Army mortar crews trade laptops for phone app
By Daniel Terrill
Jun 9, 2026, 10:15 AM
Army mortar teams have replaced 20-year-old software used to calculate firing data and ballistics with a new application designed for smartphones and tablets.
In a press release, the Army said the Mortar App was approved for release to all Army mortar units in March 2026 following roughly three years of testing and six years of development.
Julia Gustafson, a computer engineer at the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center and the app’s project lead, described it as “something modern, user-friendly and responsive.”
According to Gustafson, soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were able to use the app effectively with minimal training. The Army said the software retained the workflow of the legacy system, making the transition intuitive for experienced mortar crews.
https://www.militarytimes.com/industry/techwatch/2026/06/09/army-mortar-crews-trade-laptops-for-phone-app/
