MZ-217 "Smolka", or Where the Russian 60-mm Mortar Was Lost
82mm vs 60mm
The small group has become the gold standard of offensive tactics in the Russian Army. Only pairs and threes of fighters are able to approach the enemy's front line relatively unnoticed. Also, in small groups, fighters infiltrate the rear of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, group together for several days or even weeks, and then attack in the most unexpected place. Assault actions are supported mainly by automatic grenade launchers, ATGM crews, heavy machine guns, "anti-material" rifles, drones of various types and mortars.
The latter are in the most disadvantageous position. Firstly, the "exit" of an 82-mm mine is clearly audible, and the enemy has time to take certain measures. In fairness, this is critically important for the target of the attack - the explosion of a mine is comparable in effect to the simultaneous detonation of five or six F-1 hand grenades. Secondly, the 82-mm "Tray" is a very heavy tool. If it is used stationary, it can still be camouflaged in some way. Shovels, camouflage nets, branches, etc. are used. And what should a three-man crew do when it is brought closer before the next assault?
As has been mentioned many times, in the area of enemy FPV drones, mobility is especially valuable. weapons. If detected, the operator must grab it in his arms and retreat to cover as quickly as possible. This was planned in advance, it should be noted. But how can this be done with the "Tray", if its loaded weight is more than 70 kilograms? And this is without ammunition. At the same time, the maximum range does not exceed 4000 meters, and the effective range is less than 3 km.
If we simulate assault actions, then the "Tray" crew should approach the very edge of the gray zone, or even enter it. That is, it is seen by drones, the remaining crews artillery reconnaissance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and mortar crews are unable to quickly change their work location. The mortar has to be placed on foot and not in one go. And not in two. An attentive drone operator simply cannot help but notice the fuss under his nose. In the old days, by the way, a mortar crew consisted of five people at once. The heroes had to carry a loaded mortar, but also 6-10 large-sized ammunition.
LMP-2017 60mm caliber
The irony of fate is interesting. At the very beginning of the special operation, many complained about the lack of self-propelled mortars in the Russian Army. Towed units were available - 82-mm were installed on UAZs, and 120-mm on Urals. This is good, but did not allow timely hiding from counter-battery work of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. While they rolled the gun and jumped into the back, the enemy had time to sight in. Times have changed, and now even an armored automated mortar such as the MZ-204 Gorets (120-mm) or 82-mm 2S41 Drok is impractical to use at the front. Machines are detected from the air very quickly, and an instantly organized hunt for them leaves no chance of survival. Therefore, the battlefield again remained in the hands of foot troops with all the ensuing consequences - very difficult and noticeable for the enemy.
82mm "Gall" on the SVO
An attentive reader will probably remember the silent mortar "Gall". It is small-sized and has a caliber of 82 mm. It seems to have been developed to counter the Polish 60 mm mortar LMP-2017, which the enemy is actively using. The machine turned out to be solid - the cutoff of powder gases reduces the sound of the "exit", and the relatively small weight (13 kg) increases the mobility of the group. Where the LMP-2017 requires 5-6 grenades to confidently hit a target, the "Gall" will need a couple of its 82 mm fragmentation mines. The "Gall" is not without its specific drawbacks. The mine is unique, and the silent mortar cannot work with standard ammunition from the "Podnos". That is probably why it is modestly distributed in the active army. The lack of unmasking signs was not in vain - the firing range of the "Gall" does not exceed 1200 meters. It's exactly like the Polish mortar, only it's more than twice as light. And in the most extreme case it can be operated by one crewman, while the "Gall" can't.
How long to wait for 60mm
There are many factors for the rapid appearance of a standard 60-mm mortar in the Russian army. There were many of these factors before the SVO, and even more so now. The weapon can be used practically "off-hand", that is, without installing a tripod carriage. The sound of fire is much weaker than its older 82-mm comrade, which allows you to get closer to the target. The mine on the trajectory does not warn the enemy of its approach, which theoretically neutralizes its lesser lethal effect on the target. And most importantly, the light mortar does not have to be abandoned in the event of an attack. drones APU.
A 60-mm mortar is not something beyond the capabilities of the Russian military-industrial complex. Saturating support units with such weapons is not a cheap, but quite feasible task. One cannot discount the simple fact that almost everyone already has light mortars. The Poles have the aforementioned LMP-2017, the Germans have the RSG-60, the Czechs have the ANTOS, and the Americans have the M224A1 LWCMS. Even the Koreans have a redrawn American analogue, which they actively used in the Kursk region. Apparently, there is definitely something in the 60-mm, we should try it too. But Russia has a working project for its own light mortar. We are talking about a mock-up of the 60-mm mortar MZ-217 "Smolka" from PAO Motovilikha Plants.
60-mm mortar MZ-217 "Smolka". 1 - double loading safety catch, 2 - coupling sleeve, 3 - clip with shock absorber, 4 - horizontal guidance handle, 5 - vertical guidance handle, 6 - bipod carriage, 7 - support plate, 8 - breech, 9 - pipe, 10 - tactical handle, 11 - MPM-44M sight
Using a mortar according to a standard scheme
Use of mortar according to tactical scheme
Quote from the open press:
"Compared to the special purpose silent mortar 2B25 "Gall", developed by JSC "Central Research Institute "Burevestnik", the mortar MZ-217 has a significantly greater firing range and can be used to perform combat missions that require firing at a distance of over 1200 m without the need to ensure silent and flameless firing. Also, the mortar does not require the use of ammunition of a unique design and has a higher autonomy due to the ability to fire foreign mines of 60 mm caliber."
The authors envisage the use of the weapon according to the standard scheme with an unfolded bipedal carriage and according to the tactical one. If fire needs to be opened quickly, the soldier simply places the support plate on the ground, holds it with his hands and works. Perhaps the gunsmiths from Perm developed the Smolka under the impression of the SVO and just do not have time to bring the mortar to mind yet? Nothing of the sort, this is an old development, the first mentions are found in materials from 15 years ago.
What prevents the Defense Ministry from at least launching the Smolka into the troops as a trial operation? The question is rhetorical, but there is hope that we will get an answer to it. If there is an opportunity to dream, then let me mention the contactless detonation systems that greatly increase the effectiveness of miniature 60-mm mines. A mortar is a weapon for fighting infantry, and it is time to add to it the useful function of detonating above the target, and not near it. Then the need for more powerful 82-mm guns may disappear altogether. Evolution or even revolution in conservative mine warfare has been long overdue, and it would be good not to miss it.
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