81mm Barrage Mortar as used by Japanese forces in the Pacific. One of several versions that fired canisters of multiple ‘parachute strung’, high explosives . Usually used where U.S. & Allied fighter aircraft were attacking at low altitude on known Japanese positions. The concept and design of the shells was to either intercept aircraft by way of tethered 30 foot cords that would initiate explosion on contact , or by direct contact of the shell with the aircraft. Conceptually, the Japanese soldiers would estimate avenue of attacking aircraft before they arrived, and use a form of ‘Kentucky Windage’ to estimate launching angle of attack and drift with air currents. Variations exist, but rounds launched to @ 4,000 feet in altitude, would descend to between @1,400-1,600’ where parachute strung explosives were released to slowly descend where low flying aircraft were prevalent in strafing runs. Bomblets would detonate after individually falling 500-1,000 feet if they did not strike an aircraft. Similar, but smaller in length to the 70mm Barrage Mortars found on Attu & Kiska islands, This 81mm model was more prevalent during the ‘island hopping’ campaigns. A staple for defenses in the Philippines and Okinawa. New with carrying strap & markings. Diameter of tube is slightly smaller than original, but very close in size and made of steel as is the spike on the bottom. The base ‘plate’ is just like the original…. A block of hardwood. Additionally, a ‘kanji’ marked data plate is installed in the wood block. We will have more Mortar Rounds (inert), for this shortly, but for now, we sell this as just the ‘Mortar’ with ‘sling’. A novel approach to defeating low flying aircraft and every flyer’s nightmare! Pilots considered these parachute explosives as ‘Dangling Death’. This unit ships to you in three pieces in one box, but takes only @ 4-5 minutes to assemble. Once set up, and the base spike is inserted in the ground, the Mortar Tube on block stands about 41 inches high. New and non-firing.
******First time offered to the public******
