Explosiveammunition that is loaded in and fired from mortars. It is also commonly referred as mortar round or bomb. It comes in various calibers. Mortar shells generally comes in two main varieties: fin-stabilized and spin-stabilized. Lighter (approximately 60 mm) mortar shells could be thrown by hand like grenades, but with shorter range due to its weight and higher risk. In fact, few soldiers during World War II could do that. This action is featured on movies like Saving Private Ryan and Hacksaw Ridge.
Mortars can fire different types of shells. Some of these are:
High explosive. This is a normal round which explodes when it hits the ground.
Smoke round. This creates thick smoke, it can be various colours. It is fired on enemy positions or in open areas to block visibility, so friendly forces can move without being visible.
White phosphorus. This makes a thick smoke screen to blind and burn the enemy, causing second and third degree burns from the explosion.
Illumination round. This is a flare which hangs underneath a parachute. It lights up the battlefield at night.
