The Brixia Model 35 mortar,Adopted by the Italian Army in 1935, the Brixia Model 35 mortar was a ver

The Brixia Model 35 mortar,Adopted by the Italian Army in 1935, the Brixia Model 35 mortar was a very small and compact mortar weighing only 34lbs (15.5kg). Ideally the Brixia was operated by a two man crew, however, it could easily be operated by a single soldier if necessary. The Brixia fired a 45mm high explosive fragmentation round that was small and only wieghed one pound.In order to make the shell so small, the shell lacked an ignition charge. Instead blank cartridges propelled the shell, with ten cartridges being loaded in a detachable magazine. The Brixia mortar could sustain a rate of fire up to 18 rounds a minute maximum, although 8-10 rounds per minute was more common. Maximum range was around 500 meters. The Brixia mortar had several limitations. It’s small shell was often ineffective against heavily fortified positions, and was mostly useless against armored vehicles. However it still offered a good amount of infantry support and fire suppression in a small little package. The Brixia Model 35 mortar in service with the Italian Army throughout World War II and was discontinued in 1950. -- source link

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