Explosion at Nevada military site may have killed "several"

[bluedigger]

19. They definitely have them.

They are a reliable weapon system, well proven over time. That's why I think it's most likely human error rather than malfunction. It usually is. I could see having one in the tube ready to fire if they were doing some sort of demonstration - possibly a illumination round since it was a night exercise. Or possibly a smoke/wp combination, god forbid! I don't remember the weight of the mortar - I usually humped the PRC-77, but they were pretty lightweight other than the baseplate. I'd guess you are correct about the detonation happening after the round cleared the tube. Still, too many people too close to the firing position.