Is the trajectory of the mortar curved? How can we achieve a precise strike?

Because mortars are curved weapons, that is, the trajectory of projectiles in the air is a parabola with great curvature. If the target point is far away from the muzzle, direct fire is not applicable to mortars. After determining the exit velocity of the projectile, according to the parabolic formula, the shooting angle, that is, the rising angle of the muzzle, can be determined only by knowing the orientation and distance of the target.

1. In general, the observer first looks for the enemy and accurately determines the target position. Then calculate the shooting data. After calculating the range and firing angle, check the firing table to determine the elevation angle and charge number of the mortar (different charges correspond to different propellant powers).

2. The machine gunner issued a password: "Target, machine gun bunker under the building in front, shooting angle 530, second charge, third shot!" Then convert the dense position into an angle to determine whether the leveling tube is horizontal, turn the handwheel and set the elevation angle. If a crosswind is observed, it is necessary to correct the wind direction deviation.

3. The second gunner reloads the ammunition and fires according to the instruction, and then decides whether to shoot again after observing the shooting effect.

In an emergency, time is short, so it is often necessary to shoot quickly and roughly, so the PLA adopts a simple ranging method: thumb jumping ranging.

Close your left eye, straighten your arm and point your thumb at the target. Then close your right eye, open your left eye, and write down the position where your thumb is aligned at this time. Roughly calculate the distance between this position and the target according to the surrounding reference objects, and the distance multiplied by 10 is the target distance. The advantage of this ranging method is that it is convenient and fast. By using the length of the known interval as a "ruler" and comparing it with the target distance to be measured, the approximate distance can be measured.

The curve trajectory of mortar is high, and the aiming plane is three points and one line like a gun, so the distance is more troublesome. There is a formula table, without propellant charge, one to three propellant charges are different. Finally, there is a laser rangefinder, which is very convenient. Just consider the wind direction, wind speed and air density (altitude and latitude have a great relationship with air density).

If the ranging equipment is out of order, we can use experience or simple ranging methods. The cross sight distance of the human eye is about one tenth of that of the arm. The displacement distance of the thumb by alternately extending the thumb to the target with one eye. Then refer to the reference objects near the target, such as people, cars, the distance between two telephone poles and the direct distance between two windows (the standard approximate distance of China buildings is fixed). For example, the number of people near the target is one tenth of the alternating distance I observed, and the number is 1.7 meters, which means that 17 meters times 10, and the distance is 170 meters.

Mortar is a common weapon to support infantry operations. Because of its portability, flexibility and good suppression effect, it has become an extremely important conventional weapon for infantry.