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| Soltam A7 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mortar |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Soltam |
| Manufacturer | Soltam Systems |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | A7 387 kilograms (853 lb) A7A2 440 kilograms (970 lb) |
| Crew | 4-5 |
| Shell | Standard 120mm NATO mortar round |
| Caliber | 120 mm |
| Elevation | +40°/+85° |
| Traverse | -20°/+20° |
| Rate of fire | 1st minute: 13 rounds burst, 4 rounds per minute sustained thereafter. |
| Maximum firing range | 200–9,500 metres (220–10,390 yd) |
The 120 mm A7 long-range Mortar is a new[ when? ] development of the Soltam, it was designed for rapid deployment units and for operation by 4-5 personnel, developed from A4 and it latest version A7A2 fires to range of 8,500 metres (9,300 yd) using the M59 bomb and 9,500 metres (10,400 yd) with the M100 bomb. [1] Minimum crew of 4 is required to operate the mortar due to its unique design carriage, from which the weapon is not dismounted for use (although, when being fired the Mortar does not rest on its wheels). The carriage is a lightweight two-wheeled carriage with a torsion-bar suspension. It enables the Mortar to be towed behind any vehicle with a towing hook of the right height and size, as well as being pulled by troops or air lifted.
In some roles the carriage is not used and the Mortar is brought into action without it. The A7 Mortar can be brought in and out of action by 4 crew members in less than 1 minute. In addition to supporting the Mortar, the carriage carries the accessories and tools that are required for operating and maintaining the weapon, which includes an extractor to facilitate the safe removal of the projectile in the event of a misfire.