The XM767 is a material change to the M721 Illuminating cartridge, and will
be used with the lightweight company mortar system M224. The XM767 will provide IR
illumination to the full range of the M720 HE cartridge and enhance night vision capabilities for soldiers with night vision devices for illuminating target areas to facilitate adjustment of fire. The projectile is loaded with an illuminant
candle assembly and parachute assembly. The M721 and M767 are identical with the exception of the illuminant candle composition. The M721 contains a standard illuminant mix which provides approximately
300,000 candlepower of light whereas the M767 contains an infrared illuminant mix which provides
approximately 75 watts/steradian of IR light with less than 350 candelpower of visible light. The M767 was
designed for use with standard night vision devices. The M721/767 is equipped with the M776 Mechanical
Time Fuze which functions at a user-specified time after launch. When the fuze functions it initiates the candle
assembly and separates the front and rear projectile segments. As the parachute deploys, the candle burns,
providing the required illumination over the target area.
The M721/767 consists of the following major components:
- Projectile Body Assembly
- M204/M235 Propelling Charge
- M702 Ignition Cartridge
- M27 Fin Assembly
- M776 Mechanical Time Super Quick Fuze
- Illuminant Candle Assembly
- Parachute Assembly
Propelling
Charge Zone | Muzzle
Velocity | Minimum
Range | Maximum
Range
| 1 | 124 m/s | 200 m | 900 m |
| 2 | 170 m/s | 300 m | 1800 m |
| 3 | 210 m/s | 450 m | 2600 m |
| 4 | 244 m/s | 600 m | 3200 m |
|
Maximum Rate of Fire.........30 rounds/min (2 minutes)
Sustained Rate of Fire..........15 rounds/min
Cartridge Weight..........1.7 kg (3.75 lb)
Height of Burst.......... 425 m (M767)
Burn Time.......... 55 sec (M767)
M767 Type Classified (Low Rate Production)..........May 1997
Contractor: Pine Bluff Arsenal
Procurement Type: Production
Previous Contracts: 0
Contract Type: Cost Plus
Production Qty: 800
Special Provisions: Govt Owned/Govt Operated
