Mortier 120 mm Rayé Tracté Modèle F1#Operators

The MO-120 RT uses 120 mm rounds with a range of {{convert|8.2|km|abbr=on}} and the PRPA (RAP-Rocket Assisted Projectile) with a range of {{convert|13|km|abbr=on}}. The weapon can be fired either by dropping the round down the tube (after aligning of the rifling bands) resulting in an automatic firing once the bomb hits the tube base, or by a controlled firing by dropping the bomb down the tube and pulling on a lanyard that will in turn set off the triggering mechanism in the base of the tube.

Fired mortar rounds can reach as high as {{convert|4,000|m|abbr=on}} and hit the ground with an effective kill radius of {{convert|76|m|abbr=on}}.[https://www.marines.com/news/-/news-story/detail/news_12sep2014_tbsmarines_marinesmil TBS Marines Witness EFSS Mortar's Impact] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227024857/http://www.marines.com/news/-/news-story/detail/NEWS_12SEP2014_TBSMARINES_MARINESMIL |date=27 December 2016 }} - Marines.com, 12 September 2014

File:French MO-120-RT-61 and Véhicule de Tracte Mortier 120 during Operation Desert Shield.JPEG.]]

In French service, this weapon is normally towed by the VTM 120 (Véhicule Tracteur Mortier de 120 mm), a wheeled armored vehicle that is a derivative of the VAB 4×4 series of armored personnel carrier. Towing is accomplished by a towing hitch that is screwed onto the muzzle of the weapon. The VTM 120 also carries 70 rounds for the mortar and offers basic ballistic protection from small arms fire and shrapnel for the crew. The RT-61 can also be towed by the AMX-10 TM (Tracteur de Mortier), which is a version of the AMX-10P tracked APC or the future French Scorpion SERVAL Vehicle.

In France, the mortars which originally equipped infantry regiments, have now all been transferred to the artillery regiments, where they augment the 155 mm towed artillery.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

The manufacturer is Thales, with former company names TDA Armements, Thomson-Brandt, as mentioned above, Thomson-CSF/Daimler Benz Aerospace (France/Germany), and Hotchkiss Brandt (The Netherlands) as the "HB Rayé".

In Turkey, a variant was derived and manufactured by MKEK as the HY 12 mortar. It is towed by a Unimog light truck, carrying a crew of 6 with 60 mortar rounds. MKEK produces the "Mod 209 High-Explosive (HE) bomb" ammunition for this.{{cite web|title=MKEK 120 mm HY 12 mortar (Turkey), Mortars|url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/MKEK-120-mm-HY-12-mortar-Turkey.html|archive-date=26 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426183917/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Infantry-Weapons/MKEK-120-mm-HY-12-mortar-Turkey.html|url-status=dead|date=11 March 2009|work=Jane's Infantry Weapons|access-date=9 December 2018}}

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force operate the MO-120-RT both in the towed configuration as well as mounted in a vehicle, the Type 96.

File:JGSDF 120mm mortar RT-transport(20080113).JPG|Towed configuration in Japanese service. Prime mover is Toyota Mega Cruiser.

File:JGSDF version Type 96 Heavy mortar.jpg|JGSDF version Type 96 Heavy mortar

File:JGSDF_Type96_120M(SP).jpg|JGSDF SP Type 96 variant

{{main|2R2M mortar}}

File:Italian Army - 82nd Infantry Regiment "Torino" VBM Freccia Mortar Carrier.jpg 2R2M mortar]]

The 2R2M is a vehicle-mounted and automated mortar system derived from the MO-120 RT.{{cite encyclopedia|title=TDA 120 mm MO 120 RT rifled mortar|encyclopedia=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2002-2003|url=https://archive.org/details/Janes_Infantry_Weapons/page/n1835|pages=1835–1836|date=4 June 2001|first1=Terry J.|last1=Gander}}

The United States Marine Corps began looking for an expeditionary fire support system (EFSS) in 2001 after the start of operations in Afghanistan exposed their lack of expeditionary artillery lighter than a 155 mm howitzer but heavier than a 60 mm mortar. Early on, the 120 RT weapon became tied to the development of the MV-22 Osprey, which would contain a Growler ITV jeep that would tow it; both efforts were troubled and experienced delays. The EFSS was first used operationally in Afghanistan in February 2011, firing an M1105 illumination projectile.[http://kitup.military.com/2011/02/marines-finally-fire-their-their-osprey-mortar.html Marines Finally Fire Their Osprey Mortar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132234/https://kitup.military.com/2011/02/marines-finally-fire-their-their-osprey-mortar.html |date=1 December 2017}}, Kitup.Military.com, 20 February 2011 The full EFSS was introduced in 2009, consisting of two light vehicles, one towing the mortar and the other an ammunition trailer, that fit inside an MV-22 or CH-53E Super Stallion; an EFSS battery is made up of roughly 50 marines.[http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/12/16/marines-introduce-deadly-new-mortar-round/77372218/ Marines introduce deadly new mortar round] Marine Corps Times, 16 December 2015

