SAHA EXPO 2024: SAVER demonstrates the SM-81 Keskin 81mm mortar system
At the SAHA EXPO 2024 exhibition, Türkiye’s SAVER Advanced Defense Technologies, a subsidiary of Ermaksan, presented the SM-81 Keskin, a new 81mm breech-loading mortar system that has completed its seven-year development process in 2023 and is now ready for production. The system was developed using internal research and development funding and is designed for various operational environments.
The SM-81 Keskin features an 81mm barrel, a length of 1.453 meters, with a hand-operated vertical sliding breech mechanism, with a screw breech also considered as a possible option. The mortar offers full 360-degree traverse and an elevation range from -5 to +82 degrees, both of which are manually controlled with an elevation and traverse indicator. A hydro-pneumatic recoil system is mounted above the barrel. The system’s maximum range is listed as 6,100 meters, with a minimum range of 100 meters, depending on the projectile and charge combination used. Firing is controlled through a trigger mechanism.
This mortar system is designed for both indirect and direct fire. Its direct-fire capability is supported by a six-times magnification day sight, a thermal imaging camera, and a laser rangefinder with a maximum range of 6,000 meters. For indirect fire, the system is muzzle-loaded, with two firing options: conventional firing when the bomb hits a fixed trigger pin, or trigger firing, where the firing pin is controlled via a trigger mechanism. When used for direct fire with the barrel below 30 degrees, the system is loaded from the breech.
The SM-81 Keskin can use standard 81mm mortar ammunition, including high-explosive, smoke, and illuminating types. A 10.1-inch display screen is mounted on the left side of the system, providing a digital map and ballistic calculations for elevation and traverse. The system also includes GPS/INS technologies for more efficient and accurate target engagement.
Weighing 450kg in total, including the pedestal, the system can be mounted on the rear platform of a light truck for mobility. Its pedestal has a diameter of 770mm, and the complete system measures 1,980mm in height when fully extended and 1,005mm at its minimum height. In addition to vehicle mounting, the system can be used for base defense when installed in a fixed position. Saver is also working on developing turret-mounted and towed variants to increase its versatility.
The design of the SM-81 Keskin offers 360-degree firing capability without the need for reorientation between shots, which reduces the time spent adjusting the weapon, potentially limiting exposure to counter-battery fire. The system’s design also allows for ease of use in challenging terrains, and its parts require minimal maintenance.
SAVER Advanced Defense Technologies specializes in academic, engineering, and scientific research in both civil and military fields. The SM-81 Keskin, with a local content rate of over 90%, was developed as a cost-efficient solution for applications such as police stations, base areas, temporary base areas, vehicle-mounted operations, and watchtower defense.