Type 87 mortar

The Type 87 mortar, designated PP-87 in Chinese service, is an 82mm-caliber infantry mortar developed by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) in 1987 as a direct replacement for the earlier Type 67 82mm mortar, which was based on Soviet designs.^[1][2] This man-portable weapon system features a smoothbore barrel, adjustable bipod, and triangular baseplate for stability, enabling indirect fire support for infantry units with a maximum range of approximately 5.7 kilometers using specialized projectiles and a rate of fire up to 20 rounds per minute.^[1][2] Weighing about 39.7 kilograms in total (including 15.5 kg barrel, 8.7 kg bipod, 15.5 kg baseplate, and 0.9 kg sight), the Type 87 measures 1.4 meters in barrel length and offers an elevation range of +45° to +85° with 360° traverse on the baseplate or ±3.5° on the bipod, incorporating a recoil buffer for enhanced handling during sustained fire.^[2] It is compatible with both Soviet-era 82mm and NATO-standard 81mm ammunition, including high-explosive (HE) rounds like the Type 87 HE projectile, allowing flexibility in logistics for operators.^[2][3] An export variant, the W87, adapts the design to an 81mm caliber with a slightly reduced bore and bipod adjustments, achieving a standard range of 5.6 kilometers and over 6 kilometers with extended-range munitions, while a later W91 version extends this to 8 kilometers through a longer barrel.^[2][3] The Type 87 entered service with the People's Liberation Army in the late 1980s and remains in production, with exports supplied to nations including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, underscoring its role as a reliable, lightweight option for battalion-level fire support in modern infantry operations.^[1][2]

Development

Background

The development of Chinese infantry mortars traces its roots to the post-World War II era, when the People's Liberation Army (PLA) relied on the Type 53 82 mm model, a direct copy of the Soviet 82-PM-37 produced starting in 1953 to provide battalion-level indirect fire support.^[4] This design, with a total weight of approximately 56 kg and a maximum range of around 3 km, served as the foundational system for Chinese forces during the Korean War and subsequent conflicts.^[5] By the mid-1960s, the limitations of the Type 53—its relatively heavy construction for man-portable operations and restricted effective range—prompted the introduction of the Type 67 82 mm mortar in 1967, which modernized the earlier system through refined manufacturing and minor ergonomic improvements while retaining compatibility with Soviet-standard ammunition.^[6] However, the Type 67 still weighed about 35 kg and offered a similar 3 km range, constraining its mobility and firepower in evolving tactical scenarios. As Soviet ammunition standards advanced, compatibility issues arose, further highlighting the need for an indigenous upgrade.^[1] The broader context for mortar modernization emerged from the PLA's sweeping reforms in the early 1980s, initiated after the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese border conflicts exposed deficiencies in equipment portability, logistics, and close-support capabilities.^[7] These engagements, involving over 200,000 PLA troops, revealed the lumbering nature of existing infantry weapons, including mortars, which struggled to deliver rapid, lightweight fire support at the battalion level amid rugged terrain and prolonged operations.^[8] Under Deng Xiaoping's leadership, the PLA launched a comprehensive modernization program starting in 1978, emphasizing reduced force size, professionalization, and acquisition of lighter, more effective armaments to align with contemporary warfare demands.^[9] This effort prioritized portable indirect fire systems to enhance infantry maneuverability without sacrificing lethality, addressing the Type 67's shortcomings in weight and range that had become evident in border skirmishes.^[10] In response, Norinco initiated the design of the Type 87 in the early 1980s, marking China's first purpose-built medium mortar optimized for 82 mm caliber domestic use, with development culminating in 1987 as a direct replacement for the Type 67.^[1] This project reflected the PLA's shift toward self-reliant production of advanced infantry support weapons, reducing dependence on outdated Soviet derivatives and integrating lessons from recent conflicts to support battalion-level operations.^[2]

Design and production

The development of the Type 87 mortar began in the early 1980s under China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), aiming to modernize infantry support weapons.^[1][11] The project culminated in 1987 with the finalization and designation of the Type 87 as an 82 mm infantry mortar, marking a shift to serial production managed by Norinco.^[1][11] Key design objectives centered on enhancing portability compared to the preceding Type 67 mortar, which weighed approximately 35 kg, by targeting a total system weight under 30 kg—achieved at around 27 kg for the complete assembly (without sight)—to facilitate man-portability by a small crew.^[1][12] Additional priorities included improved recoil management through a reinforced barrel capable of handling higher chamber pressures for sustained firing rates, while maintaining compatibility with existing stocks of 82 mm ammunition to streamline logistics for People's Liberation Army (PLA) units.^[2] Production commenced on a large scale in the late 1980s under Norinco, equipping PLA infantry battalions as the standard medium mortar and continuing into the present day to support reserves and militia forces.^[1][13] Export variants, such as the 81 mm W87 adapted for international markets, emerged alongside domestic output starting in the late 1980s, broadening its deployment beyond Chinese forces. The design was validated through field trials, leading to official adoption as the primary battalion-level indirect fire weapon, replacing the Type 67 across PLA combined arms battalions.^[14] This integration emphasized its role in providing rapid, portable firepower with a maximum range of approximately 4.7 km using standard high-explosive rounds and up to 5.7 km with extended-range munitions, along with smoke and illumination rounds.^[14][2]