From 2011 to 2015, the Marines and Raytheon developed the precision extended range munition (PERM) for the EFSS, a GPS-guided round that delivers greater range and better accuracy. The {{convert|35|lb|kg|abbr=on}} round increased range from {{convert|8|km|mi|abbr=on}} to {{convert|16|km|mi|abbr=on}}, falling within {{convert|10|m|abbr=on}} of the target and as close as two meters, costing $18,000 each, and having 2.5–3 times more lethality. The extra range came from tail fins for stabilization and canards near the nose to make in-flight adjustments and make it glide as it descends, and the greater lethality was a result of this flight path; normal artillery rounds impact at a 45-degree angle, which blows the top half of the round straight up into the air, but descending at a sharp angle places more energy and fragmentation directly on a target. It was even capable of hitting reverse slope positions by shaping its trajectory. Greater accuracy also reduces logistical burdens, as using fewer rounds to destroy one target means a unit can last longer without needing resupply. The PERM was to begin fielding in 2018. Raytheon planned to add semi-active laser (SAL) guidance to PERM rounds to enable them to hit moving targets.[http://archive.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20130202/NEWS/302020310/Guided-mortar-rounds-20-kilometer-range Guided mortar rounds have 20-kilometer range] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222150622/http://archive.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20130202/NEWS/302020310/Guided-mortar-rounds-20-kilometer-range |date=22 December 2015}}, Marine Corps Times, 2 February 2013[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/16/marines-to-receive-precision-guided-mortar-round-in-2018.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm Marines to Receive Precision-Guided Mortar Round in 2018] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712011153/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/16/marines-to-receive-precision-guided-mortar-round-in-2018.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=12 July 2018}}, Military.com, 16 December 2015[http://defense-update.com/20151210_perm.html Raytheon, IMI to Provide Guided Bombs for Marine Corps Mortars] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711185425/https://defense-update.com/20151210_perm.html |date=11 July 2018}}, Defense-Update.com, 10 December 2015

By December 2017, the U.S. Marines had divested the EFSS. With the Marines working to extend the range of their artillery arsenal, the EFSS' limited range was not seen as well suited for future missions, so it was chosen for divestment in favor of moving more resources for precision fires.[https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2017/12/19/marine-corps-ditches-towed-mortar-system-push-fund-modernization.html Marine Corps Ditches Towed Mortar System in Push to Fund Modernization] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018195314/https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2017/12/19/marine-corps-ditches-towed-mortar-system-push-fund-modernization.html |date=18 October 2018}}, Military.com/DoDBuzz.com, 19 December 2017 The role was later filled in 2021 by the Hero-120 loitering munition launched from various vehicles.[https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2021_global_security_army_industry/uvision_to_provide_hero-120_organic_precision_fires-mounted_aerial_loitering_munition_systems_to_us_marine_corps.html UVision to provide Hero-120 Organic Precision Fires-Mounted Aerial Loitering Munition Systems to US Marine Corps]. Army Recognition. 21 June 2021.

File:MO120RT rifling.png|M327 mortar rifling

File:MO120RT sight.png|M327 mortar sight

File:M327 120mm Mortar.jpg|M327 120 mm rifled towed mortar

File:USMC-110615-M-OO345-210.jpg|USMC M327 transported internally by an amphibious assault vehicle

