RUAG of Switzerland have developedan autonomous, smoothbore,recoiled 120 mm mortar system, designed for installation on mobile platforms such as light APCs and trucks. Among the platforms tested were Mowag 8×8 Piranha and M-113. The Bighorn system can fire all types of 120mm mortar ammunition, including guided projectiles such as STRIX and Cargo munitions. he system is designed for autonomous operation, including integral navigation, positioning and fire control capabilities. When fully configured for autonomous operation, Bighorn can deploy into a firing position, fire and leave quickly before being intercepted by enemy counterfire.
calibre | 120 mm |
barrel length | 2000 mm |
recoil travel | 300 mm |
system weight | <1490 kg |
elevation | 40 to 85° |
traverse | ±45 ° (optional 360°) |
range | up to 10 km |
rate of fire | burst: 4 rds in <20 s |
sustained: 4 rds/min up to 150 rds | |
intense: 6 rds/min up to 64 rds (depending on charge) | |
navigation accuracy | 0.50% DT CEP (X-, Y-coordinate) |
0.25% DT RMS (altitude) | |
positioning accuracy | 3.00‰ RMS (azimut) |
2.00‰ RMS (elevation) | |
required vehicle power supply | 24 V DC MIL STD 1275 A |
top rate electric current | <210 A |
duration of top rate | < 5 ms |