Chinese M302 60mm HE Mortar

1. Overview

The Chinese M302 is a 60mm high-explosive (HE) mortar cartridge produced by the People’s Republic of China. This designation appears to reference Chinese-manufactured HE ammunition compatible with the Type 31 and Type 63 mortar systems, which are indigenous Chinese copies of the American M2 60mm mortar. The round is designed for infantry support, providing fragmentation and blast effects against personnel and light materiel targets.

Important Note: The “M302” designation in Chinese ordnance contexts should not be confused with the US M302 white phosphorus smoke cartridge. Chinese 60mm HE rounds are more commonly referenced by their Type designations (e.g., Type 31, Type 63 ammunition). Documentation on specific Chinese nomenclature systems varies, and this round may appear under alternative designations in different sources.

2. Country/Bloc of Origin

Country: People’s Republic of China
Development Period: 1940s–1960s
Background: Chinese 60mm mortar ammunition development began with the Type 31 system (named for the 31st year of the Republic of China, 1942). After the establishment of the PRC in 1949, production continued and evolved with the Type 63 mortar system in the early 1960s.
International Distribution: Chinese 60mm mortar ammunition has been widely exported and encountered in conflicts throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It was supplied to North Korea, North Vietnam, various Mujahideen factions during the Soviet-Afghan War, and numerous other client states and non-state actors.

3. Ordnance Class

Type: Mortar Cartridge
Primary Role: High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-Frag) for anti-personnel and light materiel engagement
Delivery Method: Muzzle-loaded, fin-stabilized mortar projectile fired from smoothbore 60mm mortar systems

4. Ordnance Family / Nomenclature

Chinese Designations: Type 31 HE, Type 63 HE (ammunition follows the mortar system nomenclature)
Export/Alternative Designations: M302 (may appear in documentation from certain export markets or allied nations)
Related Variants:
- Type 31 60mm HE Mortar Round
- Type 63 60mm HE Mortar Round
- Type 63-1 60mm HE Mortar Round (Pakistani and Egyptian license-produced variants)
Compatible Weapon Systems:
- Chinese Type 31 60mm Mortar
- Chinese Type 63 60mm Mortar
- Chinese Type 63-1 60mm Mortar
- US M2 and M19 60mm Mortars (dimensionally compatible)

5. Hazards

Primary Hazards

Blast: Significant overpressure wave upon detonation capable of causing traumatic injuries and structural damage at close range
Fragmentation: The cast iron or steel body produces numerous high-velocity fragments designed to cause casualties in an area effect
Effective Casualty Radius: Approximately 15–20 meters

Sensitivity Considerations

Impact Sensitivity: Point-detonating fuzes are designed to function on impact; dropped or mishandled rounds with armed fuzes present significant risk
Fuze Condition: Chinese fuzes of this era may exhibit variable reliability and sensitivity due to age, storage conditions, and manufacturing quality control

UXO Considerations

Dud Rate: Historical Chinese mortar ammunition has exhibited variable dud rates depending on manufacturing lot and storage conditions
Fuze State: Unexploded rounds may have fuzes in various states of arming; treat all UXO as armed and extremely dangerous
Degradation: Rounds exposed to environmental conditions may exhibit corrosion, propellant degradation, or unstable explosive filler

Special Hazards

Chinese ordnance from the Cold War era may contain explosive fillers with different sensitivity characteristics than Western equivalents
Documentation and marking systems may differ from NATO standards, complicating identification

6. Key Identification Features

Dimensions (Approximate)

Caliber: 60mm (2.36 inches)
Overall Length: 220–250mm (8.7–9.8 inches) including fuze and fin assembly
Body Diameter: 60mm nominal
Weight: Approximately 1.3–1.5 kg (2.9–3.3 lbs) complete

Physical Characteristics

Body Shape: Teardrop/ogive-shaped projectile body with pronounced nose section for fuze threading
Fin Assembly: Six-fin stabilizer assembly at the tail, typically aluminum or steel construction
Material: Cast iron or steel body construction

Color and Markings

Body Color: Typically olive drab or dark green
Markings: Chinese characters indicating lot number, date of manufacture, and explosive content
Band Markings: May feature colored bands indicating round type (HE)

Distinctive Features

Chinese manufacturing typically exhibits different machining patterns and finish quality compared to Western ammunition
Fuze designs are often copies or derivatives of French Brandt-pattern fuzes
Fin assembly attachment method and configuration may differ from US patterns

7. Fuzing Mechanisms

Primary Fuze Type

Point-Detonating (PD) Fuze: Chinese-manufactured copy of the French Brandt-pattern fuze
Function: Impact-initiated detonation

Fuze Components

Striker Assembly: Inertia-driven striker held in place by setback pin during launch
Detonator: Primary explosive charge initiated by striker impact
Booster: Secondary charge amplifying detonator output to initiate main explosive fill

Arming Sequence

Pre-Launch: Fuze is unarmed with striker restrained by setback mechanism
Launch: Propellant ignition creates setback force, releasing primary safety
Flight: Centrifugal or bore-riding safety mechanisms may be present depending on fuze variant
Impact: Striker drives forward into detonator upon target impact

