| Brandt Mle CM60A1 | |
|---|---|
 Muzzle of a Brandt Mle CM60A1 gun-mortar (left) on an HE-60-7 turret | |
| Type | Mortar |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1959–present |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Edgar Brandt |
| Designed | 1959[1] |
| No. built | 1,600+[2] |
| Variants | Brandt 60 mm LR Gun-mortar |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 1.21 metres (48 in)[3] |
| Caliber | 60 millimetres (2.4 in) |
| Elevation | -15° to +80°[2] |
| Traverse | Depends on mounting; up to 360°[4] |
| Effective firing range | 300 metres (330 yd) - direct fire[2] |
| Maximum firing range | 2,000 metres (2,200 yd) - indirect fire[4] |
The Brandt Mle CM60A1, also known as the Brandt HB 60LP, MCB-60 HB, or simply as the Brandt 60mm LP gun-mortar,[5] is a 60 mm (2.36 in.) gun-mortar.[4] Unlike conventional infantry mortars, it was not designed to be mounted on a bipod and a baseplate, but rather in the turrets of armoured fighting vehicles.[6] The CM60A1 could be fired at a very low angle of elevation, giving it a dual purpose as direct fire artillery. Its hydraulic recoil mechanism reduces peak loads, allowing it to be mounted in very light armoured cars, such as the Panhard AML-60, or wheeled armoured personnel carriers, like the Panhard M3.[4]
- ^ Defence Update (International). Defence Update G.m.b.H., 1984, 1984–85 Volume Collected Issues 48–58.
- ^ a b c Pretty, Ronald (1980). Jane's Weapon Systems, 1979–80 (1979 ed.). Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd. pp. 313–368. ISBN 978-0-531-03299-2.
- ^ African Defence Journal, Issues 17–28. The Journal, 1982, Collected Issues 17–28. p. 44.
- ^ a b c d Christopher F. Foss (1976). Jane's World Armoured Fighting Vehicles (1976 ed.). Macdonald and Jane's Publishers Ltd. pp. 211–218. ISBN 0-354-01022-0.
- ^ Interconair Armies & Weapons, Collected Issues 40-49. Interconair Media Group, 1978 p. 45-60.
- ^ "Cavalry Mortars — A Better Way". Armor magazine. Fort Knox, Kentucky: US Army Armor Center: 17–22. September–October 1995.