The Azerbaijani Army has intensified the live-fire training exercises of the crews for the newest Elbit Systems Cardom Hatchet Recoil Mortar System, according to the Ministry of Defense (MoD). The Cardom “Hatchet”, is an Israeli 81mm/120mm Recoil Mortar System (RMS), manufactured by Soltam Systems (now Elit System). It is used by the US Army, the Israel Defence Forces, NATO countries, and others. The Cardom is an autonomous, computerized system for mounting on light and medium armored carriers. The system provides accurate and effective fire support.
The system uses a new Computerized Integrated Navigation and Self Positioning and Aiming systems. Its modern Target Acquisition Devices together with a specially designed Recoiling Mortar System, attenuates the firing loads and enables mounting the systems on wheeled and tracked AFV’s, or even soft-skinned vehicles such as trucks. The CARDOM Aiming mechanisms are linked to state-of-the-art command, control and communication systems, to achieve quick response automatic laying mode. Using electrical servo motors the mortar barrel is then set at the exact traverse and elevation angles ready for firing.
