F-853 160mm High-Explosive Fragmentation Mortar Bomb
1. Overview
The F-853 is a Soviet 160mm high-explosive fragmentation mortar bomb designed for use with heavy mortar systems including the 160mm M1943 (MT-13) and M-160 mortars. This large-caliber round represents the heavy end of Soviet mortar capability, providing devastating blast and fragmentation effects against fortified positions, troop concentrations, and hardened targets. The F-853 and its variants (F-853A, F-853U) have been employed in conflicts ranging from World War II through modern engagements, wherever Soviet-pattern 160mm mortars have been fielded.
2. Country/Bloc of Origin
- Country: Soviet Union / Russian Federation
- Development Period: World War II era (for MT-13 system); post-war improvements
- Production: Soviet state factories; production continued in Warsaw Pact nations
- Primary Use Period: WWII through Cold War; limited current use
The F-853 was developed to arm the 160mm M1943 (MT-13) mortar, which entered Soviet service in 1943 as the heaviest mortar employed by the Red Army during the Great Patriotic War.
3. Ordnance Class
- Type: Heavy mortar bomb (fin-stabilized, high-explosive fragmentation)
- Soviet Designation: Фугасная мина (High-Explosive Mine)
- Primary Role: Destruction of fortifications, anti-personnel, area suppression
- Delivery Method: Indirect fire from 160mm breech-loading mortars (MT-13, M-160)
4. Ordnance Family / Nomenclature
- Official Designation: F-853 (Ф-853)
- Family Variants:
- F-853 (Original WWII-era variant)
- F-853A (Improved variant)
- F-853U (Further development with enhanced characteristics)
- Associated Ammunition:
- Smoke variants for 160mm systems
- Illumination variants
- Practice rounds
System Compatibility
| Mortar System | Designation | Era | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160mm M1943 | MT-13 | WWII | Breech-loading, 5,100m range |
| 160mm M-160 | M-160/M1953 | Post-WWII | Improved range to 8,040m |
5. Hazards
Primary Hazards
- Massive Blast Effect: 160mm projectile with substantial explosive filler creates devastating overpressure
- Heavy Fragmentation: Large body produces numerous lethal fragments over wide area
- Structural Damage: Capable of destroying field fortifications, bunkers, and buildings
- Deep Crater: Creates significant crater, potentially damaging underground positions
Sensitivity Considerations
- Fuze Sensitivity: Soviet point-detonating fuzes are impact-sensitive when armed
- Mass: 40+ kg weight presents handling hazards
- Explosive Content: Large filler quantity increases consequences of accidental detonation
Kill Radius and Danger Areas
- Effective Fragmentation Radius: Significantly larger than 120mm rounds; estimated 50+ meters
- Danger Zone: Fragments may travel several hundred meters
- Structural Effects: Blast effective against buildings and fortifications
UXO Considerations
- 160mm UXO represents extreme hazard due to large explosive content
- Breech-loading design means rounds may be found with or without propellant
- Aged fuzes may be highly unstable
- Large size does not mean less sensitive—treat with extreme caution
6. Key Identification Features
Physical Characteristics
- Length: Approximately 750-850 mm (varies by variant)
- Diameter: 160mm (6.3 inches) body diameter
- Weight: Approximately 40-41 kg (88-90 lb) complete round
- Explosive Weight: Substantial filler (exact weight varies)
External Features
- Body: Cast iron construction for fragmentation effect
- Shape: Ogive nose with cylindrical body tapering to fin assembly
- Fin Assembly: Multi-fin stabilizer at base
- Fuze Well: At nose, accepts Soviet heavy mortar fuzes
- Size Comparison: Noticeably larger than 120mm rounds; comparable to artillery projectiles
Color and Markings
- Body Color: Typically grey or olive drab
- Markings: Cyrillic stenciling indicating lot, date, manufacturer, variant
- Designation Marking: “Ф-853” or variant designation
Distinguishing Features
- Massive size distinguishes from smaller mortar calibers
- Fin configuration specific to 160mm family
- Breech-loading design means no propellant increments attached to body (propellant loaded separately in MT-13/M-160 systems)
7. Fuzing Mechanisms
Standard Fuzing
The F-853 employs Soviet point-detonating fuzes similar to those used on other heavy indirect fire munitions.
Typical Fuze Types
- GVMZ Series: Impact fuzes with SQ and Delay options
- Mode Selection:
- Superquick for surface burst against troops
- Delay for penetration of fortifications/bunkers
Arming Sequence
- Loading: Round inserted into breech; propellant loaded separately
- Firing: Propellant ignition launches bomb
- Setback: Setback forces arm fuze mechanisms
- Flight: Fin stabilization maintains orientation
- Impact: Fuze functions on target contact
Functioning
- Mechanical impact initiates firing mechanism
- Detonator chain initiates booster
- Booster detonates main explosive charge
- Body fragments; blast effects propagate
Unique Considerations
Unlike muzzle-loaded mortars, the MT-13 and M-160 are breech-loading systems. The propellant is loaded separately from the projectile, similar to artillery. This affects:
- Handling procedures (projectile and propellant handled separately)
- UXO recognition (rounds found without attached propellant)
- Loading procedures (more complex than drop-fired mortars)
8. History of Development and Use
Development Background
The 160mm mortar was developed by the Soviet Union during World War II in response to the need for heavy indirect fire capability at the regimental level. The requirement was for a weapon capable of defeating German fortifications and bunkers that lighter mortars could not effectively engage.
