M224 Mortar

M224 line art
Additional Media  
M224 Mortar being set up by a Soldier Loooking over a M224 Mortar Loading a M224 Mortar

Mission

Provide long-range indirect fire support to airborne, air assault, light infantry, mountain, and special operations forces.

Entered Army Service

1978

Description and Specifications

The M224 is a high-angle weapon used for close-in support of ground troops. The M224 system consists of the M25 Cannon (tube), M170 Bipod, M7 Baseplate for conventional mode firing or M8 Baseplate for hand-held mode firing , and the M64A1 Sight Unit. This smooth bore system can be gravity-fired or fired by using a manual spring-loaded firing system.

  • Cannon Length:   40 in (1.02 m)
  • Max. Range:   3,490 m (conventional);  1,340 m (handheld)
  • Min. Range:   70 m (conventional);  75 m (handheld)
  • Weight:   48 lbs (conventional);  18 lbs (handheld)
  • Rate of Fire:   (dependent on ammunition round fired) Max.: 18-30 per minute for 1 to 4 minutes;  Sustained: 8 to 20 per minute
  • Ammunition:   High-explosive / multioption fuze, high-explosive point detonating fuze, white phosphorous/smoke, and illumination
  • Crew:   3

Manufacturer

Multiple