What indicates a failed ignition in a mortar round?

A failed ignition in a mortar round typically manifests as a hang-fire or misfire warning. This situation indicates that the mortar round did not ignite as intended, which could pose significant safety risks. A hang-fire refers to a delayed ignition of the round; it means that the round has not fired immediately but may still fire after a short delay. This condition demands caution because if personnel assume the round has completely failed and approach the mortar, there is a risk of injury if it ignites unexpectedly.

Identifying a hang-fire or misfire is crucial for maintaining safety protocols in any artillery operation. It tells operators that they must continue to follow standardized procedures to safely clear the weapon. In contrast, the other options listed do not directly signify a failure of ignition. A loud bang typically indicates a successful firing, smoke rising from the mortar would also suggest that an ignition did occur, and sudden recoil indicates that the round has fired, not that it has failed to ignite. Thus, the hang-fire or misfire warning is the most accurate and relevant indicator of ignition failure in this scenario.