Because of the difference in available volume, a smooth-bore mortar of a given diameter will have a greater explosive yield than a similarly sized artillery shell of a gun or howitzer.

A present-day mortar consists of a lightweight tube that rests on a base plate and is supported by a bipod. The weapon is operated by dropping a mortar shell onto a firing pin in the tube that detonates …

If a mortar shell is dropped into the barrel and hits the pin, the propelling charge is ignited. Then the explosion of the propelling charge creates gas that pushes the mortar shell (or bomb) out of the tube.

Here’s a simplified explanation of how they work: Loading: A mortar shell is loaded into the barrel of the mortar tube. Ignition: The firing pin inside the barrel ignites the primer of the ...

Discover the fascinating world of mortar shells in this in-depth article. Uncover their intricate design, functioning, and military significance as precision artillery tools.

Oct 14, 2025 · A mortar is nothing without its crew, though, and the entire system is built around the team’s flow. The whole weapon sits in the baseplate, a heavy metal dish that absorbs the weapon’s …

Jun 4, 2021 · The modern mortar was born with the development of the Stokes mortar by British engineer Wilfred Stokes. The 76.2 mm muzzle-loading Stokes mortar could fire as many as 25 …

Shells are usually large-caliber projectiles fired by artillery, armoured fighting vehicles (e.g. tanks, assault guns, and mortar carriers), warships, and autocannons.

A typical mortar shell consists of several key components. The body, usually made of steel, houses the explosive charge and contains various features for fuze engagement and stabilization. The explosive …

Jul 3, 2024 · Explore the diverse world of Mortar Shell Types - from High-Explosive to Guided variants, uncover the evolution within military weaponry.