Elbit Systems introduces enhanced light mobile mortar system

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Elbit Systems introduced an enhanced version of the SPEAR, lightweight, mobile mortar system.

The new patent-pending 120mm light vehicle-mounted Recoil Mortar System provides ground forces with improved mobility, lethality and accuracy across a wide range of operational scenarios Elbit Systems will showcase its latest autonomous Recoil Mortar System (RMS) for lightweight 4×4 combat vehicles at the 3rd International Fire Conference, held May 20-22, 2014, at ”Home of the Gunners” in Zikron Ya’akov, Israel.

Introducing a revolutionary technology, the advanced 2nd generation RMS reduces 120mm gun barrel firing recoil loads from 30 to less than 10 tons, enabling adaptability with previously non-installable Light Combat Vehicles (LCVs), such as (Humvees), jeeps and more. This capability significantly improves the maneuverability and operational performance of infantry forces, as it delivers immediate indirect artillery support for effectively engaging a wide range of targets.

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SPEAR lightweight, low recoil mortar undergoing firing tests. Photo: Elbit Systems

SOLTAM SPEAR’s lightweight, modular design enables high-speed, all-terrain vehicle mobility, as well as helicopter and cargo aircraft transportability – allowing rapid deployment in both close range and Special Forces counterinsurgency operations. SOLTAM SPEAR is equipped with cutting-edge fire control, navigation, automatic aiming and propulsion systems, which facilitate a fully-autonomous operation and provide increased fire power and accuracy (within 30 meters of the Circular Error Probability (CEP) radius. In addition, the RMS’’ advanced target data collection and identification capabilities enhance situational awareness and increase crew survivability. SOLTAM SPEAR is offered both independently as a standalone installation or as an integral part of a larger artillery unit or formation. It is compatible with all types of 120mm smooth bore mortar systems and munitions.

Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land and C4I, noted: Elbit Systems is a world leader in the field of mortar systems, and the CARDOM mortar is already in use by the IDF and other leading armed forces around the world. The SPEAR provides our customers with a broader range of capabilities and further establishes our leading position in this field. SPEAR addresses the operational demand for agile, accurate and precise mobile fire power, which enables operation deep within combat zones and the deployment of Special Forces. The full integration of SPEAR into Elbit Systems’ C4I systems allows rapid closure of sensor-to-shooter loops and enhanced operational effectiveness for ground forces”.

The SPEAR as shown at the International Fire Conference in Israel – Tuesday, May 20, 2014:

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The low recoil system developed by Elbit Systems’ subsidiary SOLTAM for the SPEAR system. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update
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The SPEAR system. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update