An Cosantóir Dec 2015 / Jan 2016 www.dfmagazine.ie
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by SGT KARL BYRNE PhotoS by SGT KARL BYRNE & CPL NEVILLE COUGHLAN
on Monday 2nd november Compl tACA, 1 Cn Cois (Sp Coy, 1 Inf bn) turned out in force
in the glen of Imaal for a combined weapons shoot. the weapons being fired were the
browning 12.7mm hMg, the 60mm and 81mm Mortars and also an Intermediate Sniper
Course turned out to add their metal into the mix.
THE 81MM MORTAR
The 81mm Mortar long barrel with the C2 AI Sight Unit and its am-
munition, together with the Morfire Fire Control Computer make
this equipment among the most modern and accurate in service
anywhere in the world. The sight unit and fire control instruments
can achieve an accuracy of one mil (1m at 1,000m) both for direction
and elevation. This accuracy can be maintained in environmental
extremes and in periods of limited or reduced visibility. The use of
laser range finders can increase the probability of a first or second
round hit. Its country of manufacture is France, the loaded weight
is 41.5kg, the range is 5,000m and its rate of fire is 12 rounds/min
with a crew of 5.
THE 60MM MORTAR
The Mortar Denel Vektor M1 60mm is designed for use by infantry units in all phases of battle. It is a smooth bore, muzzle
loaded, high angle fire weapon. The mortar is carried in a single unit, with three main assemblies, the barrel, bipod, and
baseplate. Weighing only 17.8kg the mortar can be quickly and easily moved, ensuring support at all stages of action. This
mortar has a modern sight similar to the C2 AI sight in use with the 81mm mortar. This sight is also compatible with the
Morfire Fire Control Computer system also employed with the 81mm mortar. The mortar can also be fired in a commando
role by removing the bipod and baseplate and fitting a special small baseplate and attaching sighting unit/handgrip. Plan-
ning range is extended to 2,100 metres in the conventional role. Its country of manufacture is South Africa, it has been in
service since 2003, its weight is 17.8kg, a range of 2,233m, a rate of fire of 20 rounds/min, with a crew of 4.
