120mm Self Propelled Gun/Mortar

From what I have read the 122mm is generally described as a "howitzer" and the 120mm as a "gun-mortar" (shorter barrel, should use a higher trajectory). The 122mm has a flatter trajectory and a much greater range (almost 20km) compared to the 120mm(~10km).

The 120mm gun and ammunition should be lighter, but I'm not sure about other advantages of the 120mm.

 

Some high-resolution photos from a recent exercise...

 

According to Chinese forums, this is a new wheeled 120mm self-propelled mortar.

 

http://slide.mil.news.sina.com.cn/l/slide_8_199_58878.html#p=5

 

Interesting that they moved to such a large mover.
a 6x6 stretched 4 door cab The Russians have a similar vehicle based on there Volk .
120mm systems come in 3 forms Tube systems. These are conventional infantry mortars that can be towed or carried on a vehicle or set up in or on a recoil reinforced vehicle.
mounted systems, these are typically self propelled mounted to a vehicle, they tend to have a more complex system that allows firing off a light vehicle.
Turreted system These are breach laded systems that can be integrated into a enclosed Boat, Ship or Armored vehicle chassis

This fits in the first category not a true Self propelled system but more of a carrier system. When deployed the Vehicle would stop. the struts on the rear would drop along with the Mortar which would swing down off the back of the Tailgate. The crew having dismounted would take positions on the ground and bed commander would aim the system well the loaders would pull ammo from the magazines and use the raised position of the bed to load the tube. these are popular for lighter motorized infantry support because of their light weight and ease of logistics, by having both a common mover and Mortar tube.

And here is the prime example of the third category. it allows firing well under armor. faster rate of fire, Better accuracy and can even fire direct on targets, although they tend to lose some range.

 

PPZ-10

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