How does a mortar differ from artillery?

A mortar differs from artillery primarily in its firing angle and the way it delivers its projectiles. Mortars typically fire shells at a higher angle compared to traditional artillery. This high-angle fire allows mortars to effectively engage targets that are obscured by obstacles or terrain. The steep trajectory is advantageous in urban or mountainous conflicts where direct line-of-sight fire is not possible.

In contrast, artillery generally fires at lower angles, providing a flatter trajectory which is suitable for longer ranges and different target types. This difference in firing angle also influences the way each weapon system is deployed and used in various combat scenarios.

Other factors such as range, projectile size, and weight do vary as well; however, these do not define the fundamental operational difference of how mortars and artillery perform in battlefield conditions. Mortars are generally designed for shorter ranges and lighter projectiles, and they are typically more portable compared to heavier artillery weapons, which can also be a distinguishing element.