The Model 201 mortar system, also referred to as the Model 201 mortar,[2] or simply, as the 201 mortar,[1] was a type of portable mortar artillery system manufactured by Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc. which cost 5,400 credits to purchase.
Characteristics
The Model 201 could launch variable ordnance, including canister-shaped thermal detonators.
The Model 201 mortar consisted of three components, the launcher, munitions magazine, and a heavy bipod.[3] Being collapsible,[2] it was carried by multiple soldiers and operated by one. The Model 201 was also a smoothbore weapon, and possessed an electromagnetic mass-driver system to launch large-calibre shells over great distances. It was the weapon of choice for foes behind heavy cover, it fired projectiles in the trajectory of an arc, rather than a direct line.[3] The mortar system enabled specialised soldiers that carried this weapon, to launch explosives with pinpoint accuracy.[2]
History
The Clone Wars
The Model 201 mortar was used by the Galactic Republic's clone army during the Clone Wars against the Confederacy of Independent Systems, the Model 201 was carried by teams three specialized clone artillery troopers, each of whom carried one part of the weapon. Efficient mortar teams could keep up a rapid rate of fire in the field.[3]
Imperial and New Republic Eras
An artillery stormtrooper loads an armed thermal detonator into the Model 201's launch tube.
During the Imperial Era, the Model 201 mortar was utilized and deployed by the specialized artillery stormtroopers of the Galactic Empire when its forces required additional firepower.[2] An artillery stormtrooper, who was part of Moff Gideon's Imperial remnant, used the Model 201 to fire cylinder-shaped thermal detonators[1][2] during a skirmish on Tython in 9 ABY.[4]
Behind the scenes
The Model 201 mortar system was first mentioned in Rise of the Separatists, a roleplaying supplementary sourcebook for the Star Wars Roleplaying series that was published by Fantasy Flight Games in 2019.[3] It first appeared in the "Chapter 14: The Tragedy," the sixth episode of Star Wars: The Mandalorian's second season, albeit not identified as such,[4] but was later confirmed to be the same weapon mentioned in Rise of the Separatists by the Star Wars: Character Encyclopedia, Updated and Expanded Edition.[2]
Appearances
Star Wars: The Mandalorian — "Chapter 14: The Tragedy" (First appearance)
Sources
- Rise of the Separatists (First mentioned)
- LEGO Star Wars (Set: 75311 Imperial Armoured Marauder)
- Star Wars: Character Encyclopedia, Updated and Expanded Edition (First identified as Model 201 mortar)
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian Handbook (as 201 mortar)
- Star Wars: The Black Series (Star Wars: The Mandalorian Figure: #13: Artillery Stormtrooper) (backup link)
- Star Wars: The Secrets of the Clone Troopers (Picture only)
- Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy
- Artillery stormtrooper in the Databank (backup link)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Star Wars: The Mandalorian Handbook
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 Star Wars: Character Encyclopedia, Updated and Expanded Edition
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Rise of the Separatists
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
Star Wars: The Mandalorian — "Chapter 14: The Tragedy"