands Rheinmetall’s catalogue of mission system solutions that cater to the needs of different ground forces.
by Stephen W. Miller
