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The US military has begun testing the Modular Turreted Mortar System onto armoured multi-purpose vehicles for the US Army.
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During the new testing, a semi-automated, single-barrel 120mm breech-loaded mortar is mounted onto the vehicles and tested at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) in Arizona, according to a statement published on 7 May.
Installed on an armoured multi-purpose vehicle (AMPV), a vehicle commander oversees operation of the semi-automated, single-barrel 120mm breech-loaded mortar or NeMo while two crew members are needed to load the turret.
The system is currently undertaking ongoing safety testing and is reportedly of interest to the Army for its potential to bolster operational capabilities. Testing on the weapon system began in January and is projected to wrap-up by July. Furthermore, a demonstration test will be carried out at YPG to pinpoint any potential issues or to fine-tune procedures before the AMPV-mounted weapon is sent to Fort Moore.
Kevin Irr, a test officer from the munitions and weapons division, said intensive evaluations are currently underway to ensure the Modular Turreted Mortar System (MTMS) meets performance expectations for an upcoming demonstration at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Moore in September this year.
“We are diligently verifying its advertised capabilities and making sure it is safe for the soldiers to operate,” he said.
“Additionally, we’re conducting several other tests to gauge the weapons system’s overall operability.
“It is a prototype; this turreted system has undergone prior testing here on a different vehicle (under a multi-phase foreign comparative test). During those tests, it piqued our interest and garnered some attention.
“If it does ever get fielded, it would be the only mortar system in which US soldiers are protected inside a vehicle.”
The safety testing focuses primarily on two critical areas including assessment of the impact of vehicle operation on auditory health to protect soldier’s hearing. Mortar systems produce high-intensity noise during firing and prolonged exposure can result in hearing damage.
Additionally, prioritising the build-up of toxic fumes within the vehicle which may result from weapon firing and engine exhaust, is another top priority. There is always a critical need to manage these fumes effectively to safeguard the lives of crew members.
Recognising the system’s promise, the decision was made to evaluate the system on a US vehicle, specifically the AMPV. The AMPV was chosen because it maintains an objective requirement to replace the mortar carrier variant with an automated MTMS.
“The US Army is interested in the MTMS’ capability to shoot on the move, perform direct fire missions, as well as its capability to conduct multiple rounds simultaneous impact missions,” according to Captain Mike Hapner from the Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems.
