The mortar of 120 mm of BRANDT’ conception have a rifled tube printing to the body of the ammunition, which pre-rifled in order to facilitate its descent at the bottom of the tube, a very rapid autorotation allowing to stabilize it on its whole trajectory and to reach a precision unmatched with a smooth tube. The 120 mm RT (Rifled Towed) moratar is the most lightweight air- and sea-transportable artillery piece available for force projection operations. Its robustness, reliability and light logistical footprint have made the 120 mm RT easy to operate, it can be hooked up simply to any kind of light, medium or heavy vehicle
The 120 mm RT entered service with French artillery units in the mid-1990s and has been considered an artillery weapon system since that time. Each operator in the French forces now receives dual training on 155 mm howitzers and the 120 mm RT heavy mortar. Its robustness, reliability and light logistical footprint have made the 120 mm RT the leading artillery fire support system deployed on expeditionary operations. With a maximum range of 8-13 km, tactical units can maneuver safely, relying on an effective indirect fire support capability that can easily be integrated into a complete artillery chain of command. Each operator in the French forces now receives dual training on 155 mm howitzers and the 120 mm RT heavy mortar.
In 1989, Japan looking for a heavy mortar, checked out all the best weapons in the world, including the 120 mm RT Mortar.After five years of intensive efforts by the technical and commercial teams, THOMSON BRANDT ARMEMENTS (TBA) signed a major contract covering the sale of the weapons, spare part kits and a licence to manufacture the Mo 120mm RT. It was a great success, obtained with the support from the French administration, the Army Staff, the ETBS (the Technical Establishment in BOURGES, and the quality of the operational demonstrations by the 35th Airborne Artillery Regiment (RAP) of TARBES. Since 1992, TDA ARMEMENTS SAS has concluded a partnership with some Japanese companies.
In association with the American company GENERAL DYNAMICS-ORDNANCE AND TACTICAL SYSTEMS (GD-OTS), TDA ARMEMENTS SAS and its teammate supply the United States Marine Corps (U.S.M.C) with the 120mm M327 Rifled Towed Mortar (RTM) and all associated ammunitions, under the code name Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS). TDA ARMEMENTS SAS provides a combat proven and robust weapon system, offering an efficient fire support capability that can be easily deployed in the framework of a joint-combined amphibious force. The Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) towed rifled mortar and accompanying ammunition trailer are designed to be internally transportable in the MV-22 Osprey, CH-53, C-130 and the C-5 aircraft.
TDA mortars are masterpieces of modern industrial technology. TDA has a long tradition of serving the armed forces, providing weapon systems and technologies that combine robustness, reliability and precision with a low logistical footprint and excellent value for money.The company is a preferred supplier of mortars and rocket systems to the French defence ministry and the armed forces of allied countries and friendly nations around the world. Some TDA weapon systems and munitions — such as TDA rifled mortars and induction rockets — are the only products of their kind available on the world market. TDA’s investments in research and development have brought significant improvements in weapon delivery precision, for example with guided munitions for both rifled and smooth-bore 120 mm mortars and the latest-generation air-launched rocket systems.
