M721 60 mm visible light illumination cartridge

The M721 is a U.S. 60 mm visible-light illuminating mortar cartridge produced by Pine Bluff Arsenal for the M224/M224A1 lightweight company mortar system. It uses an M776 mechanical time fuze, a parachute-and-candle payload, and roughly 300,000 candlepower to illuminate targets for observation, fire adjustment, and day-night signaling.

M721 60 mm visible light illumination cartridge, 60 mm visible-light illuminating mortar cartridge, Munitions

Image source: M721 60mm Illuminating Mortar Cartridge

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Pine Bluff Arsenal
Type: 60 mm visible-light illuminating mortar cartridge
Service note: 1987 to present

illumination mortar portable

Specifications

Caliber: 60 mm
Cartridge type: Visible-light illumination mortar cartridge
Fuze: M776 Mechanical Time Super Quick (MTSQ)
Weight: 3.79 lb (1.7 kg)
Length: 16.81 in
Light output: 300,000 candlepower
Burn time: 32 seconds
Maximum range: 3,200 m

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Type classified standard in September 1987 for use with the M224/M224A1 lightweight company mortar system.
Used by: United States Army light infantry battalions

Compatible Mortar System

The M721 is a visible-light illumination cartridge designed for the M224/M224A1 lightweight company mortar system.

Firing weapon

Weapon type

Firing evidence

60 mm mortar system

The Army portfolio book lists the M721 Visible Light cartridge for use with the M224/M224A1 Lightweight Company Mortar System in light infantry battalions.

Sources: Capability Program Executive - JPEO A&A Portfolio Book

M721 60 mm visible light illumination cartridge Images

M721 60 mm visible light illumination cartridge, 60 mm visible-light illuminating mortar cartridge, Munitions - view 1 — Source: M721 60mm Illuminating Mortar Cartridge

M721 60 mm visible light illumination cartridge, 60 mm visible-light illuminating mortar cartridge, Munitions - view 2 — Source: US Navy 040520-N-3750S-010 Illumination rounds silhouette ...

M721 60 mm visible light illumination cartridge, 60 mm visible-light illuminating mortar cartridge, Munitions - view 3 — Source: Illuminating the night 160725-A-JW984-398

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Sources

M721 60mm Illuminating Mortar CartridgePublisher: FAS | Note: Supports the M721 identifying label, contractor context, image provenance, and published performance data for the visible-light illuminating mortar cartridge. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Capability Program Executive - JPEO A&A Portfolio BookPublisher: U.S. Army CPEAE | Note: Supports the M721 Visible Light cartridge's M224/M224A1 compatibility, component breakdown, and current Army ammunition portfolio context. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Mortar AmmunitionPublisher: U.S. Army CPEAE | Note: Supports the Army mortar ammunition family context and the 60 mm M721 visible-light illumination round listing. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 US Navy 040520-N-3750S-010 Illumination rounds silhouette ...Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a public-domain photo showing illumination rounds with an M224 60 mm mortar. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Illuminating the night 160725-A-JW984-398Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a public-domain U.S. Army photo showing illumination ammunition in mortar night-fire training. | Accessed: 2026-06-23