Second chance for NEMO. Modernization of the mortar complex and possible orders

For several years, the Finnish company Patria Oyj has been offering customers the NEMO (New Mortar) mortar complex. Combat modules of this type have been supplied to several countries, and new orders are expected in the future. In addition, the development company continues to develop the project and introduces new important functions.

Fire on the move

On January 12, Patria announced the completion of tests of the updated NEMO self-propelled complex. It differs from the previous version in an improved fire control system that allows firing on the move. The basic version of the mortar could only fire from a spot or from a short stop, providing data calculation and guidance.

It is noted that similar functions were previously implemented in the shipborne version of the NEMO Navy mortar. However, they refused to simply transfer them to land platforms. Due to the growing demands of potential customers and the constant change in the face of modern war on land, it was decided to develop a new version of the MSA, initially taking into account all relevant factors.

The updated controls provide the reception of target designation and observation of the battlefield without the need to stop. The calculation of data for firing is also carried out on the move, with corrections for the movement of an armored vehicle. No stop is required for the shot.

Together with a press release on the completion of a new stage of work, a promotional video was published showing the new shooting mode. It shows shooting at different elevation angles when driving on the road and off-road. In addition, some elements of the OMS and the features of the crew's work were captured in the frame.

The development company points out that the new fire modes increase the overall mobility of the self-propelled mortar on the battlefield or in closed positions. As a result, the enemy is unable to determine the exact location of the combat vehicle and deliver an effective counter-battery strike. Such features of the renovated complex are considered as an important competitive advantage.

Possible contract

Since 2018, the US Army has been looking for a promising self-propelled artillery system to reinforce units such as Brigade Combat Teams. They need a protected and highly mobile combat vehicle with a 120 mm cannon capable of firing direct fire or from closed positions. Patria responded to this request with its NEMO suite.

Last May, Patria and the Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Armaments Center signed an agreement to work together. In accordance with this agreement, the Finnish company with the NEMO project joins the American Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) program. The purpose of the program was to jointly carry out work and subsequent testing of foreign technology - with an eye on the adoption of the US Army.

At the end of June, Patria Oyj signed a new contract with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS. The latter will have to provide its production facilities in the United States for the assembly of experienced and, possibly, serial NEMO mortars for the American army.

Patria officially joined the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) program in October. As part of the FCT, the CCDC and participating enterprises plan to conduct a series of tests of the submitted samples in order to determine the real characteristics and their compliance with the requirements of the US Army. The NEMO product will be tested at test sites in the USA and Finland.

The timing of the tests has not yet been specified. Most likely, they will begin this year and will take at least several months. If the NEMO complex shows and confirms its high combat and operational characteristics, the development company can expect to receive a major contract from the US Army.

Technical features

The Patria NEMO mortar complex is made on a modular basis. Its main element is an automated fighting compartment with a turret, suitable for installation on various carriers, both on land armored vehicles and on boats or ships. The complex also includes an operator's control panel and related devices, stowage for ammunition, etc.

The automated fighting compartment accommodates a swinging artillery unit with recoil devices for a 120-mm breech-loading mortar. The design of the fighting compartment allows you to fire in any direction with an elevation from -3 ° to + 85 °. The complex is equipped with a loading mechanism that provides a rate of fire up to 10 rds / min. The supply of ammunition from the stowage to the mechanism is carried out manually.

In all versions, including the last one, the NEMO is equipped with a fully digital OMS. It integrates optical-electronic means for searching for targets on the battlefield, a satellite navigation system, as well as communication means for receiving third-party target designation. The calculation of data for firing and gun guidance are carried out in automatic mode.

The NEMO complex initially had several basic modes of combat operation, and after recent modernization, new ones appeared. With the help of standard optics, the complex can solve artillery reconnaissance and correction tasks, incl. with the release of data to third-party consumers or headquarters. The main task is to fire at detected or assigned targets.

Using different shots, the 120-mm gun can fire direct fire or mounted fire, incl. with large "mortar" elevation angles. It provides shooting in single, series and in MRSI mode. It is possible to shoot from a prepared position, from a short stop or on the move.

The prototype of the updated NEMO complex, shown in advertising materials, was built on a Patria AMV wheeled platform. Cars in this configuration (but with the old MSA) have been serving in the Slovenian army for several years. Saudi Arabia mounted Finnish fighting compartments on the LAV II chassis. It is possible to use other machines - at the request of the customer. The United Arab Emirates Navy has recently installed a number of NEMO systems on patrol boats. A modification of a mortar based on a standard 40-foot container was also demonstrated.

