
M224 60mm Mortar
The 60mm Lightweight Company Mortar System (LWCMS) is a portable indirect fire weapon used by the United States military to support infantry units with close-range firepower. Introduced into service in 1978, it was developed to replace older models such as the M2 and M19. The design was crafted by engineers at the U.S. Army’s Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, drawing from both domestic and foreign influences to create a modern and reliable system for frontline troops.
Manufacturing has been handled by several defense contractors, including Watervliet Arsenal in New York, which is known for producing much of the Army’s mortar equipment. Since its introduction, thousands of units have been produced and deployed in various conflicts, including operations in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The system's lightweight and portable design made it particularly effective in difficult terrain and fast-moving combat situations.
It is capable of firing a range of 60mm mortar rounds, including high-explosive (HE), smoke, illumination, infrared illumination, and training types. The HE shells are designed to inflict maximum damage through fragmentation, while smoke and illumination rounds are used for obscuring enemy vision or lighting up the battlefield. Infrared rounds aid nighttime operations using night vision equipment.
This mortar can be operated in two main modes: conventional and handheld. In its standard setup, using a bipod and sight, it can achieve a maximum range of approximately 3,490 meters, depending on the charge and ammunition. The handheld mode, while offering reduced range—about 1,300 meters—provides greater mobility and quicker deployment for close-range engagements.
Accuracy is a strong point, especially when operated in conventional mode by a trained crew. Its precision allows for targeted strikes on enemy positions with minimal risk to friendly forces, making it particularly useful in urban or mountainous terrain where line-of-sight weapons are less practical.
Modern upgrades have led to a lighter version known as the M224A1, which uses aluminum and titanium components to reduce overall weight by more than 20 percent. These improvements maintain the system’s effectiveness while making it even more suitable for rapid infantry operations.