Mortar Versus Field Cannon: Which Is Louder?

When discussing artillery, the comparison often arises between mortars and field cannons. While mortars are known for their smaller, lighter projectiles and lower velocities, they are typically quieter than their field artillery counterparts. However, when it comes to sheer noise levels, both types of artillery have their own unique characteristics that can be surprisingly loud.

Difference in Sound and Effectiveness

Mortars usually fire smaller, lighter projectiles and propel them with lower velocities. This results in a quieter noise profile as compared to field artillery. One could argue that if you’ve ever heard a mortar being fired, it sounds similar to a firework launch. Mortars often use a small, short-barreled design to launch projectiles into the sky with less noise than traditional cannon fire.

Loudest Sound: Mortar vs Field Cannon

To determine which is louder, we need to look at the propellant charges and muzzle velocities associated with these artillery types.

Mortar shells generally use less propellant and leave the tube at subsonic velocities. Some may reach transonic levels, but rarely exceed 400 m/s. On the other hand, field artillery cannons have significantly higher muzzle velocities. The UK's L119 M119 105 mm howitzer has a muzzle velocity of nearly 500 m/s, while the American M777 155 mm howitzer pushes up to 827 m/s.

Due to the larger propellant charges and higher velocities used by howitzers, they are much louder. Personal experiences from living near artillery schools, such as Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Idar-Oberstein, Germany, provide a vivid illustration. The old M110 8-inch 203 mm howitzers from Fort Sill could be heard several miles away, generating a massive boom due to their large propellant charges of up to 50 pounds (23 kg).

Impact on Hearing and Perception

The noise from high-velocity tank guns like the Rheinmetall Rh-120 M256 is even louder, with muzzle velocities nearing Mach 5. However, these guns are generally closer to the shooter and the higher-frequency sound doesn't carry as far. Mortars, despite being seemingly quieter, can still produce a loud "plop" sound. This is often captured on camera, but in real life, the shockwave effect can be felt in your organs.

Silenced Mortars and Field Cannons

It's worth noting that there are silenced versions of mortars available, which can reduce the noise considerably. However, even in their regular form, mortars are still quite loud. The L119 M119 105 mm howitzer, for example, still produces a significant loudness due to its high velocity.

Conclusion

While mortars are generally quieter, both types of artillery can produce impressive noise levels. Understanding the characteristics of each can help in appreciating the differences and similarities in their sound profiles. Whether it's the boom from howitzers or the "plop" from mortars, the experience of artillery fire is often both awe-inspiring and hearing-disrupting.