Equipment/Proposed/60 mm mortar

The M224a2 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.

Battle implications

this provides a method of indirect fire support

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. Merlin (guided)- a guided mortar which is directed to a target by a laser designator. anti-personnel flechette round- a round which takes into account recent advances in miniaturization technology which is designed to saturatiea large area with heavy flechettes capable of penetrating cover and heavy armor

fire modes- impact detonation airburst