Brian Keith
Well-Known Member
Chinese Communist
Type 53, 82mm Mortar
The Chinese Type 53 was a direct copy of the Soviet M37. This was a conventional muzzle-loaded, drop-fired, smoothbore weapon. The 82mm mortar was the standard caliber for Soviet influence communist forces including the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) and North Vietnam. 82mm mortars (classified as 'medium' mortars) proved very popular as they combined high portability with firepower. These were popular with the VC because it could be quickly broken down into three, one-man loads; the tube, the bipod and the base plate, plus ammunition.
Although the Communists' weapons were usually 82 mm, they could fire US and NATO 81 mm rounds with a slight loss of accuracy. This adaptability did not apply in reverse. These mortars were automatic drop fired, from a fixed firing pin. They used a Brandt-type bipod with elevating screws and traversing gear at the top. They weighed around 57 kg (114 lb) and had a barrel length of about 1,200 mm (1.31yd). The rates of fire were between 15 and 25 rpm. The ranges were at a minimum about 100 m (109 yd) and at maximum approximately 3,000 m (3,281 yd). The bombs were impact detonated and weighed about 3 kg (6.61b) each. They were of HE (High Explosive), and smoke types. The Vietnamese developed a chemical delay fuse, which was activated on impact and delayed the explosion. This was used with HE rounds.
With a range of over two miles, the 82mm mortar could be considered an ideal standoff weapon. However, weighing over 100-lbs when fully assembled, the crew would have to drop the rounds in rapidly and then move, since counter-battery fire by US artillery and aircraft was very effective and it took a little bit of time to break the mortar down into the three carrying loads. For this reason the medium mortars were often used from established positions and the mortar either camouflaged or dismantled and hidden after use. These are still in use by PRC Forces, former Soviet and Chinese Communists influenced countries.
This example (the bipod and baseplate) was captured from the Viet-Cong or North Vietnamese Forces during the Vietnam War by troops of the 101st Airborne Division. The refinished bipod shows bullet damage and the base plate still has original, field-made carrying straps. The tube is a non-fireable replica, slightly smaller than the original. Collection of the Museum of the Soldier, Inc. Potland, IN. We are looking for a couple Vietnam-War era Chinese made rounds to exhibit with this display. We also need proper sights for these, we can use four. Hope you enjoyed seeing it. BKW
