M224 mortar
The M224 60 mm Lightweight Mortar is a smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon used for close-in support of ground troops.
The M224 system is composed of the
- M225 Cannon – 14.4 lb (7 kg)
- M170 Bipod – 15.2 lb (7 kg)
- M7 Baseplate for use in conventional mode – 14.4 lb (7 kg) or
- M8 baseplate for use in handheld mode – 3.6 lb (2 kg)
- and the M64A1 Sight Unit – 2.5 lb (1 kg)
The mount consists of a bipod and a base plate, which is provided with screw type elevating and traversing mechanisms to elevate/traverse the mortar. The M64A1 sight unit is attached to the bipod mount. The mortar can be fired in the conventional mode or the handheld mode. This smooth-bore system can be gravity-fired or fired by using a manual spring-loaded firing system.
It is typically fielded at the infantry company level.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 21.1 kilograms (47 lb) |
| Barrel length | 1 meter (3.3 feet) |
| Crew | 3 |
| Caliber | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Rate of fire | up to 20 rpm sustained, 30 rpm in exceptional circumstances and for short periods |
| Effective range | HE: 70–3,490 m (76–3,816 yds) |
| Feed system | manual |
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