The Carrier Mortar Tracked (CMT) vehicle is a self-propelled mortar system developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India. It is manufactured by Ordnance Factory Medak.
Description[]
The Carrier Mortar Tracked vehicle is based on "Sarath" ("Chariot of Victory") Indian license-produced variant of BMP-2. This turret-less version has a 81 mm mortar mounted in the modified troop compartment. The mortar is fired through an opening in the hull roof that has two hinged doors. It has a maximum range of 5,000 m, a normal rate of fire of 6-8 rds/min and capacity to fire from 40° to 85° and traverse 24° on either side. There is also a long-range version of the mortar. The vehicle carries 108 mortar rounds and is also fitted with a 7.62 mm machine gun with 2,350 rounds. It can be operated by all mechanised infantry battalions moves along with the leading mechanised elements providing instantaneous fire support up to a depth of five km behind enemy lines. It can also provide protection to crew and mortar fires. Besides providing services like aerial targets, the vehicle also has amphibious capabilities.
Deployment[]
The first prototype was complete in 1997 and it is currently in production at the Ordnance Factory Board, India.
Specification[]
- Crew infantry: 2 + 4
- Weight (tonnes): 13
Performance[]
- Engine power (HP): 300
- Power to weight ratio (HP/T): 23
- Maximum speed (km/h):
- On road: 65
- Cross country: 48
- Speed in water (km/h): 7
- Trench crossing (metres): 2.3
- Maximum gradient (degrees): 35
Weapon system[]
- 81 mm mortar
- Traverse: 240 either side of mean position
- Elevation: 400 to 850
- Ammunition: 108 rounds
- 84 mm RCL Gun (shoulder fired)
- Ammunition: 12 rounds
- 7.62 mm M/C Gun in A/D role (for aerial targets)
- Ammunition: 2350 rounds
Other[]
- Drinking water: 320 litres
- Mortar base plate stowed for ground firing
External links[]
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The original article can be found at Carrier Mortar Tracked and the edit history here.