M1129 Mortar Carrier
Encyclopedia
The M1129 Mortar Carrier, is a 8×8 wheeled armored mortar carrier
of the Stryker
family of combat vehicles produced by General Dynamics Land Systems
. It is in use with the United States Army
.
.
The precursor of the M1129, the MCV-A, carried a mortar that could only be used dismounted, whereas the M1129 is fully capable of firing its weapon from the mounted position within the vehicle.
The M1129 is used in the US Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, where it is part of each Brigade's maneuver infantry battalion's and RSTA squadron's MTOE (Modfied Table of Equipment). The vehicles are either organically subordinated to battalion level or company level. The battalion level vehicles are armed with the 120 mm M121 mortar system, which is the vehicle mounted version of the M120
mortar. Additionally, they carry the 81mm M252
mortar that can only be used in a dismounted capacity. The company level vehicles also carry a vehicle-mounted 120mm mortar, which is augmented by the 60mm M224
mortar for dismounted use. Each Stryker infantry battalion thus has a total number of 10 mortar carriers, all of which are equipped with the 120mm system.
The first M1129 vehicles were put into service in Spring 2005 with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The 172nd Stryker Brigade deployed to Iraq in August 2005 being the first unit to fire the M1129/MCV-B in theatre.
Mortar carrier
A mortar carrier, also known as a self-propelled mortar, is a self-propelled artillery vehicle carrying a mortar as it's primary weapon. Mortar carriers cannot be fired while on the move and some must be dismounted to fire.In U.S...
of the Stryker
Stryker
The IAV Stryker is a family of eight-wheeled, 4-wheel-drive , armored fighting vehicles derived from the Canadian LAV III and produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, in use by the United States Army. The vehicle is named for two American servicemen who posthumously received the Medal of Honor:...
family of combat vehicles produced by General Dynamics Land Systems
General Dynamics Land Systems
In February 1982 Chrysler announced the sale of Chrysler Defense, its profitable defense subsidiary to General Dynamics for US$348.5 million. The sale was completed in March 1982 for the revised figure of US$336.1 million. General Dynamics renamed the division General Dynamics Land Systems. In 2003...
. It is in use with the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
.
Description
The M1129 Mortar Carrier, also known as MCV-B (Mortar Carrier Vehicle version B), is based on the Stryker infantry carrier vehicle, which is itself a descendant of the Swiss Mowag Piranha IIIMowag Piranha
The MOWAG Piranha is a family of armoured fighting vehicles designed by the Swiss MOWAG , corporation....
.
The precursor of the M1129, the MCV-A, carried a mortar that could only be used dismounted, whereas the M1129 is fully capable of firing its weapon from the mounted position within the vehicle.
The M1129 is used in the US Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, where it is part of each Brigade's maneuver infantry battalion's and RSTA squadron's MTOE (Modfied Table of Equipment). The vehicles are either organically subordinated to battalion level or company level. The battalion level vehicles are armed with the 120 mm M121 mortar system, which is the vehicle mounted version of the M120
M120 120 mm mortar
The Soltam K6 is a 120 mm mortar that was developed by Soltam Systems of Israel. It is the long-range version of the Soltam K5 and has replaced older systems such as the M30 in several armies including the United States Army...
mortar. Additionally, they carry the 81mm M252
M252 Mortar
The M252 81 mm medium weight mortar is an American smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for long-range indirect fire support to light infantry, air assault, and airborne units across the entire front of a battalion zone of influence. In the U.S. Army and U.S...
mortar that can only be used in a dismounted capacity. The company level vehicles also carry a vehicle-mounted 120mm mortar, which is augmented by the 60mm M224
M224 Mortar
The M224 60 mm Lightweight Mortar is a smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for close-in support of ground troops.-Description:The M224 system is composed of the*M225 Cannon *M170 Bipod...
mortar for dismounted use. Each Stryker infantry battalion thus has a total number of 10 mortar carriers, all of which are equipped with the 120mm system.
The first M1129 vehicles were put into service in Spring 2005 with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The 172nd Stryker Brigade deployed to Iraq in August 2005 being the first unit to fire the M1129/MCV-B in theatre.
See also
- CardomCardomThe Cardom , is a Soltam Systems 120mm Recoil Mortar System , used by the US army, the Israeli Defence Force, NATO countries, and others. The Cardom is an autonomous, computerized system for mounting on light and medium armored carriers...
- the soltam systems recoil mortar system - Dragon FireDragon Fire (mortar)The Dragon Fire 120 mm heavy mortar was a private venture by TDA Armaments that was picked up by the US Marine Corps for its EFSS requirement. It is a fully automated mortar capable of using rifled or smoothbore 120 mm ammunition. Like all mortars it is a high-angle-of-fire weapon used for...
- a similar project by the US MarinesUnited States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, also known as Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS). - M1064 mortar carrierM1064 mortar carrierThe M1064 mortar carrier is a tracked, self-propelled artillery vehicle, consisting of the M120 mortar mounted on a M113 chassis.The design consists of the M298 Cannon, M191 Bipod, M9 Baseplate, and the Carrier Adaption Kit...
- in use with the Army, based on the M113 tracked vehicle. - List of U.S. military vehicles by model number