Safety Features

Bore-riding pin or setback mechanism prevents arming until launch acceleration is experienced
Some variants may include delay elements for penetration before detonation

8. History of Development and Use

Development Timeline

1942: Type 31 mortar system and ammunition developed by the Republic of China as a copy of the American M2 system
1949: Production continued under the People’s Republic of China
Early 1960s: Type 63 system developed with emphasis on portability for guerrilla warfare applications
Ongoing: Continued production and export of 60mm mortar ammunition in various configurations

Combat Employment

Korean War (1950–1953): Extensively used by Chinese People’s Volunteer Army forces
Vietnam War (1955–1975): Supplied to North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces; valued for portability in jungle terrain
Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989): Supplied to Mujahideen fighters
Numerous regional conflicts: Encountered throughout Africa, Middle East, and Asia

Tactical Significance

Chinese 60mm mortar ammunition gained a reputation for effectiveness in guerrilla warfare contexts. The light weight of the system allowed small units to carry significant indirect fire capability. The ammunition’s portability made it ideal for hit-and-run tactics, with mortar teams able to fire several rounds and quickly relocate before counter-battery response.

Current Status

Legacy ammunition remains in stockpiles worldwide
Encountered as UXO in numerous post-conflict environments
Modern Chinese 60mm ammunition (Type 89, Type 93 systems) has largely superseded these older designs in PLA service
Export variants continue to appear in regional conflicts

9. Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Caliber	60mm
Overall Length	~220-250mm
Weight (Complete)	~1.3-1.5 kg
Explosive Fill	TNT or TNT/RDX mixture
Filler Weight	~150-200g
Maximum Range	~1,530 meters (Type 63 system)
Minimum Range	~70 meters
Fuze Type	Point-Detonating
Muzzle Velocity	~158 m/s
Rate of Fire	20-30 rounds/minute

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Chinese M302/Type 63 HE round compare to the American M49 series? A: Both rounds share common ancestry in the French Brandt 60mm mortar designs. The Chinese versions are functionally similar but may exhibit differences in manufacturing quality, explosive fill composition, and fuze reliability. The US M49 series uses Composition B or TNT fill with highly standardized quality control, while Chinese ammunition quality has historically been more variable depending on the production facility and era.

Q: Why is Chinese 60mm mortar ammunition so commonly encountered in conflict zones? A: China’s extensive export programs during the Cold War distributed enormous quantities of small arms and light weapons, including mortar systems and ammunition, to allied states, revolutionary movements, and proxy forces worldwide. The affordability, simplicity, and effectiveness of the 60mm mortar system made it particularly popular. Combined with the durability of the ammunition in long-term storage, this has resulted in widespread presence in post-conflict environments.

Q: Can Chinese 60mm mortar rounds be fired from American M2 or M224 mortars? A: Yes, Chinese 60mm ammunition is dimensionally compatible with American 60mm mortar systems due to shared ancestry in the French Brandt design. However, ballistic performance may differ due to variations in propellant charges and projectile weight. Using non-standard ammunition may also void safety certifications and could present reliability concerns.

Q: What are the primary UXO concerns with Chinese 60mm HE rounds? A: Key concerns include variable fuze reliability (potentially resulting in armed but unexploded rounds), possible explosive filler degradation over time, and corrosion of metal components affecting structural integrity. The fuzes on older Chinese ammunition may be particularly unpredictable, and any UXO should be treated as extremely dangerous regardless of apparent condition.

Q: How can Chinese 60mm HE rounds be distinguished from US M49 series rounds? A: Key identification features include Chinese character markings (versus English alphanumeric on US rounds), different paint color tones (Chinese rounds may appear more olive or darker green), distinctive fuze designs that are copies of French patterns rather than US M525-series fuzes, and often different fin assembly configurations. Manufacturing finish quality and machining patterns may also differ noticeably.

Q: What is the effective casualty radius of a 60mm HE mortar round? A: The effective casualty radius for personnel in the open is approximately 15–20 meters, with a lethal radius of roughly 5–10 meters from the point of detonation. However, effectiveness varies significantly based on terrain, target posture (standing vs. prone), and protective equipment. The fragmentation pattern creates an elliptical danger zone based on impact angle.

Q: Why did the Chinese develop the Type 63 system when the Type 31 was already in service? A: The Type 63 was specifically optimized for guerrilla warfare and irregular operations. It featured a lighter overall weight (12.3 kg vs. heavier Type 31), a more portable configuration that allowed one soldier to carry the complete system, and design changes that enabled faster setup and displacement. These characteristics proved valuable in supporting mobile infantry operations and insurgent forces.

Safety Notice

⚠️ All ordnance should be considered dangerous until verified safe by qualified EOD personnel.

This information is for educational and identification purposes only

Never handle, move, or disturb suspected UXO

Establish a safe perimeter and mark the location

Report findings to military or law enforcement authorities immediately