DSEI 2023: Elbit Systems details Crossbow mortar system

Elbit Crossbow lightweight turret mortar system on show at DSEI 2023 in London. (Janes/Andrew Galer)

Elbit Systems revealed further details of its Crossbow lightweight turret mortar at DSEI 2023 in London and displayed a mock-up that included the system that allows the barrel to be loaded in any position. Crossbow was first announced at the IAV 2023 conference.

Using a novel ratchet system, one of the six immediately available rounds rotates on a turntable and then moves on a ratchet arc within the loader housing so it is positioned at the correct angle to allow loading to the breech. This removes the need to return the barrel to an index and elevation position before the round is loaded and speeds up the process to a rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute.

As disclosed earlier, the mortar system is intended for integration on 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles, but will enter service with the Israel Defense Forces in 2025 as a static turret for border defence in the first instance, before being integrated on a vehicle.

If configured for the Boxer vehicle, the available ammunition carried is expected to be 65 rounds and the mortar will feature a 3 m-long barrel.