III.

Mortars

A mortar is a cannon that fires projectiles, called shells, in a high, arcing trajectory. This trajectory allows the shells to travel over obstacles to hit a target. Shells are loaded through the muzzle into a short barrel. They carry a charge that propels them from the barrel of the mortar. Mortars are particularly suited to warfare in difficult terrain. They are easily transported and simple to operate.

Like guns, the first mortars fired shells that did not explode. Later mortars fired shells filled with gunpowder. These shells had fuses and could be set to explode on impact, or just before they hit the ground. Mortar shells may also release shrapnel.