Development Timeline
- 1943: 160mm M1943 (MT-13) mortar enters Soviet service
- WWII: F-853 ammunition employed against German forces
- Post-WWII: M-160 mortar developed with improved range (8,040m vs 5,100m)
- Cold War: Systems exported to allied nations
- Present: Limited use; largely superseded by other systems
Design Evolution
The MT-13 was originally conceived as a scaled-up 120mm mortar, but engineers quickly realized that muzzle-loading a 40 kg bomb into a 3-meter tube was impractical. The weapon was redesigned as a breech-loader with a hinged barrel and substantial recoil system to handle the massive forces involved.
Combat Employment
- World War II: Extensively used by Red Army during push into Germany, particularly effective in urban combat (Berlin, etc.)
- Post-War Conflicts: Deployed by Soviet allies in various regional conflicts
- Middle East: Used by Egyptian and Syrian forces
- Current Status: Largely obsolete; replaced by guided systems and long-range artillery
Organizational Employment
The Soviet Army deployed 160mm mortars at brigade level:
- Brigades contained 32 mortars (4 battalions × 8 mortars)
- Part of artillery divisions formed from 1944 onward
- Required substantial crew (6+ personnel) and vehicle support
Successor Systems
The 160mm mortar concept was further developed into:
- M-160 (improved 160mm mortar)
- 240mm M-240 mortar
- 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled 240mm mortar
9. Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 160mm (6.3 inches) |
| Complete Round Weight | ~40-41 kg (88-90 lb) |
| Body Material | Cast Iron |
| Explosive Filler | TNT, Amatol, or similar |
| Standard Fuze | GVMZ or equivalent (PD, SQ/Delay) |
| Maximum Range (MT-13) | ~5,100 meters (5,600 yards) |
| Maximum Range (M-160) | ~8,040 meters (8,790 yards) |
| Minimum Range | ~750 meters |
| Muzzle Velocity (MT-13) | ~245 m/s (804 ft/s) |
| Muzzle Velocity (M-160) | ~362 m/s (1,188 ft/s) |
| Rate of Fire | 2-3 rounds/minute (sustained) |
| System Weight (MT-13) | ~1,170 kg (2,580 lb) |
| Crew | 6 personnel minimum |
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the Soviets develop a 160mm mortar when 120mm was effective? A: The 120mm mortar, while effective against troops and light fortifications, lacked the destructive power to defeat substantial German bunkers and reinforced positions. The 160mm provided approximately four times the explosive payload of 120mm rounds, making it effective against hardened targets that smaller calibers could not adequately engage. It filled the gap between mortars and artillery.
Q: How does the breech-loading mechanism work on the MT-13? A: Unlike conventional muzzle-loading mortars, the MT-13’s barrel hinges forward on its bipod mount to expose the breech. The 40 kg projectile is loaded into the exposed chamber, propellant charges are loaded behind it, and the barrel is swung back into firing position, effectively “closing” the breech. A substantial recoil system absorbs firing forces.
Q: What is the difference between the F-853, F-853A, and F-853U? A: These represent evolutionary improvements to the basic design. The F-853A and F-853U incorporate manufacturing improvements, potentially modified fragmentation patterns, and enhanced reliability. Specific technical differences are not extensively documented in open sources, but all serve the same basic function and are externally similar.
Q: Is the 160mm mortar still in active service? A: The 160mm mortar systems (MT-13, M-160) are largely obsolete and have been withdrawn from most modern militaries. However, ammunition stocks exist globally, and the systems may still be encountered in some nations’ reserve stocks or among non-state actors. The role has been assumed by precision-guided munitions and longer-range artillery.
Q: How does the F-853 compare to the 240mm mortar ammunition? A: The 240mm mortar (M-240, 2S4 Tyulpan) represents a further scaling of the heavy mortar concept. The 240mm round weighs approximately 130 kg (versus 40 kg for 160mm) with correspondingly greater destructive effect. The 240mm systems were primarily intended for destroying heavily fortified positions and were even developed to deliver nuclear warheads.
Q: What hazards are unique to 160mm UXO compared to smaller calibers? A: The primary unique hazard is scale—a detonating 160mm round produces significantly greater blast and fragmentation effects than smaller rounds. The larger fuze and explosive content may also mean aged rounds are more unstable. Additionally, the size may give false confidence; a 160mm dud is no less dangerous than smaller calibers and may be more so.
Q: Why were 160mm mortars deployed at brigade rather than battalion level? A: The weight, size, and logistical requirements of 160mm systems precluded battalion-level deployment. The MT-13 weighed over 1,100 kg and required vehicle towing and a large crew. Concentrating these assets at brigade level allowed for massed fires while keeping the logistics burden at a level that could be adequately supported.
Q: Were 160mm mortars used in urban combat? A: Yes, extensively. The high-angle fire capability and massive destructive power made 160mm mortars highly effective in urban combat, particularly during the Soviet assault on Berlin in 1945. The ability to engage targets behind buildings and destroy fortified positions made them valuable urban warfare assets despite their size and weight.
This document is for educational and training purposes. All ordnance should be treated as dangerous until rendered safe by qualified EOD personnel. Report any suspected unexploded ordnance to appropriate military or law enforcement authorities.