History
The M224 LWCMS (Lightweight Company Mortar System) replaced the older (WWII) 60 mm M2 Mortar and M19 Mortar. These weapons only had an effective range of 2,000 m (2,187 yd). While the M224 was designed to fire all types of the older ammunition, its primary rounds are of the newer, longer-range type that range out to 3,489 m (3,816 yd).
In 2011, an improved M224A1 version was brought into service. The M224A1 consists of the M225A1 tube, M170A1 bipod assembly, M7A1 baseplate, M8 auxiliary baseplate and the M67 sight unit. By reducing the number of components, using lighter materials such as aluminium and Kevlar reinforced with composites; the mortar system weighs 20% less with a reduction of 9.3 lb (4 kg). The US Army plans to replace all legacy M224s eventually with the new M224A1. Concurrently, a lighter version of the 81mm M252 mortar is being developed.
Read more about this topic: M224 Mortar
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