Design

Components

The Type 87 mortar consists of a barrel, bipod, baseplate, and separate sighting system, designed for disassembly into three man-portable loads to facilitate transport by infantry units. The barrel is a smoothbore steel tube measuring 1,400 mm in length, featuring an integrated recoil buffer system that absorbs firing forces to reduce operator fatigue during sustained use. This recoil mechanism represents an improvement over the earlier Type 67 mortar, addressing limitations in stability and handling.^[2] The bipod assembly includes adjustable aluminum legs equipped with an elevation mechanism allowing adjustments from +45° to +85°, along with fine traverse controls enabling up to ±3.5° of movement left or right for precise alignment, or 360° traverse when using the baseplate. The baseplate is a triangular steel plate designed for stability across varied terrain, distributing recoil effectively while maintaining a low profile. The sighting system is a separate optical unit, excluded from the base system weight, and supports indirect fire calculations through compatible aiming optics. In assembled form, the mortar weighs approximately 39.7 kg without the sight, with the barrel at 15.5 kg, bipod at 8.7 kg, and baseplate at 15.5 kg, enabling a crew of four to carry and emplace it rapidly in field conditions.

Specifications

The Type 87 mortar, designated PP-87, is an 82 mm infantry mortar designed for battalion-level indirect fire support in the People's Liberation Army. Its specifications emphasize portability and rapid deployment, with a total mass of 39.7 kg for the complete system excluding the sight unit, allowing a standard crew of four personnel—commander, gunner, loader, and ammunition bearer—to transport and emplace it efficiently.^[1] Key technical parameters are summarized below: These attributes enable the Type 87 to achieve a balance between mobility and firepower, with the bipod-mounted sight facilitating precise adjustments within the limited traverse for targeted engagements.^[2][15]

Ammunition

Types

The Type 87 mortar utilizes a variety of 82 mm ammunition types, primarily drawn from the legacy Type 53 and Type 67 series, with upgrades integrated for improved compatibility and precision. These rounds maintain compatibility with earlier Soviet-influenced designs, allowing incremental enhancements in stabilization and fuze reliability without requiring full redesigns. The mortar is also compatible with NATO-standard 81 mm ammunition for enhanced logistical flexibility.^[2][16] High-explosive (HE) rounds form the core of the ammunition inventory, with the primary PP87 series serving as the standard projectile. These 82 mm rounds weigh approximately 3.1–3.3 kg, feature a cast-iron body filled with TNT or similar explosives, and are fitted with impact fuzes such as the Type 1 PD or MP-8 for reliable detonation on contact; select variants support proximity fuzes like the MD-11 for airburst effects.^[17][18][19] Smoke rounds, typically based on the Type 53 white phosphorus variant, generate obscuring clouds for screening friendly movements or denying enemy observation, while illumination rounds from the same series deploy parachute-suspended flares for nighttime target marking and signaling; both types align with Soviet-era specifications for broad interoperability.^[16] Specialized long-range HE rounds, such as the PP87 extended-range projectile introduced in the late 1980s, weigh 4.2 kg and incorporate optimized propelling charges and fuzes like the DRP11W to achieve greater standoff distances, enhancing the mortar's tactical flexibility.^[20]

Performance

The Type 87 mortar provides reliable ballistic performance for infantry support, with an effective firing range spanning from a minimum of 120 meters to a maximum of 5.6 kilometers when using standard high-explosive (HE) ammunition. This range can be extended to 6 kilometers with special extended-range projectiles, enabling versatile engagement options in varied tactical scenarios.^[1] A trained crew can achieve a maximum rate of fire of 20 rounds per minute, supporting rapid suppression or saturation of targets. The system primarily employs indirect fire for high-angle trajectories, though it is capable of direct fire in certain configurations when line-of-sight is available. Optical sights integrated into the design aid in aligning the weapon, contributing to operational effectiveness across its engagement envelope.^[1] Ground dispersion at the 5.6-kilometer maximum is controlled, with range dispersion (rx) not exceeding 1/160 of the distance (approximately 35 meters) and lateral dispersion (rz) not exceeding 1/300 (approximately 19 meters), ensuring predictable impact patterns for area suppression, facilitated by the mortar's sighting system and ammunition stability.^[20] The standard HE fragmentation rounds deliver a lethal radius of at least 22 meters, effective against exposed personnel and light cover through blast and shrapnel effects. Performance remains consistent across standard ammunition types compatible with the 82mm system, though environmental conditions like high winds can influence trajectory precision. The design's enhanced baseplate provides greater stability than earlier models like the Type 67, reducing setup errors in uneven terrain.^[20][1]

