What are the primary components of a mortar system?

The primary components of a mortar system include the tube, base plate, bipod, and ammunition, making this choice the most accurate representation of a mortar's essential parts.

The tube is the primary element that launches the rounds and is typically a smoothbore design that can vary in length and diameter depending on the caliber of the mortar. The base plate provides a stable platform for the tube and absorbs the recoil when the mortar is fired. The bipod supports the tube, allowing for elevation adjustments to aim the mortar accurately at targets. Lastly, ammunition includes the projectiles fired from the mortar, which can vary greatly in type and purpose, including high-explosive, illumination, and smoke rounds.

While other answer choices include components related to firearms and munitions, they either miss critical parts of a traditional mortar system or present them in a way that does not reflect the essential configuration of a mortar used in field operations. Therefore, the selection that encompasses these four key components truly captures what defines a typical mortar system.