Artillery: October 4, 1999

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All these little wars also create a demand for inexpensive, quick and accurate artillery systems. Mortars can do the job if they are self-propelled and take advantage of the latest technology (computers and GPS) for fire control. DDGM, which makes of the LAV25 series of armored cars, is developing a 120mm turreted mortar for Saudi Arabia. This model uses a more powerful fire control system (based on the one used in the current US Army Paladin self-propelled artillery), which allows the mortar to be quickly fired right after the vehicle stops. This is a big improvement over existing self-propelled 120mm mortars. These models require that the mortar be lowered to the ground and the crew must then dismount to fire it.