Basic Information

Name

M6-640/895/1000 Austrian 60mm Mortar

Designation

M6-240

Alternate Designation

M6-240; M6-895; M6-1000; HDS-60; Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) 60mm Mortar

Equipment Type

Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)

Manufacturer

Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) is a leading supplier of mortars, mortar ammunition, auxiliary equipment, fire control systems and other mortar related products and services. HDS is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and provider of mortar systems. The product range consists of different types of mortar ammunition, weapon systems, auxiliary field equipment, aiming and sighting systems, and illustrates the variety of technologies and expertise of the company.

Date of Introduction

2016

Description

The M6-640/895/1000 Austrian 60mm Mortar is optimized for the quick and simple handling of the system by combining the advantages of each system component as weapons, the comprehensive ammunition range, R08 sighting unit, field auxiliary equipment, and a lightweight PDA as fire control systems. The HDS 60mm bi-pod mortars, M6-640, M6-895, and M6-1000 mortar are reliable weapons for indirect fire support used for infantry units, which enable the operator to fire a maximum amount of 30 rounds according to each minute at a maximum range of 4,000m.

Ground Specifications

Crew 3

Variants

M6C-640 Mk1 The HDS 60mm Commando Mortar M6C-640 Mk1 is ideal for independent infantry fire support, which can be operated by a two-man team without ballistic calculation or fire coordination. It is aimed either with indirect fire coordination or directly by line of sight by the operator himself. The easy-handling and high-mobility of the weapon is designed for special missions, paratrooper or commando operations.

System

Alternate Designation M6-240; M6-895; M6-1000; HDS-60; Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) 60mm Mortar

Type Mortar

Caliber 60 mm

Manufacturer Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) is a leading supplier of mortars, mortar ammunition, auxiliary equipment, fire control systems and other mortar related products and services. HDS is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and provider of mortar systems. The product range consists of different types of mortar ammunition, weapon systems, auxiliary field equipment, aiming and sighting systems, and illustrates the variety of technologies and expertise of the company.

Crew 3 ea

Bipod The bipod carries the barrel clamp, the sealed gears and the shock absorbers, which mangage the damping in all terrain and military eviroment conditions. The handling of gears, positioning of the sight eyepiece and the overall gunners position is optimised for ergonomic operation. All these features will result in a fast setup and easy handling and aiming process during operational employment trouble-free operation on all types of terrain.

Barrel and Breech Cap The forged barrel which is availble in ballistic lenght of 640, 895 and 1000 mm, made out of high-strength special steel with additionally fixing positions between bundles to prevent it from sliding at higher loads. Pre-adjustment of elevation is possible due to four different pre-set positions. The muzzle end is tapered on the inside to facilitate loading of bombs. The breech cap seals the barrel at the rear and is carring the firing pin with partially hardened point which can be replaced in all mortar positions or retracted in case of misfire.

Shock Absorber INA

Base Plate The base plate is drop-forged and made of a high-strength aluminium alloy with reinforcing ribs. The design combines low weight with high stability so that the base plate is able to withstand highest impact stresses.

Sighting System The Hirtenberger 60mm mortar systems is equiped with the R08 mortar sight for indirect aiming process in azimuth and elevation. For a quick and easy setting of the elevation the mortar, the R08 sight is featuring a interchangeable metal plate which is carring the differnt ballistic data of the ammunition. The ballistic data, the angle of elevation for each range in meters, of each type of mortar ammunition like HE, SMK or ILL is available.Within the sight a permanent MIL scale is integrated. With this ballistic plates the operator can adjust the mortar elevation according to range estimations or range measurements without additional ballistic calculations in the field. All viles and bubbles illuminated by LED ´s are enable the user to operate 24 hours, powered by two AA batteries directly on the sight.

Note The HDS 60mm bi-pod mortars, M6-640, M6-895, and M6-1000 mortar are reliable weapons for indirect fire support used for infantry units, which enable the operator to fire a maximum amount of 30 rounds according to each minute at a maximum range of 4,000m.

M6-640

Caliber 60 mm

Maximum Firing Range 2,872 m

Maximum Rate of Fire 30/min

Maximum Operating Gas Pressure 55 MPa

M6-895

Caliber 60 mm

Maximum Firing Range 2,401 m

Maximum Rate of Fire 30/min

Maximum Operating Gas Pressure 60 MPa

M6-1000

Caliber 60 mm

Maximum Firing Range 4,000 m

Maximum Rate of Fire 30/min

Maximum Operating Gas Pressure 60 MPa

Dimensions

M6-640

Length of Barrel (Overall) 742 mm

Ballistic Length 640 mm

Diameter of Base Plate 351 mm

Barrel Weight 4.6 kg

Bipod Weight 2.7 kg

Base Plate Weight 4.8 kg

Total Weight 22.1 kg

M6-895

Length of Barrel (Overall) 984 mm

Ballistic Length 895 mm

Diameter of Base Plate 351 mm

Barrel Weight 5.5 kg

Bipod Weight 12.7 kg

Base Plate Weight 4.8 kg

Total Weight 23 kg

M6-1000

Length of Barrel (Overall) 1,092 mm

Ballistic Length 1,000 mm

Forward Observer Computer The Forward Observer Computer observes locations, firing planning functions, variable correction options, and simultaneous fire missions.

Mortar Computer The Mortar Computer controls multiple weapons, ammunition stores, surveys calculation options, and firing planning functions.

Military Handheld Computer The Military Handheld Computer consists of a internal GPS system, battery, touch screen, and a mouse backup and hotkey.

Image Sources

Notes https://militaryleak.com/2020/07/08/hirtenberger-defence-awarded-%E2%80%8Ee17-million-to-60-mm-mortar-systems-to-french-army/; https://www.defenceprocurementinternational.com/Content/Profiles/hirtenberger-defence-systems-the-mortar-company/hds-60mm-folder-a4-ansicht.pdf;