Mortar prospects

The development company immodestly calls the NEMO complex the best product of its class in the world. Despite such epithets, it is not very popular with customers. To date, they have managed to sell about fifty complexes in various configurations, which clearly does not correspond to the title of "the best in the world."

The limited interest of potential customers is due to several factors, one of which, until recently, was the impossibility of shooting in motion. By updating the LMS, this and some other shortcomings have been successfully eliminated, which allows us to count on the growth of interest.

The US Army CRADA and FCT programs are of particular relevance to Patria Oyj. In the course of these works, the Finnish technology will have to show its best side, due to which a large order for mass production may appear. The American ground forces need a large number of self-propelled mortars of the NEMO type, and their order in terms of size and cost may exceed all previous contracts from third countries.

Successful passing of tests in the USA and subsequent receipt of a large order can become additional advertising for the NEMO complex. As a result of such events, the Patria company will be able to count on new contracts from other countries.

Thus, one of the most interesting modern examples of self-propelled artillery, while not in great demand, gets a second chance for commercial success. This is facilitated by both the interest from a large potential customer and the recent upgrade with new features. Whether this time around the NEMO complex will be able to realize its commercial potential will become clear in the near future.

Comments

[Proton]

Nice car, you won’t say anything.
Such an MSA would definitely not hurt our Lotus.

[Mister X]

The video mentioned by the author


NEMO complex in a universal container

[yehat2]

1 shock UAV and don't care if this one moves mute or not.
Of course, the ability to fire on the move is better than not, but how effective is it?
The mortar, and so the weapon is not very accurate - and shooting on the move cannot but increase the spread.
And the last question - how often can you move like that freely and with impunity, while having excellent target designation?
For me, a 100mm howitzer with an BMP-3 is not at all worse.

[Lipchanin]

Say nothing, formidable weapon

Using different shots, the 120-mm gun can fire direct fire or mounted fire, incl. with large "mortar" elevation angles. It provides shooting in single, series and in MRSI mode. It is possible to shoot from a prepared position, from a short stop or on the move.

[Proton]

Here I was also a little struck by the possibility of firing on the move. It is clear that, most likely, there are restrictions on the travel speed and the angles of the vehicle. But all the same - it inspires.
The wheel travel is also a plus, because this is not a front-end car.

[Lipchanin]

Quote: Proton

Here I was also a little struck by the possibility of firing on the move.

Yes, in general, a great car.
So many possibilities.
Well done finns

[Zaurbek]

If not interested in the US Armed Forces, it will remain in small quantities.

[Runway]

PAN and Aistenok, fortunately, the machine will throw mines from the depths of the rear of the btgr (4-6 km).

[Cowbra]

Well, as I understand it, have you upgraded the LMS? Well done, yes. I really haven't tasted one, the mortar from the gun is fundamentally different from the lack of recoil devices. Shoot horizontally - won't he blow off the cuckoo?

[Proton]

This model has anti-rollbacks, otherwise it will definitely tear off the tower.
The fundamental difference between a mortar and a cannon is its large elevation angles, a smooth barrel and the absence of a cartridge case in the shot.

[Cowbra]

Quote: Proton

This model has anti-rollbacks, otherwise it will definitely tear off the tower.

Then what kind of mortar is she? Somehow in Nona we have not a mortar, but a combined weapon. Do they have a cannon that fires exclusively mines - a mortar? The difference is fundamental, there the price and rate of fire will be different with and without rollback

[Proton]

I agree, this is not a clean mortar. Apparently out of "habit" such weapons are called mortars.

[SpbGenn]

This Nema is the essence of a double-barreled mortar, and in fact, our Nona, but without cutting the barrel at a similar rate of fire - for the Finns it is too expensive and there is no know-how. The ballistic computer was installed on the naval AK-360 already in the 80s. 100% plagiarism from a Soviet product.

[ProkletyiPirat]

Quote: Cowbra

Quote: Proton

This model has anti-rollbacks, otherwise it will definitely tear off the tower.

Then what kind of mortar is she?

first I repeat the words above

Quote: Proton

The fundamental difference between a mortar and a cannon is its large elevation angles, a smooth barrel and the absence of a cartridge case in the shot.

As for the "recoil systems", they may or may not be in the mortar, it all depends on the MASS of the projectile, and not at all on the "type of weapon".

At all the main differences between the mortar this is, firstly, the projectile's flight path (very steep, at high angles and low speeds), and secondly, a way to stabilize the trajectory (due to passive tail), everything else can be with other types of guns, and at the same time not have a mortar, and therefore are not a sign of "mortar".

