The disadvantage of classic towed mortars is that they are mechanical and human power has to be pulled somewhere, unpack all the dishes there and start firing. If an immediate change of position is necessary, it will take some time for the soldiers to move the entire set.
Photo: Lukáš Kukla
The model 85 self-propelled mortar was developed in Dubnica nad Váhom.
Czechoslovak engineers were aware of this, which is why in the 1980s in Dubnice nad Váhom, they developed the model 85 self-propelled mortar, which was built on a modified chassis of the first-generation infantry fighting vehicle and therefore eliminated the potential disadvantages of towed mortars. Since it is unique, we went to Přáslavice to see it at the 72nd Mechanized Battalion of the 7th “Dukelská” Mechanized Brigade, where this car serves.
The official description of the use of this vehicle will at least amuse you – it is used to silence and destroy the enemy’s manpower, equipment and firepower deployed freely in the terrain, in cover and shelters. It is also used for demolishing trenches, light wooden structures and creating passages in wire barriers.
Photo: Lukáš Kukla
To silence and destroy manpower, the mortar has a number of tools.
We were amused by the silencing, but we are not surprised, because the mortar cannon has a caliber of 120 mm, unique automatic loading for its time, a rate of 18 to 20 rounds per minute and firing in the range of 40° to 85° at a distance of 504 to 8,036 m. And when this mortar rain starts raining down on you, you have practically no chance to escape and you’re not into talking/singing at all.
And if you do, and you get close to this highly mobile four-seat mortar (driver, gunner, commander, loader), its integrated 12.7 mm machine gun with a capacity of 720 rounds will make emmental cheese out of any living force and lighter combat equipment. However, you may be surprised to see the 9K113 Konkurz anti-tank set, RPG-75 armored personnel carrier, hand grenades or modern BREN 2 assault rifles.
Photo: Lukáš Kukla
The large caliber machine gun will also offer devastating power.
In addition, the vehicle can swim, carries its own supply of mines (up to 80 pcs), has an automatic fire extinguishing system, its own radio station with a range of up to 5 km and an efficient air filter device. For that reason, ShM vz. 85 to operate even in infested areas.
Powering the vehicle is a water-cooled, direct-injected, water-cooled flat-six diesel engine, while shifting is handled by a five-speed manual with one reverse gear. The maximum on the road is 63 km/h and the operational range is up to 550 km, mainly thanks to two fuel stations with a total volume of 500 l. The off-road consumption is also sympathetic, which is one hundred per hundred.
Photo: Lukáš Kukla
The vehicle is controlled by handlebars and pedals.
The model is controlled by handlebars and pedals like in a car. The tracked vehicle can also turn on the spot. When traveling, the mortar can be lit with two halogen lamps, and it also has a night vision light for movement at night.
The vehicle has never been in combat action, however, according to its driver Michal Doseděl from the 72nd Mechanized Battalion from Přáslavice, it is ready for battle at virtually any time. According to him, the only specific feature of this technique is the control of the rear tension wheel of the belt, otherwise the machine pedals like clockwork.
Photo: Lukáš Kukla
In addition, it is a rarity, as only twelve pieces of this self-propelled mortar were produced, one of which is only a trainer located in the military museum in Lešany. However, the remaining eleven pieces work and are in active service, of which eight are here and three are in Slovakia.
The machine is really nice, but we still kind of hope that it will never have to go out into sharp action. But if so, it’s good to have such a capable partner on your side.
Technical dataShM vz. 85 Crew 4 people Weight 16,000 kg Total length 7,470 mm Total width 2,940 mm Total height 2,940 mm Ground clearance 370 mm Engine UTD-20 six-cylinder diesel fork Permanent drive Transmission manual, 5+1 Speed on the road 63 km/h Driving range on the road 550 km Rate of fire 18 to 20 rounds/min.
2024-02-06 04:00:00
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