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.
Description
The M224 system is composed of the M225 Cannon (14.4 lb), M170 Bipod (15.2 lb), M7 Baseplate (14.4 lb), and the M64A1 Sight Unit (2.5 lb). 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. This smooth bore system can be gravity-fired or fired by using a manual spring-loaded firing system.
History
The M224 replaces the older (WWII) 60mm M2 Mortar and M19 Mortar. These weapons only had an effective range of 2,200 yards (2000 m). While the M224 was designed to fire all types of the older ammunition, its primary rounds are of the newer, longer-range type.
Ammunition
The M224 Mortar can fire the following principal classifications of training and service ammunition.
High explosive (HE)--Designations M888, M720, and M720A1; Used against personnel and light material targets.
White phosphorus (WP)--Designation M722; Used as a screening, signaling, casualty-producing, or incendiary agent.
Illumination (ILLUM)--Used in night missions requiring illumination for assistance in observation.
Training practice (TP)--Used for training in limited areas. These rounds are obsolete and not used anymore.
Infrared Illumination (IR)--Produces illumination which is only visible through the use of night vision devices.
Dummy-- this round is used for practice or clearing misfires
The M224 system is composed of the M225 Cannon (14.4 lb), M170 Bipod (15.2 lb), M7 Baseplate (14.4 lb), and the M64A1 Sight Unit (2.5 lb). 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. This smooth bore system can be gravity-fired or fired by using a manual spring-loaded firing system.
History
The M224 replaces the older (WWII) 60mm M2 Mortar and M19 Mortar. These weapons only had an effective range of 2,200 yards (2000 m). While the M224 was designed to fire all types of the older ammunition, its primary rounds are of the newer, longer-range type.
Ammunition
The M224 Mortar can fire the following principal classifications of training and service ammunition.
High explosive (HE)--Designations M888, M720, and M720A1; Used against personnel and light material targets.
White phosphorus (WP)--Designation M722; Used as a screening, signaling, casualty-producing, or incendiary agent.
Illumination (ILLUM)--Used in night missions requiring illumination for assistance in observation.
Training practice (TP)--Used for training in limited areas. These rounds are obsolete and not used anymore.
Infrared Illumination (IR)--Produces illumination which is only visible through the use of night vision devices.
Dummy-- this round is used for practice or clearing misfires
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment