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Coming Soon: Norsk USA's Ultralight 60mm iMortar

Gungho Cowboy

Spreading like wildfire to those who monitor military technological developments and have Facebook accounts is this video of iMortar from Norsk USA. For some reason, the embed options of Facebook doesn't work on our system so we took the liberty to have this video uploaded to our YouTube Channel for easy referencing.

iMortar presents a leap in mortar development, that even airsoft players want an airsoft version of this pronto. Its lighter than the M224A1 Mortar System in use in the US Army. The M224A1 which is around 15 to 17kg, about 20% lighter than its predecessor, the M224 which is over 22kg. The iMortar weighs a maximum of 5.3kg which already includes the cannon/barrel, baseplate, and sight due to the use of advanced composites and alloy through the whole system.  Though in terms of range the iMortar is claimed to accurately engage targets at 1.2km whilst the M224A1 has a maximum of 3.5kms.

What this means is that a iMortar can be easily handled by just one operator but it can be operated faster by a team. But for small teams, especially special operations units, one person can be the designated Mortar Man rather than having a Mortar Crew. It also gives the team additional firepower when they need some support when artillery is not available, and frees up a team member to take on another role rather than be part of Mortar Crew.

The iMortar comes ready to be used, no need for putting a base plate prior to raising the barrel. An operator will just need to hold it with the handle and determine the trajectory putting a round to fire. It has three firing modes: safe in which the firing pin is blocked; manual with the trigger on handgrip which is more for a single-person operation; and the auto mode (auto percussion) for rapid firing which will need at least a two-man crew, the gunner who determines deflection and elevation; and the assistant gunner which loads the round.

With the liquid range system, iMortar can be accurate beyond 1000 metres (1km). Whilst mainly an indirect fire weapon, its being lightweight can allow be used for direct fire.

There is no information if the iMortar is to be tested by any branch of the U.S. Armed forced but surely the USSOCOM would be interested in such a handy and lightweight 60mm mortar system. Also, according to a comment at the Nork USA Facebook Page, it is a Czech Mortar design called the vz99 Antos 60mm made by the Czech Military Technical Institute VTU. This was used by the Czech Special Forces during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.  This is no surprise as Norsk USA describes itself as a company that "specializes in the development and importation of cutting edge European defense technologies and equipment."

(Antos 60mm Light Mortar System. Photo Source: http://www.601skss.cz/)

It's a neat and Mortar System that deserves its time in the spotlight due to its handiness and portability. Now, if someone from an airsoft company that makes airsoft mortars such as Deep Fire, would produce, some geardos would be very happy to have this in their collection.

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