M1 Mortar - Ammunition

Ammunition

• M43A1 Light HE: 6.87 lb (3.11 kg); range min 200 yd (183 m); range max 3290 yd (3010 m); 80% frag radius 25 yd (23 m) (compared favorably with the 75 mm howitzer); fast detonating fuze (explode on surface).

• M45, M45B1 Heavy HE: 10.62 lb (4.82 kg); range max 2558 yd (2064 m); bursting radius comparable to the 105 mm howitzer; equipped with delay fuze so some penetration is possible for demolition use.

• M56 Heavy HE: 15.01 lb (6.81 kg); range max 1300 yards (1200 m); had an adjustable fuze for quick or delay operation.

• M57 WP (White phosphorus): 10.74 lb (4.87 kg); range max 2470 yd (2260 m); designed to lay down screening smoke, but had definite anti-personnel and incendiary applications.

• M57 FS: 10.74 lb (4.87 kg), range max 2470 yd (2260 m); laid down dense white smoke.

• M301 Illuminating shell: range max 2200 yd (2012 m); attached to parachute; burned brightly (275,000 candelas) for about 60 seconds, illuminating an area of about 150 yards (137 m) diameter; used M84 time fuze, adjustable from 5 to 25 seconds before priming charge detonated, releasing the illuminator and chute.