M224

M224A1 LWCMS (Lightweight Company Mortar System)

In service: 1978-present

Specifications

Caliber: 60 mm

Weight: 21.1 kg

Barrel length: 1 m

Crew: 3

Rate of fire: up to 20 rpm sustained, 30 rpm in exceptional circumstances and for short periods

Effective firing range: 70-3,490 m (HE – High explosive)

Feed system: manual

The M224 system is composed of the

M225 Cannon: 7 kg

M170 Bipod: 7 kg

M7 Baseplate for use in conventional mode: 7 kg; or

M8 Baseplate for use in handheld mode: 2 kg

M64A1 Sight Unit: 1 kg

The M224 Mortar can fire the following principal classifications of service ammunition

High explosive (HE): Designations M888, M720, and M720A1. Used against personnel and light material targets

Smoke Cartridge (WP): Designation M722. Used as a screening, signaling, or marking munition

Illumination (ILLUM): Used in night missions requiring illumination for assistance in observation

Training practice (TP): Designation M50A2/A3. Used for training in limited areas. These rounds are obsolete and not used anymore

Red Phosphorus: Which can be seen with or without a Night Vision Optic

Full Range Practice Cartridges (FRPC): Designation M769. This round is used for practice or clearing misfires

M1061 MAPAM: SAAB Technologies produced Multi-Purpose Anti-Personnel Anti-Material round