240-mm mortar M-240 was adopted by the Soviet army in the early 50s. One of the main reasons for the creation of this artillery system was, that it required much smaller production capacity, than conventional artillery gun of the same caliber. such restrictions, as the inconvenience of treatment and the duration of the deployment in a combat situation, considered minor, as the M-240 was in the batteries, whose task was to destroy the fortified strongholds and activities in urban areas, where the ability for rapid movement does not play a big role.
Currently, M-240 withdrawn from service in the armies of the CIS countries, however it is still in the reserve. M-240 has a smooth barrel, breech-loading. When firing barrel is based on a lot of hard circular plate, on which a rectangular frame. In the middle part of the barrel is mounted on the axis on this frame so, that can be laid horizontally - thereafter loading is carried out. After, as a mine is inserted into the breech, It stems back in position for shooting. The frame is also equipped with a recoil device.
Calculation of eleven people require at least 25 minutes to, to expand the mortar M-240 in the deployed position, and almost as much time is spent on the, to collapse it into the stowed position - both operations are performed using manual winches, available on a gun carriage.
When transporting the M-240 towed behind a special eyelet on the end of the barrel. Usually, Towing carried caterpillar tractor; other vehicles used to transport ammunition, since each mine for the M-240 has a length 1,565 meters and weighs 130,84 kg. High explosive warhead comprises 31,93 kg trinitrotoluola.
Maximum range is 9700 m, and the minimum - 800 m. Combat rate of not more than one shot per minute, despite the fact that five people involved in the loading and delivery of ammunition on a two-wheeled trolley. Two human tray mine to the breech by means of a special device with clamp, and another actually inserts it into the breech and close the shutter.
Performance characteristics of the mortar M-240
| Crew | 11 human |
| Full combat weight | 4150 kg |
| barrel length | 5,34 m |
| The length in the stowed position | 6,51 m |
| Width in traveling position | 2,49 m |
| The height in the stowed position | 2,21 m |
| Maximum range | for F864:800-9650 m, for 3F2: 19 690 m |
| The maximum declination angle / elevation, city. | +45/+65 |
| Deflection, city | 18 |
| Carrying speed on highway, kmh | 40 |
Photos mortar M-240
