The M224 60mm Lightweight mortar is a smooth bore, muzzle loading, high-angle-of-fire weapon. The cannon assembly is composed of the barrel, combination base cap, and firing mechanism. The mount consists of a bipod and a base plate which is provided with screw type elevating and traversing mechanisms to elevate/traverse the mortar.

Mortar ammunition is considered semi-fixed because the propelling charge is adjustable. On 60mm rounds, bags of granular or horseshoe-shaped propellant are attached to the fins or boom. All 60mm mortar rounds, except training rounds, have three major components - a fuze, body, and tail fin with propulsion system assembly.