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Kevin E. Duguay -> 60mm Mortar M19 Mount M1 Again! (5/6/2004 2:18:34 AM)
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Article; 60mm Mortar M19 Mount M1
originallt this mortar was designated T18E6 and was a much simplified version of the M2 mortar. It dispensed with the base plate of the M2 mount and instead used a simple spade rather like that used on the british 2in mortar. Only a few were produced as the weapon lacked accuracy and range but some were issued to airborne and special purpose units where their portability could be used to good effect. Normal 60mm ammunition was used but only one charge, instead of the five used on the M2, propelled the bomb.
Data,
Calibre 60.5mm, 2.38in
Length Overall, 726mm, 28.6in
Weight Complete 9kg, 20lb
M.V. 89 m/s, 292 ft/sec
Minimum Range, 68 meters, 75 yards
Maximum Range, 747 meters, 816 yards
Maximum Range (Practical), 320 meters, 350 yards
Bomb Weight (HE), 1.36 kg, 3 lb
Source, WW2 Fact Files, Mortars and Rockets, by Peter Chamberlain and Terry Gander
I had to bring this up again. In the US OOB there is no difference between the M2 and the M19 60mm mortars. Some people in this community are confusing the post war M19 with the original version T18E6. This weapon was originally issued with out the large base plate or bi-pod that were common to the M2. These items were supplied very late in the war of even after the war ended to produce what became the M19 that is being portrayed in the game. The weapon with this name, with base plate, bi-pod and trigger fired was used in Korea to supplement the existing M2 60mm mortars. With all the extra equipment the M19 was identical in performance to the M2. In this configuration the M19 served through the Vietnam War with some units. It was eventually replaced by the M224 60mm mortar that has all the features of the M19 but with modern ammo can fire out to 3490 meters.
Now some of the arguments that I have come across about why this version (T18E6) of the 60mm mortar should not be included in the game was that we should not include another useless weapon with limited range, or, it's always been this way, why change it now. I ask why not? Look at the British OOB, they have both versions of their all powerful 2in mortar. The MK II has a range of 500 Yards, thats 10 hexes (Weapons slot 107). The MK VII airborne mortar has a range of 350 yards, thats 7 hexes (Weapons slot 006). Both of these ranges are MAXIMUM for these mortars. The T18E6 would have a range of 16 to 17 hexes. Even if restricted to its practical range it would still have the same range as the British airborne mortar but with more punch. The British have their airborne/Special forces mortar, why not the US forces? The T18E6 was used in both the Pacific and European theaters of War.
The T18E6 was to be deployed in the same way that the British 2 in mortar was, but the low numbers produced did not allow this.
This weapon was crewed by 2 men, other men in the Squad would be required to carry additional rounds all HE.
The only other thing that needs to be changed is the range, and that is no big deal. I hope it's included in 8.2. If not, it will be in my version even if just another option. Dates for use 1/44 to 8/45.
That is all.
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