Description
U.S. 81mm M4A1 Mortar Fin Assembly
Item Overview
This U.S. 81mm M4A1 mortar fin assembly is the tail section used on several earlier American mortar projectiles. The component attached to the base of the projectile body and provided the stability needed for accurate flight. This listing is for the M4A1 fin assembly only, not a complete mortar round.
Identification and Features
The M4A1 designation applies to the fin assembly rather than a complete projectile. Its construction includes fixed stabilizing fins, a hollow central shaft for the standard ignition components, and openings that allowed the ignition flame to reach the propellant increments fitted around the shaft.
- Official designation: Fin Assembly M4A1
- Caliber: 81mm
- Component type: Mortar projectile tail and fin section
- Documented ammunition: M56A1 high-explosive, M57A1 smoke, and M301A1/M301A2 illuminating rounds
- Additional applications: Selected U.S. Navy Mark-series 81mm projectiles
- Status: Inert
Historical Background
The U.S. military adopted the 81mm mortar before World War II as a portable source of high-angle fire for infantry units. The M1 mortar served extensively during World War II and the Korean War, firing high-explosive, smoke, illumination, and other specialized projectiles. In a complete round, the primer and ignition cartridge started the propellant charge, launching the projectile from the mortar tube. The M4A1’s fixed fins then stabilized the projectile during flight. Later 81mm systems, including the M29 mortar, continued the same infantry-support role during the Cold War and Vietnam era as newer ammunition and fin designs gradually replaced earlier components.
Condition
This item is an inert M4A1 fin assembly. It does not include a projectile body, fuze, propellant increments, or the other parts required to form a complete 81mm mortar round. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This historic mortar component is suitable for collections, exhibits, and technical displays focused on U.S. infantry weapons and military ammunition.
- U.S. mortar and infantry-weapons collections
- Museum and educational exhibits
- Historic ammunition-component displays
- Technical study of mortar projectile construction
Approx length 7.5", Approx width 3", Approx height 3", Approx weight 0.4lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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