File:USMC-120129-M-EE799-013.jpg|USMC high-explosive round showing rifling

File:Mortar 120mm F1.jpg|A MO-120 RT of the Cypriot National Guard

• {{BEL}}: 52 delivered in 1965–1966.{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=15 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=14 April 2010 |url-status=live}}
• {{CMR}}: 16 delivered in 1973.
• {{COL}}: 38 Turkish HY1-12 delivered in 2009.
• {{flag|Cyprus}}: 114 delivered in 1990–1991. 112 in service in 2016.{{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2016|date=February 2016|volume=116|isbn=978-1-85743-835-2 |publisher=Routlegde|ref={{harvid|The Military Balance 2016}}|author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies|page=85}}
• {{DJI}}: 20 delivered in 1981.
• {{flag|Gabon}}: 4 delivered in 1986.
• {{flag|France}}: 128 in 2016.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2016|p=404}}
• {{flag|Italy}}: 139 delivered between 2000 and 2004. The Military Balance gives 142 in service {{as of|lc=yes|2016}}.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2016|p=111}}
• {{JPN}}: 462 delivered between 1990 and 2017.
• {{KUW}}: ~12 in service.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2016|p=339}}
• {{KUR}}: Aided By France To Peshmerga Forces To Fight ISIS, Also Captured From The Old Iraqi Military During Operation Iraqi Freedom.{{cite news |title=The Status of Western Military Aid to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces |url=http://jcpa.org/article/the-status-of-western-military-aid-to-kurdish-peshmerga-forces/ |access-date=3 July 2019 |work=Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs}}International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Military Balance, 2017
• {{flag|Lebanon}}: 24 delivered in 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.inss.org.il/uploadimages/SystemFiles/lebanon.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=www.inss.org.il |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728223823/http://www.inss.org.il/uploadimages/SystemFiles/lebanon.pdf |archive-date=28 July 2016 |url-status=dead}}
• {{MEX}}: 32 delivered in 1988, still in service.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2016|p=404}}
• {{flag|Netherlands}}: 145 delivered in 1966–1968
• {{flag|Pakistan}}: In service with Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps."Armament Research & Development Establishment" (PDF). modp.gov.pk. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 May 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
• {{flag|Qatar}}: 200 in service {{Cite web|url=https://www.tacticalreport.com/qatar-army-plans-to-buy-120mm-mortar-carriers/|title = Qatar Army, plans to buy 120 mm mortar carriers|date = 7 July 2014}}
• {{SAU}}: 200 delivered in 1990–1991 and 25 2R2M in 2009–2010, both used by the National Guard.
• {{flag|Turkey}}: 127 deployed in Northern Cyprus {{as of|lc=yes|2016}}.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2016|p=87}}
• {{flag|Ukraine}}: 4 delivered by Belgium during Russian invasion of Ukraine{{cite web|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/08/a-show-of-shame-belgian-weapons.html|title=A Show Of Shame - Belgian Weapons Deliveries To Ukraine|access-date=Nov 27, 2022}}

• {{CAN}} {{dead link|date=September 2024}}
• {{flag|Iraq|1991}}{{cite book|title=Iraqi army equipment 1930–2017 |volume=2|url=https://archive.org/details/IraqiArmyEquipment1930-2017SpecialReportVol.2|page=[https://archive.org/details/IraqiArmyEquipment1930-2017SpecialReportVol.2/page/n114 115]}}
• {{flag|Rwanda|1962}}: 25 delivered in 1990–1991.
• {{USA}}: 66 delivered between 2008 and 2013—in service with the US Marine Corps as the M327 120 mm Expeditionary Fire Support System{{Cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/EFSSITV-The-US-Marines-Mobile-120mm-Mortar-System-06756/ |title=EFSS/ITV: The US Marines Mobile 120 mm Mortar System |access-date=17 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430143431/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/EFSSITV-The-US-Marines-Mobile-120mm-Mortar-System-06756/ |archive-date=30 April 2011 |url-status=live }} Phased out in 2017.{{Cite web |url=https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2017/12/19/marine-corps-ditches-towed-mortar-system-push-fund-modernization.html |title=Marine Corps Ditches Towed Mortar System in Push to Fund Modernization |date=19 December 2017 |access-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018195314/https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2017/12/19/marine-corps-ditches-towed-mortar-system-push-fund-modernization.html |archive-date=18 October 2018 |url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Panama}} Formerly used by the Panama Defense Forces{{cite book| last = Rottman| first = Gordon| author-link = Gordon L. Rottman| title = Panama 1989-90| publisher = Osprey Publishing| series = Elite| volume = 37| date = 2010| pages = 14, 15, 57, 62, 63| language = English| isbn = 9781855321564}}

• MO-120-LT – Smooth-bore version for the mountain artillery.

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons|MO-120-RT-61}}

{{Commons category|MO-120-RT-61}}

• [https://www.tda-armements.com/content/mo-120-mm-rt MO-120 RT-61 mortar on TDA Armements's official webpage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206002345/http://www.tda-armements.com/content/mo-120-mm-rt |date=6 December 2018 }}
• [http://www.mortarsinminiature.com/mortier_120mm.htm Mortier 120mm MO-120-RT-61]
• [https://www.scribd.com/doc/31453620/EFSS Scrbd: M327 EFSS]

{{Current French infantry weapons}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mortier 120 mm Raye Tracte Modele F1}}

Category:Mortars of France

Category:Post–Cold War artillery of France

Category:120 mm mortars

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1960s