According to a video published on YouTube on January 7, 2022, the Chinese army has performed live firing tests with a new 120mm autonomous soft recoil mortar system mounted on a Dongfeng Mengshi CSK131 light tactical vehicle in 6x6 configuration.
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The new 120mm automatic mortar system is mounted on Dongfeng Mengshi CSK131 light tactical vehicle in a 6x6 configuration. (Picture source Youtube video CCTV)
According to our first analysis, the 120mm mortar system mounted on the Dongfeng Mengshi CSK131 can work in fully autonomous mode, in fact, the carriage of the mortar system is equipped with an automatic ammunition loader mounted on the upper part of the mortar tube.
The Chinese 120mm automatic mortar system seems very similar to the American Dragon fire or the South Korean Wia. The front of the vehicle is fitted with a double cab with two doors on each side. The rear part of the vehicle has been converted to host the 120mm mortar system.
The principal aim to use that type of 120mm mortar system is to transform the process of firing mortar shells into an automated procedure, one resulting in increased efficiency, safety, and effectiveness.
The new Chinese 120mm mortar system integrates an automatic ammunition loading system, a fire control system, and a barrel guidance system. According to Chinese military sources, the vehicle is also equipped with an inertial navigation system and a battlefield management system.
