L16A1 British 81mm Mortar
L16A1
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
Other
Basic Information
Name
L16A1 British 81mm Mortar
Designation
L16A1
Alternate Designation
L16A1
Equipment Type
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
Manufacturer
Initial operational capability (IOC) was achieved in 1961. The L16A1 is in service in numerous countries. A modified L16 is also in service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as the M252 (see separate database entry).
Date of Introduction
1957
Description
The L16A1 was developed in 1957 as a replacement for the British army's 3-in (76-mm) World War II-era mortar. The lightweight, accurate, drop-fired weapon is now the standard mortar for the British armed forces and has been exported to a large number of other countries.
Ground Specifications
Crew
5
System
Alternate Designation
L16A1
Type
Mortar
Caliber
81 mm
Manufacturer
Initial operational capability (IOC) was achieved in 1961. The L16A1 is in service in numerous countries.
A modified L16 is also in service with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as the M252 (see separate database entry).
Crew
5
Bore
smoothbore
Elevation
800 mils to 1,515 mils
Traverse at 800 Mils
125 mils to either side
Traverse at 1,515 Mils
325 mils to either side
Sustained Rate of Fire
15 Rounds per Minute
Muzzle Velocity
225 m/s
Maximum Range, Charge 1
500 m
Maximum Range, Charge 6
4,500 m
Maximum Range, Charge 8
5,650 m
Minimum Range, Charge 1
100 m
Minimum Range, Charge 6
1,600 m
Dimensions
Barrel Length
1.3 m
Bipod, Folded
1.2 m
Baseplate Diameter
0.5 m
Barrel Weight
12.7 kg
Bipod Mount Weight
12.3 kg
Baseplate Weight
11.6 kg
Sight Unit Weight
5.2 kg
Ammunition
Option 1
Name
L36A1
Type
HE
Length
483 mm
Weight
4.2 kg
Option 2
Name
L40A1
Type
WP
Length
481 mm
Weight
4.8 kg
Details
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Category
Non-Self Propelled Mortar Systems
Land > Infantry Weapons > Non-Self Propelled Mortar Systems
Filter Label
L
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Operators (20)
United Kingdom
Japan
Bahrain
Belize
Cameroon
Fiji
Guyana
Jamaica
Kenya
Kuwait
Malawi
Malaysia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Qatar
United Arab Emirates
Zimbabwe
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