U.S. Army Develops Enhanced 81mm Mortar Cartridges to Improve Range and Lethality

Engineers at Picatinny Arsenal's DEVCOM Armaments Center are developing an enhanced 81mm mortar (E81) cartridge aimed at increasing the range and lethality of 81mm mortar systems. The E81 project seeks to achieve 120mm mortar-like performance while maintaining portability.

This initiative is part of the Enhanced Range and Lethality Mortar Systems (ERLMS) program. The Infantry Battalion Mortar System (IBMS) is also in development, focusing on improving survivability and lethality on the battlefield.

The project leverages existing technologies and involves industry partners through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) to ensure effective and producible designs. The E81 cartridge is expected to significantly enhance mortar capabilities in future combat scenarios and integrate within existing mortar architectures.