Tel Aviv: Israeli company Elbit Systems has unveiled its Crossbow Next Generation Turreted Mortar System. The automatic mortar system was developed by Elbit Systems’ Land under an Israel Defence Force contract and is MIL-STD-810G compliant.
According to the company, the Crossbow system has a capability of shooting the first round in less than 30 seconds, has a maximum rate of ten rounds per minute with a sustained rate of fire of six rounds per minute, with a short sensor-to-shooter circle. It can fire a variety of munitions including the Iron Sting guided mortar munition providing effective range of up to 10 kilometres. No indexing loading is required for the Crossbow turret and it has the capability of 360 degree infinite pivot.
Designed for UT-120m turrets, it can be integrated onto 6X6, 8X8 wheeled platforms and tracked vehicles as well as stationary platforms. This makes Crossbow fully compatible with existing NATO ammunition requirements. The Crossbow is fitted with a computerised fire control system, a land navigation system and can be operated in a GPS denied environment.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit System Land said that the Crossbow is the latest and an important addition to the company’s portfolio of automated turret systems.
“It is the only automated turret on the market and offers high-performance and precision firepower,” Vered added.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
