The Model 35 was a muzzle-fed weapon in which the ammunition handler dropped the 81mm projectile into the launch tube. The projectile naturally fell towards the bottom of the tube atop an awaiting striker. The striker activated the projectiles propellant resulting in the shell existing the launch tube back through the muzzle end. The projectile simply followed the predetermined arc set forth by the elevation controls. Adjustments were naturally made for wind and other environmental conditions, sometimes requiring multiple successive shots to be made in "training" the weapon onto a target area.
The Model 35 was cleared to fire two standard projectiles, both of the high-explosive type with one intended for short-to-medium ranges and the other for long-range support. The long-range (light) version was a basic 7lb projectile which ranged out to 4,050 yards. The short-to-medium range version was a 15lb shell (heavy) ranged for target areas within 1,500 meters. A well-trained, disciplined and experienced crew could loose some 18 rounds per minute. Elevation spanned +4 to +90 degrees with traversal limited to 8 degrees. Muzzle velocity was rated at 515 feet per second.
Interestingly, the Model 35 could make use of both German and American 81mm ammunition which meant that it was something of a logistically-friendly weapon. In the latter case, the operators could benefit from captured stocks of enemy ammunition. While the British 3-inch mortar utilized the same caliber, it was not entirely compatible with the Italian Model 35.
For the Italian Army, six mortars were attached to a standard mortar company as part of an infantry regiment. Reportedly, these systems gave great service in their time, proving a sound and reliable product.
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