[Cowbra]

Oh well. The main difference between the mortar is that it is a cheap substitute for artillery. Invented for this reason by Captain Gobyato in Port Arthur, there were no guns, the devils riveted from samovar pipes. This is the same to this day - for example, because Ukraine produces Hammers. The rest is plus or minus half a bast shoe. Cornflower, for example, is clearly cheaper than a gun, there is a mortar. Mines in mortars can be adjusted, and the barrel of one dog is cheaper. And the trajectory of the projectile can be howitzer and with a minimum charge.

[ProkletyiPirat]

Quote: Cowbra

And the trajectory of the projectile can be howitzer and with a minimum charge.

Generally minimal coal, not charge ....
And about the cost you bent it, do you think the tulip (2C4) mortars are cheap and made of samovar pipes? About samovar, or even water pipes, this is generally "very funny" for everyone who knows the basics of barrel metallurgy (what for is recrystallization), even if the townsfolk believe in this, but the facts say the opposite ...

[Cowbra]

The powder charge in the case is different. I'm talking about guns, not mortars. Accordingly, the initial speed is lower.
A tulip for this caliber is a penny barrel cost. Mortars were riveted from pipes, actually plumbing, and more than once, in peacetime, it is clear that no one will do this.

[Simargl]

Quote: Cowbra

the mortar from the gun is fundamentally different in the absence of recoil devices

And 2B9 "Cornflower"?

[Cowbra]

Quote: Simargl

And 2B9 "Cornflower"?

And what about Cornflower? Are there compensatory mechanisms there? Pounding recoil on the floor ... Like a mortar. Well, a gun carriage instead of a stove. so in the mountains the slab is also removed, right into the rock

[Simargl]

Quote: Cowbra

Are there compensatory mechanisms there?

The barrel actually hangs on a spring. And when the pickup angle is up to -1 ° - "to the floor" where is it?

[Proton]

Yes everything is correct. Springs are installed in 2B9. This is only possible with small calibers, increase the caliber to 120 mm. and these springs will turn into railroad springs. And if you install hydraulics, then it will already be difficult and overall for a mortar.
Therefore, "Cornflower" is rather an exception to the classic mortars.
But he pounds great!

[Daoden]

I saw the shooting from Vsilka ... so-so "pounding" ..
When I and my mortar platoon passed the final exam at the military department at the training ground (they passed very well by the way), we were shown shooting from Vasilka with an incomplete cassette (3 minutes out of 6 possible) with almost direct fire (well, about +5 .. + 10 degrees). ...
It looks like the loader messed up with the charge then or the one who did the calculation and the mine went 300-400 meters ahead .. and it's good that there was a "direct fire" the main scatter of the fragments went forward, however, I and a few other guys heard both to the right and to the left of several fragments passed through the grass .. it was scary
and then the second mine in the cassette stuck and we were kicked out of there, and the experienced remained to take the "childbirth"

[Daoden]

By the way, then I remember counting We won an additional "target", the anti-tank crews then did not hit one of the targets and we and the truckers were given the task of destroying the target, as a result, we covered it with the second 80-minute (with amendment) earlier)) than the long-range attackers, they missed 2 or 3 times, I don't remember exactly ..

[Proton]

I also always liked live shooting and field trips. Because I was friends with mathematics and physics from school, shooting and calculating corrections were not a very difficult task for me.
Yours!

[Zaurbek]

These, like NON and Lotus, have everything like a howitzer ..... and counter-recoil and everything else. The wheels will fly off from the recoil of 120mm mines without them.

[voyaka uh]

"the mortar from the gun is fundamentally different in the absence of recoil devices" ///
---
Not that. At the mortar, the warhead takes off with the charge. "Artillery mine", or in a simple way - a mortar mine. Unlike an artillery shell.
We learned how to do anti-recoil devices.
In Israel, 120 mortars are fired directly from a Humvee jeep. And the recoil doesn't break its weak chassis.

[avib]

With a Humvee in the army, it seems not - this is for sale - SandCat and not a Humvee,
but in all infantry brigades, each battalion has a 7th squad with 120mm mortars on the M113 Zelda.

[SpbGenn]

Introduced this product to the US Army ?! Well done !! Finns are world-class masters in their ability to bribe!)). Ma tunnen asiaa .. =))

[SpbGenn]

Was this product sold to the US Army ?! Finns are world-class bribe-givers !! Tunnen asian ...)))

[Graz]

like the Scandinavians themselves admitted that the car was too expensive for them

[called]

our vein seems to have rested in Bose. It's a pity that such a car is needed at a new level!

[Sergey Kulikov_3]

On land in Finland there is a chance to shoot 10 km and get stuck somewhere, but at sea what is the tactic of using such mortars?