82-PM-41

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82-mm mortar Model 1941
Type Mortar
Place of origin Soviet Union
Service history
In service 1941 - 1960s
Used by  Soviet Union
 Nazi Germany
 Czechoslovakia
 Poland
 Finland
 Albania
 Mongolia
 People's Republic of China
 East Germany
 North Korea
 Vietnam
 Cambodia
 Yugoslavia
Wars Second World War
Production history
Designed 1940-1941
Produced 1941-1943
Specifications
Weight 56 kilograms (123 lb)
Length 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in)
Crew 4

Shell 3.05 kg (6 lb 12 oz)
Caliber 82 millimetres (3.2 in)
Elevation 45° to 85°
Traverse 5° to 25° (using traversing mechanism)
Rate of fire 15-25 rpm
Muzzle velocity 211 m/s (690 ft/s)
Maximum firing range 3,040 m (3,320 yd)
Sights MPB-82

The 82-pm-41 (Russian: 82-Полевой Миномёт-41), M-41 or the 82-mm mortar Model 1941 (Russian: 82-мм миномет обр. 1941 г.) was a Soviet 82-millimeter calibre mortar developed during the Second World War as an infantry battalion mortar, and which begun production in 1941.[1] It differed from the Model 1937 by the presence of a removable wheel base, by the arched construction base plate (as in 107-mm and 120-mm mortars), and also a different two-legged construction. Wheels were slipped over the semi-axis of the bipod feet and removed during firing.[2] Design improvements were made to reduce weight and production cost, and improve manoeuvrability.[3] The ballistic data of the Model 1941 mortar were analogous to the Model 1937. The 82-mm mortar Model 1941 was more convenient to transport than the Model 1937, but was less steady during firing and had a worse centre of gravity.[4]

To correct shortcomings of the 82-mm mortar Model 1941 it was modernised during initial production; the construction of the bipod, wheel and fastening of the sight was changed. The modernised mortar was called the 82-mm mortar Model 1943.

Due to the initial need to rectify design issues 1937 Model mortars continued to be used during World War II and produced alongside Models 1941 and 1943. As many Model 1937 Mortars were lost early in the war, this mortar served in the Battle for Moscow, Battle of Stalingrad, Battle of Kursk, and other campaigns, operations and engagements of the first three years of the war.[5]

Citations and notes

  1. p.19, Norris
  2. p.54, Barker, Walter
  3. p.192, Bishop
  4. p.136, Sweeting
  5. 9, Cornish

23.11

References

  • Bishop, Chris, (Ed.), The Encyclopaedia of weapons of World War II, Barnes & Noble Books, New York, 1998
  • Norris, John, Infantry Mortars of World War II, Osprey Publishing, 2002
  • Barker, A. J., & Walter, John, Russian Infantry Weapons of World War II, Arco Pub. Co., 1971
  • Cornish, Nik, Images of Kursk: History's Greatest Tank Battle, July 1943, Brassey's, 2002