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US Army conducts trials of new modular turreted mortar system in Arizona.
The U.S. Army is currently conducting a series of tests at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) in Arizona to assess the capabilities of the new Modular Turreted Mortar System (MTMS), also known as 'NeMo', as reported by the U.S. Army on May 7, 2024. Mounted on an Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), this semi-automated 120mm breech-loaded mortar system is undergoing rigorous evaluations to ensure it meets the Army's high standards for safety and performance.
The Modular Turreted Mortar System (MTMS), a semi-automated, single-barrel 120mm breech-loaded mortar system, is mounted on an Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle(Picture source: US Army)
Kevin Irr, a test officer from the Munitions and Weapons Division at YPG, stated that the evaluations began in January 2024 and are expected to conclude in July. These tests are crucial as they aim to validate the operational safety and effectiveness of the NeMo system in preparation for its presentation at the upcoming Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Moore in September.
The MTMS requires a vehicle commander for operation and two crew members for loading, emphasizing its semi-automated nature that incorporates advanced technology with manual support. The current testing phase focuses not only on confirming the system’s performance but also on ensuring it is safe for soldiers to operate.
According to Irr, the primary focus of the safety tests includes assessing the impact of vehicle operation on auditory health to protect soldiers from potential hearing damage caused by the high-intensity noise during firing. Additionally, the tests are examining the buildup of toxic fumes inside the vehicle, which can result from weapon firing and engine exhaust. Effective management of these fumes is crucial to safeguard the health of the crew.
The project, which dates back several years, began as part of a multi-phase foreign comparative test where the system's capability was initially evaluated on a foreign vehicle using U.S. ammunition. This initial testing sparked curiosity and led to further evaluations to integrate the system onto the AMPV, marking a significant step in its development.
Captain Mike Hapner from the Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems emphasized the strategic importance of the MTMS, noting its capability to shoot on the move, perform direct fire missions, and execute Multiple Rounds of Simultaneous Impact missions. These features address a crucial gap in the current mortar capabilities of the U.S. Army.
If successfully fielded, the MTMS would be a significant innovation in the U.S. military arsenal, addressing a crucial need for enhanced soldier protection during operations. This system allows mortar teams to deploy and use their weapons directly inside an armored vehicle, thereby providing an additional layer of security against enemy fire and projectile impacts. Furthermore, the MTMS increases the mobility of mortar units, enabling them to quickly reposition in response to tactical battlefield requirements without compromising crew safety. The integration of such systems directly meets the current needs of the U.S. Army for safer and more effective operations, particularly in hostile environments where troop protection is paramount.