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60mm M224



Overview


60mm M224 mortar

A 60mm M224 mortar being set up by Afghan forces in 2013.

Source: US Army (SPC Arnell Ord) - © Public domain

Origin
United States
Type
Light mortar
Entered service
1978 for M224
2011 for M224A1
Status
In service
Development
Mid 1970's
Production
1978 - present
Producer
United States
Unit cost
$ 10.600
Designations
LWCMS / Lightweight Company Mortar System
Notable users
United States

Description


Introduction

The M224 is a 60mm light mortar of US origin. The M224 was developed in the early 1970's in order to replace the M19 light mortar. It was accepted for service in 1977 and remains in service today.

Layout

The M224 is a conventional smoothbore 60mm mortar. It is muzzle loaded and drop fired. Normally the M224 is based on the aluminum M7 baseplate and uses a bipod with lightweight sight unit. The M224 can also be converted to hand held mode using only the light M8 baseplate.

Firepower

The M224 is designed to fire new longer range 60mm ammunition, but can fire the older ammunition of the M2 and M19 as well. The maximum range for the M224 is 3.5 km. The maximum rate of fire is 30 rounds per minute with 20 rounds per minute being standard.

Mobility

Due to the longer barrel the M224 is heavier than the earlier M2 and M19 light mortars. Still, it remains easy to transport by two people. When used in handheld mode with the M8 baseplate the weight is minimal. The M224A1 is easier to use due to its reduced weight.

Users

The M224 is mainly used by US armed forces. It has been exported to a few other nations as well.

Variants


M224

The M224 is a conventional smoothbore 60mm mortar that was introduced in 1978. It is muzzle loaded and drop fired. It can fire the same 60mm ammunition as the older M2 and M19, but normally uses newer long range ammunition. It is either fitted with the M7 baseplate and associated bipod or the lightweight M8 baseplate for handheld use.

The M224 mortar consists of the following components:
- M225 tube
- M170 bipod
- M7A1 regular baseplate
- M8 auxiliary baseplate (for handheld use without bipod)
- M64A1 sight unit

M224A1

The M224A1 is a reduced weight system that was introduced in 2011. The M225A1 barrel and M170A1 bipod are of a new design and lighter. The regular baseplate, auxiliary baseplate and sight unit remain unchanged. The M224A1 can be identified by its dark green paint, opposed to black on the M224.

The M224A1 mortar consists of the following components:
- M225A1 lightweight tube
- M170A1 lightweight bipod
- M7A1 regular baseplate
- M8 auxiliary baseplate (for handheld use without bipod)
- M64A1 sight unit

Details


Facts 60mm M224
General
Origin
United States
Type
Light mortar
Crew
3
Ordnance
Type
60mm smoothbore mortar
Operation
Muzzle loaded, drop fired
Tube length
1.00 m
Rate of fire
30 rpm maximum, 20 rpm sustained
Range (minimum)
70 m
Range (maximum)
3.490 m
Dimensions
Weight
21.1 kg complete system, including regular and auxiliary baseplate
7 kg tube
7 kg bipod
4 kg regular baseplate
2 kg auxiliary baseplate
1 kg sight unit

Media