Variants

W84 (82 mm domestic)

The W84, designated as the standard domestic variant of the Type 87 mortar, is an 82 mm smoothbore infantry weapon optimized for Soviet-compatible ammunition rounds, serving as the primary indirect fire support system for People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground forces. Developed by Norinco to address limitations in earlier designs, it emphasizes portability, rapid deployment, and seamless integration with existing Chinese munitions stockpiles. Key features of the W84 include a 1,400 mm barrel length for balanced range and maneuverability, a baseplate that provides stability on varied terrain, and a bipod assembly allowing elevation from +45° to +85° with 360° traverse when pivoted on the baseplate. These elements ensure full compatibility with PLA-standard 82 mm ammunition, such as high-explosive and illumination rounds, enabling sustained fire support without logistical disruptions.^[3] Production of the W84 commenced in 1987 under Norinco's oversight, with the system entering PLA service that year as the primary replacement for the Type 67 82 mm mortar across infantry battalions, thereby modernizing fire support at the tactical level. This adoption marked a shift toward lighter, more efficient mortars capable of keeping pace with motorized infantry operations.^[1]

W87 (81 mm export)

The W87 is an 81 mm export variant of the Type 87 mortar, developed in the early 1980s by the Chinese firm Xinshidai to provide compatibility with non-Soviet caliber ammunition standards.^[21] This designation was specifically created for international markets, marking China's first mortar in the 81 mm class and serving as an adaptation of the domestic 82 mm model.^[21] Key differences from the domestic 82 mm model include a reduced bore diameter of 81 mm to align with Western and NATO ammunition specifications, enabling the use of both Chinese 81 mm rounds and compatible NATO-standard projectiles.^[22] The system maintains the same barrel length of 1400 mm and bipod design for operational familiarity, but features a total weight of approximately 39 kg.^[22] It consists of a smoothbore tube, adjustable bipod with recoil buffer, and triangular baseplate for stability during firing.^[21] Export production of the W87 has been handled by Norinco since the 1980s, with active marketing beginning in the 1990s to promote it as a lightweight, man-portable infantry support weapon.^[21] The model has been offered to various nations seeking affordable medium mortars compatible with global supply chains, emphasizing ease of transport in wooden packing cases measuring 1540 × 580 × 400 mm.^[23] Performance adjustments for the W87 center on optimization for 81 mm ammunition, achieving a maximum range of 5600 m while supporting a rate of fire up to 20 rounds per minute and elevation from 45° to 85°.^[23] It operates reliably in temperatures from -40°C to 50°C, with dispersion at maximum range limited to 1/130 longitudinal and 1/250 lateral for accurate indirect fire support.^[23]

W91 (long-range)

The W91 represents a long-range upgrade variant of the Type 87 mortar system, introduced in the mid-1990s as a long-range evolution of the export W87 model to enhance indirect fire capabilities for modern infantry operations.^[24] Developed by Norinco, this variant incorporates structural improvements aimed at extending effective engagement distances while maintaining portability for battalion-level deployment.^[25] Key modifications to the W91 include an elongated barrel measuring 1,600 mm in length, which allows for higher muzzle velocities, and a redesigned round baseplate that provides superior recoil absorption during sustained firing.^[24] These changes, combined with refinements to the bipod and elevation mechanism, enable an increased rate of fire exceeding 25 rounds per minute, surpassing the standard model's performance for rapid suppression tasks. The system retains compatibility with 81 mm base ammunition types for versatility in logistics.^[22] Chambered in 81 mm, the W91 achieves a maximum range of 8 km when paired with specialized rocket-assisted projectile (RAP) ammunition, significantly improving standoff distances compared to conventional rounds. This extended reach supports tactical scenarios requiring fire support beyond typical line-of-sight limitations without compromising the mortar's lightweight design, weighing approximately 40 kg when fully assembled. Adoption of the W91 has been limited, with production focused on equipping elite units within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for specialized missions, alongside potential export offerings to allied forces seeking advanced medium mortar systems.^[25] Its emphasis on improved standoff capability aligns with evolving PLA doctrines for mobile, high-intensity conflicts, though widespread proliferation remains constrained by the variant's specialized role.^[26]

