Description
Inert 60mm M769 TP-FR Mortar Projectile with M751 Practice Fuze
This inert 60mm M769 Target Practice–Full Range projectile is fitted with an M751 point-detonating practice fuze. The blue projectile body features a center vent tube and rear exhaust openings associated with the M769 training system. This incomplete display assembly does not include its fin, ignition cartridge, obturating ring, or propellant increments.
Identification and Configuration
The M769 was the U.S. military’s full-range practice cartridge for the M224 60mm mortar system. Issued M769 cartridges normally used the M775 practice fuze, while the M751 was standard on the 81mm M879 practice cartridge. This example combines an M769 projectile with a compatible M751 fuze, making it a non-standard display configuration rather than a complete factory-issued M769 cartridge.
M769 Projectile Features
The M769 used a hollow steel body with a center vent tube and four exhaust openings. Its blue finish identified it as practice ammunition. A complete cartridge also included a fin assembly, ignition cartridge, obturating ring, and removable propellant increments. In an original functional cartridge, the fuze’s spotting signal traveled through the vent tube and exited near the rear, producing a flash, audible report, and smoke cloud at impact. This example is inert and does not produce that effect.
History of the M769
The M769 was developed to give 60mm mortar crews realistic full-range training at a lower cost than firing high-explosive ammunition. It was type-classified as a standard item in September 2001. Its size, shape, weight, and flight were designed to resemble the M720 and M720A1 high-explosive cartridges. Using the M769 reduced the amount of combat ammunition needed for training and lowered the environmental effects on military ranges.
History of the M224 Mortar System
The M224 Lightweight Company Mortar System replaced the older M2 and M19 60mm mortars in U.S. service. Its portable design gives infantry units high-angle indirect fire that can be carried into areas where heavier weapons are difficult to use. The M224 has served with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, including light infantry, airborne, air-assault, and Ranger units. The lighter M224A1 later continued the same basic role.
History of Training Use
M769 cartridges allowed mortar crews to practice ammunition handling, sight operation, range estimation, fire adjustment, and coordination with forward observers. Their full-range flight helped reproduce a service fire mission without the main explosive charge of a combat projectile. The original flash, sound, and smoke signal gave observers a clear impact point for correcting later shots.
Condition
This inert projectile assembly may show paint wear, scratches, discoloration, and other signs of military storage or handling. The M751 fuze, blue M769 body, vent openings, and threaded tail connection remain visible. This listing includes only the projectile body and fitted fuze in the described incomplete configuration.
Approx length 11", Approx width 2.5", Approx height 2.5", Approx weight 2.4 lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
Please visit our page about order lead times here: Order Lead Times.