M8 R-1165/R-1365 Austrian 81mm Mortar
M8 R-1165
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
Other
Basic Information
Name
M8 R-1165/R-1365 Austrian 81mm Mortar
Designation
M8 R-1165
Alternate Designation
M8 R-1165; M8 R-1365; HDS-81; Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) 81mm 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 M8 R-1165/R-1365 Dutch 81mm Mortar is developed by Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS), the rugged and reliable M8 comprises an 81 mm long-range weapon available in different barrel lengths, an entire range of ammunition, auxiliary field equipment, sighting systems, and a fully digital fire-control system containing all ballistic data. The precise engineering and carefully coordinated development of the M8 facilitates high degrees of effectiveness in challenging environments, optimizing performance at all times. HDS ammunition is made to the highest quality and safety standards and includes high-explosive, smoke variants (white phosphorous, red phosphorous, and titanium tetrachloride), visible and infrared illumination, as well as training ammunition.
Ground Specifications
Crew
3
Main Weapon
81mm mortar
System
Alternate Designation
M8 R-1165; M8 R-1365; HDS-81; Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) 81mm Mortar
Type
Mortar
Caliber
81 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 newly designed asymmetrical bipod carries the shock absorber, the barrel clamp and the elevating, traverse and cross levelling gear. The patented elevating gear together with the other adjusting gears constitute an optimal ergonomic solution.
The results are: Easy handling during assembly and aiming, easy training of personnel and trouble-free operation on all types of terrain. All gears are sealed against dust and water.
Barrel and Breech Cap
The forged high-strength special steel barrel with smooth,
close-tolerance bore can be provided with specially designed ribs for reinforcement and improved heat dissipation,
this allows much higher firing stresses. The breech plug,
which is screwed into the barrel, has a rigidly mounted firing
pin. If necessary, the latter can be easily removed from the
assembled mortar.
Shock Absorber
Additional at the bipod two shock absorbers are reducing the recoil of the weapons and maintaining the
stability of the complete weapon system also in rough
terrain of military operations. The reduced recoil also
enable the long-range accuracy at a maximum range
up to 6000 meters.
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 Mortar Sight A06 is used for the indirect aiming of M8 mortar in azimuth and elevation and it
consists of a mechanical aiming device with precise elevation and azimuth adjustment means by
worm gear for angle setting and with an optical sighting telescope. The coarse and fine azimuth
scales can be adjusted, clamped and disengaged for a fast adjustment. Vial levels are mounted
on the housing and the optical sighing telescope which can be be tilted +/- 25° and also rolled
axially 90°.
For night operation, the A06 is equipped with an electrical illumination system based on LED-technology which provides illumination of the scales, bubbles and the reticle powered by 2 standard
batteries 1.5 V (Type AA).
M8 R-1165
Caliber
81 mm
Maximum Firing Range
5,865 m
Maximum Rate of Fire
30/min
Maximum Operating Gas Pressure
90 MPa
M8 R-1365
Caliber
81 mm
Maximum Firing Range
6,669 m
Maximum Rate of Fire
30/min
Maximum Operating Gas Pressure
100 MPa
Dimensions
M8 R-1165
Length of Barrel (Overall)
1,280 mm
Ballistic Length
1,165 mm
Diameter of Base Plate
547 mm
Barrel Weight
13.3 kg
Bipod Weight
12.8 kg
Base Plate Weight
12.5 kg
Total Weight
38.6 kg
M8 R-1365
Length of Barrel (Overall)
1,482 mm
Ballistic Length
1,365 mm
Diameter of Base Plate
547 mm
Barrel Weight
14.9 kg
Bipod Weight
12.8 kg
Base Plate Weight
12.5 kg
Total Weight
40.2 kg
Ammunition
Ammunition (Option #1)
Name
PRACTICE Mk4
Caliber
81 mm
Length
485 mm
Weight
4.16 kg
Filler
Inert
Terminal Effect
Impact signature
(only with life fuze)
Ammunition (Option #2)
Name
SMK-WP
Mk4
Caliber
81 mm
Length
485 mm
Weight
4.16 kg
Filler
White phosphorus
Terminal Effect
Screening by fast
smoke generation.
Ammunition (Option #3)
Name
SMK-TTC
Mk4
Caliber
81 mm
Length
485 mm
Weight
4.16 kg
Filler
Titanium tetrachloride
Terminal Effect
Extraordinary fast
generation of cold
smoke
Ammunition (Option #4)
Name
SMK-RP
Mk5
Caliber
81 mm
Length
635 mm
Weight
4.16 kg
Filler
Red phosphorus
Terminal Effect
Smoke generation
Smoke duration: 120 sec
Ammunition (Option #5)
Name
HE-TNT
Mk4 PD
Caliber
81 mm
Length
485 mm
Weight
4.16 kg
Filler
TNT
Terminal Effect
Number of fragments
> 5300 (> 1250 fragments
with m > 0.32 g).
Ammunition (Option #6)
Name
HE-TNT
Mk4 PROX.
Caliber
81 mm
Length
485 mm
Weight
4.16 kg
Filler
TNT
Terminal Effect
Number of fragments
> 5300 (> 1250 fragments
with m > 0.32 g).
Ammunition (Option #7)
Name
HE CONFRAG
Mk4
Caliber
81 mm
Length
485 mm
Weight
3.8 kg
Filler
INA
Terminal Effect
Increased lethality by
more than 90%
Number of Fragments 4772
(2837 fragments with
m > 0.32 g
Ammunition (Option #8)
Name
ILL-VIS
Mk5
Caliber
81 mm
Length
635 mm
Weight
3.8 kg
Filler
INA
Terminal Effect
Luminosity: 950000 cd
Illumination duration: 38 sec.
Descent rate: 5 m/ s
Ammunition (Option #9)
Name
ILL-IR
Mk5
Caliber
81 mm
Length
635 mm
Weight
3.8 kg
Filler
INA
Terminal Effect
Illumination duration: 40 sec.
Descent rate: 5 m/s
High infrared emission,
low visible emission.
FIre Control System (FCS)
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://hds.hirtenberger.com/products/81mm-system/; https://www.army-technology.com/products/comprehensive-81mm-system/; https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2020_global_security_army_industry/hirtenberger_defence_wins_contract_to_deliver_60mm_mortars_to_french_army.html; https://www.quora.com/Why-do-large-caliber-mortars-have-to-be-breech-loaded-Which-is-the-largest-muzzle-loading-mortar;
Details
Country of Origin
Austria
Category
Non-Self Propelled Mortar Systems
Land > Infantry Weapons > Non-Self Propelled Mortar Systems
Filter Label
M
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
—
Width
—
Height
—
Weight
38.6 kg
Operators (3)
Austria
Netherlands
New Zealand
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