Ammunition for the 60-mm mortar is issued in the form of "semifixed" complete cartridges (rounds). The term semifixed used in connection with ammunition signifies that the propelling charge is adjustable, and the round is loaded into the weapon as a unit. Except for the M69 training round, all 60-mm mortar rounds have three main assemblies: the fuze assembly, the body assembly, and the fin assembly (fig. 14-7). The M69 training round has no fuze assembly.

The body is the main component of the round and contains the material (explosive charge, illuminating charge, or smoke) that produces the desired effect of the round. The fuze assembly controls the method of exploding the shell. The fin assembly stabilizes the round in flight and causes the round to strike with the fuze end first. A propelling charge is attached to or near the fin assembly of the projectile.

When fired, the mortar round carries all of its components. Thus the mortar is ready to fire the next round. These rounds are shown in figure 14-8. The principal types of ammunition used in a mortar round are discussed in the topics that follow.

Figure 14-8.-Types of 60-mm mortar ammunition.

Figure 14-9.-Ammunition color codes.