The US Army’s test centre Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is conducting a series of tests to assess the capabilities of a new modular turreted mortar system (MTMS).

The MTMS, known as ‘NeMo’, is a semi-automated 120mm single-barrel mortar system mounted on an armoured multi-purpose vehicle (AMPV), reported James Gilbert.

According to US Army YGP Munitions and Weapons Division test officer Kevin Irr, the evaluations for NeMo began in January 2024, and are currently underway, with completion expected in July.

Irr highlighted that the ongoing tests will help in validating the safety and performance of this breech-loaded mortar system, further ensuring its readiness for the upcoming Maneuver Warfighter Conference that will be held at Fort Moore in September.

The NeMo turret requires a vehicle commander for operation and two crew members for loading the turret.

The ongoing tests will also help the soldiers to practice operating the new turret before the final demonstration at the conference.

A final demonstration test is also scheduled to take place at the YPG to underline any potential concerns or the requirement of fine tuning the operating procedures before the AMPV-mounted weapon is presented at Fort Moore.

It also includes safety testing, which prioritises evaluating the impact of vehicle operation on soldier’s auditory health and to check the buildup of toxic fumes in the vehicle which is caused by firing and engine exhaust.

Irr added: “We are diligently verifying its advertised capabilities and making sure it is safe for soldiers to operate. Additionally, we’re conducting several other tests to gauge weapons system’s overall operability.”

The project’s origins trace back to a multi-phase foreign comparative test, where the US Army assessed the system’s compatibility with US ammunition on a foreign vehicle.

US Army Ground Combat Systems Program Executive Office captain Mike Hapner explained that the AMPV platform was selected for the MTMS to replace the Mortar Carrier Variant with an automated system.

Hapner added: “The US Army is interested in MTMS’ capability to shoot on the move, perform direct fire missions, as well as its capability to conduct Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact missions.”