Compact, lightweight mortars help light infantry and special operations forces bring indirect fire support to wherever and whenever it’s needed. Dropping mortar shells on top of entrenched opponents at distances beyond which they can lay down suppressive fire with small arms also enables light forces to gain a tactical battlefield advantage.
For these very reasons, Rheinmetall has developed their new RSG60 60mm mortar specifically for light infantry and special operations forces. The RSG60 features innovative design and engineering characteristics which make this indirect fire system very light and easy to handle. A few quick manual adjustments turn the 15.8 kg standard infantry version into a commando mortar weighing just 6.8 kg, with no need for tools. This makes the RSG60 a two-in-one solution.
RSG60 in standard Infantry configuration. Photo: Rheinmetall
Depending on the ammunition and charges, the standard version can attain ranges of up 3,200 metres. Equipped with a thirty centimetre-longer barrel, the range increases by around 500 metres. The commando variant of the RSG60 has a range of around 2,000 metres.
About 70 centimetres long, the barrel is made of steel with a carbon fibre over-wrap. This assures the necessary stability at the same time as lower weight, resulting in a barrel that weighs around 30 percent less than a conventional steel mortar. The base plate is made of carbon fibre composite material. The novel design of this indirect fire weapon not only saves space, it can be set up and ready to fire in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, by loosening the retaining bolts, it is possible to separate the RSG60 from the base plate in around thirty seconds, transforming it into lighter-weight commando mortar.
RSG60 in lightweight Commando configuration. Photo: Rheinmetall
Development of the new mortar began in October 2017 at Rheinmetall Waffe Munition. Rheinmetall’s objective was to augment the Group’s versatile family of 60mm ammunition and existing Rheinmetall Electronics fire control technology with a matching, future-oriented weapon system. Right from the start, development work therefore focused on low weight, speed and ergonomics.
RSG60 Infantry version in transport configuration. Photo: Rheinmetall
The RSG60 has undergone repeated successful test firings.