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Type 89 "Knee Mortar"
The Type 89 "Knee Mortar" (jap. 八九式重擲弾筒 Hachikyū-shiki jūtekidantō) was the launcher used by Japanese forces during World War II. In reality, it was translated as "Leg Mortar" but poor translation changed it to Knee. This resulted in many GIs trying out captured ones by firing them from the knee, which led to multiple injuries.
The mortar was an unconventional design, more reminiscent of a stick than a conventional mortar. The height adjustment range was not changeable and was always at + 45 °. The range could be reduced by a rod which can be screwed into the pipe. As a result, the propellant charge of the grenade was ignited earlier, the gases had more expansion margin and the range decreased. In addition to the usual fin-stabilized bullets, it was also possible to shoot ordinary hand grenades, which were provided with an extra propellant charge.
Since the mortar had no bipod, the shooter had to hold the tube while firing. Therefore, the shooting was usually done so that the shooter knelt behind the gun. The knee mortar was mounted on a base plate and while squatting on it could come through the massive recoil to bone fractures. Even if the mortar could be operated by one person, usually a three-man team was used.
Specifications
- Calibers: 50mm
- Barrel Length: 24.0 inches
- Weight: 4,7 kg
- Maximum range: 732,72 yards
- Rate of fire: 25 rounds per minute
The Type 89 "Knee Mortar" and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:
Film
| Title | Character | Notation | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daughters of China (Zhong Hua nu er) | Japanese soldiers | 1949 | |
| Windtalkers | Japanese soldiers | 2002 | |
| The Great Raid | Japanese soldiers | 2005 | |
| Flags of Our Fathers | Seen among dead Japanese soldiers | 2006 |
Television
| Title | Character | Notation | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baa Baa Black Sheep | Japanese soldiers | 1976-1978 | |
| The Pacific | Japanese soldiers | Part 6 | 2010 |
Video Games
| Game Title | Appears as | Mods | Notation | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forgotten Hope | 2003 | |||
| Red Orchestra 2: Rising Storm | 2013 |
Anime
| Title | Character | Note | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team | Anti-Zeon guerrillas | "The Time Limit on Trust" | 1995-1999 |