M-224
Unofficial
names/slang: n/a
Function:
Provides short range field fire support
Date
deployed: unavailable
Contractor:
unavailable
Unit cost:
unavailable
Length:
40.0"
Weight:
47.5 lbs.
Rate of Fire:
Sustained: 8 - 20 rpm; Rapid Fire: 18 - 30 rpm (for
1 - 4 minutes)
Ammo type:
60mm shells
Guidance:
M23 Mortar Ballistic Computer
Range:
minimum: 70 m; maximum: 3,490 m |
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Description:
The M224 is a high angle weapon used for close in
support of ground troops. The M224 can be fired in a
hand-held mode without the bipod, or in the
conventional mode using a bipod and baseplate. In
either firing mode the mortar can be drop fired or
trigger fired.
The 60mm M242 is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded
weapon. It consists of a mortar barrel with a base
plug and a fixed firing pin for drop firing. The
mount consists of a bipod with traversing and
elevating mechanism. A spring-type shock absorber
dampens the firing recoil. The baseplate is a unit
that supports and aligns the mortar.
The mortar can be hand carried as three
separate one-man loads or by one crew member without
disassembling it.
Components:
- M225
Cannon: A smooth bore with a
self-illuminating (radioactive) range indicator,
and handle-firing mechanism assembly. Can be
drop or trigger fired. Mortar serial number is
on the basecap of the cannon. Weight: 15.3 lbs.
(6.9 kg)
- M170 Bipod:
Clamps to cannon for use with the M7 Baseplate.
Has a collar-shock absorber, traversing
assembly, elevating mechanism, leg-cross
leveling assembly, and a straight leg. Weight:
15.4 lbs. (7.0 kg)
- M7
Baseplate: For conventional mode firing.
Weight: 14.8 lbs. (6.7 kg)
- M8
Baseplate: For hand-held mode firing.
Weight: 3.8 lbs. (1.7 kg)
- M64A1 Sight
Unit: A mount assembly and 1.5 power elbow
telescope which use radioactive tritium to
illuminate scales, indices, level vials, and
reticle. Weight: 2.25 lbs. (1.02 kg)
Operation:
The mortar is fired by inserting a round into
the muzzle, fin assembly down. The elevation of the
barrel causes the round to slide toward the base of
the barrel. On reaching the base, a propelling
charge in the round is ignited by the firing pin.
The pressure of the gas produced by burning the
propelling charge drives the round up and out of the
barrel. The fin assembly stabilizes the round in
flight.
The mortar can deliver fire at ranges up to
approximately 3500 meters. The sustained and maximum
rates of fire are related to the type of round and
charge being used.
A variety of shells and fuzes have been
developed to make the 60mm mortar a versatile
weapon, which can be used in either an offensive or
defensive capacity.
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