As it was used on all fronts in World War II the 210 mm Mortar 18, which was built from 1939 onwards, was one of the main German army heavy artillery guns. It was constructed of an upper and a lower mount with a double recoil system. In order to bring the mortar to the firing position the platform was lowered and secured to the ground with stabilizers, the wheels were raised and the lower mount was suspended from the limber. With an elevation of 0ø to +70ø it had a maximum range of 16,700 m using the 210 mm shell 18 or the 210 mm shell 18 concrete. As a rule the mortar was transported in two loads, but if it was needed in a hurry it could be towed in one piece by the Sd.Kfz.9 "FAMO".