Patent ID: 7404358

Claim:
A mortar cartridge assembly, comprising: a two part shell body having a payload compartment; a tailfin assembly positioned below said two part shell body; at least one external propellant charge positioned above said tailfin assembly; an ignition cartridge for igniting said propellant charge; a fuze positioned within said shell body; means for opening said two-part shell body while said mortar cartridge is airborne; a canister for containing and protecting a smoke producing composition and dimensioned to be releasably secured within said payload compartment such that when said two part shell opens said canister is released, wherein said canister comprises a cylinder having a top and a bottom and includes a reinforcing plate affixed to the bottom of said cylinder, and wherein said smoke producing composition comprises an organic smoke producing agent, an oxidizer, a fuel, and a binder; means for igniting said smoke producing composition in said smoke producing canister upon opening of said two-part shell body; and a drag assembly attached to said canister, said drag assembly comprising one or more ribbon streamers adapted to slow the descent of said canister and reduce drifting.