Operational history

Chinese service

The Type 87 mortar entered service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the late 1980s, serving as the primary replacement for the older Type 67 82mm mortar and becoming widely issued at the battalion level for infantry support.^[2][27] It was phased into widespread use by the mid-1990s, providing indirect fire capabilities with high-explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds to enhance battalion-level operations.^[27] The Type 87 has been integrated into PLA fire support tactics as a man-portable system, emphasizing its role in delivering responsive indirect fire for maneuver units.^[27] Training focuses on crew proficiency in setup, aiming, and employment to support rapid repositioning in varied terrain, aligning with broader PLA doctrinal shifts toward mobile combined-arms operations.^[28] Upgrades to the base Type 87 include the W91 long-range variant, which extends the maximum range to 8 km using specialized ammunition while maintaining a high rate of fire exceeding 25 rounds per minute; this model supports enhanced precision for specialized applications.^[2] As of 2025, the Type 87 remains in active service within the PLA Ground Force, supplemented by more modern mortar systems to meet evolving operational requirements.^[27][2]

International use

PP87 82mm high-explosive ammunition, designed for the Type 87 mortar and compatible with other 82mm systems, has seen documented deployment by non-state actors in the Sudanese civil war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).^[29] The RSF has utilized these Chinese-manufactured munitions in battles around Khartoum and Omdurman, with video evidence from November 2023 showing RSF fighters claiming to have captured PP87 shells from SAF stockpiles during clashes in Omdurman.^[30] Further footage from June 2024 depicts RSF personnel unpacking freshly manufactured PP87 bombs, marked as produced in 2023, highlighting ongoing resupply amid the conflict's escalation.^[29] These munitions were part of a larger shipment routed through Kenya under a 2023 contract from a Chinese supplier to the Kenyan Ministry of Defence, with crates later appearing in RSF-held areas such as Salha in Omdurman by May 2025.^[31] Additional sightings include PP87 bombs in Al-Daein, East Darfur, in late 2023, where they were displayed in media reports amid RSF advances in the region.^[30] Such use has raised concerns over potential violations of the United Nations arms embargo on Darfur, as the weapons have contributed to indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas during the protracted fighting.^[30] While the W87 81mm export variant of the Type 87 has been marketed internationally and supplied to various nations, specific operational deployments of export variants remain limited in verified reports as of November 2025, with primary evidence for Chinese 82mm mortar ammunition confined to African theaters like Sudan where such infantry support weapons have proliferated among conflict parties. No confirmed combat uses by state operators such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam have been publicly documented.^[3][2]

Operators

Domestic use

The Type 87 mortar is the standard 82 mm infantry support weapon employed by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF), serving as the primary user since its introduction in 1987.^[27][1] With an estimated inventory of thousands of units in service as of 2025, it forms a significant portion of the PLAGF's artillery holdings, which total approximately 7,600 pieces overall.^[32][33] The mortar is distributed across motorized infantry divisions and combined arms brigades, where it is organic to battalion-level firepower companies; each such company typically includes two mortar platoons equipped with six Type 87 systems in total for high-mobility operations.^[34] Older Type 87 units are held in storage to support reserve forces, while active frontline examples have undergone integration with digital fire control systems as part of broader PLAGF modernization efforts initiated in the 2010s.^[35] Although facing gradual phase-out in favor of newer mortar systems, the Type 87 continues to equip second-line and reserve units, ensuring sustained operational availability.^[36]

Export users

The W87, an 81 mm export variant of the Type 87 mortar developed by Norinco, has been supplied to align with prevalent international standards for medium mortars.^[3] Confirmed export recipients include Bangladesh, where the PP-87 (Type 87) 82 mm model is employed in army mortar training courses and operational units.^[37][1] In Sudan, the PP-87 mortar has been documented in possession of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with instances of seizures between the two sides during the ongoing conflict; the RSF acquired units from the SAF in late 2023, and Chinese-origin PP-87 mortar munitions have been identified in RSF convoys as recently as 2025.^[30][29][31] Sri Lanka operates the Type 87 as part of its infantry support weaponry inventory.^[1] Vietnam and Indonesia have also integrated the system, with Indonesia specifically using the W87 81 mm version in its army equipment roster.^[1] Potential acquisitions by Pakistan and Myanmar have been noted in broader Norinco arms deals, though specific confirmation for the Type 87 or W87 remains unverified in public records.^[38]