The M940 MPT-SD is a U.S. 20x102 mm multi-purpose tracer self-destruct cartridge for the land-based Phalanx / C-RAM firing chain. Northrop Grumman identifies M940-1 and M940-2 as C-RAM-fired rounds, Army ammunition material describes LPWS/C-RAM employing M940 against incoming rockets, artillery shells, and mortar rounds, and FY2027 budget material lists AC34 M940 w/MK7 Link procurement through Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics option lines.
Public sources use M940 MPT-SD for the cartridge family while distinguishing earlier pyrotechnic and newer tungsten-penetrator configurations. Northrop's current 20x102 mm brochure separates M940-1 and M940-2; Army material also identifies an enhanced JUONS configuration under current AC34 procurement.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| M940-1 MPT-SD | Multi-purpose tracer self-destruct configuration | Northrop describes M940-1 as a C-RAM-fired MPT-SD round for light armor, missile, mortar, and material targets using delayed action, large fragments, incendiary effects, and self-destruct behavior after a miss. |
| M940-2 MPT-SD | Tungsten-penetrator MPT-SD configuration | Northrop describes M940-2 as adding a tungsten alloy penetrator for greater penetration while retaining the MPT-SD delayed-effect and self-destruct concept. |
| M940 JUONS / AC34 | Current Army C-RAM war-reserve configuration | Army MAS and FY2027 budget material describe a newer JUONS/AC34 configuration for LPWS/C-RAM, replacing the nose pyrotechnic with tungsten penetrators or a tungsten penetrator tip for increased lethality against larger incoming threats. Sources: 2021 Army MAS Ammunition Handbook, FY 2027 Army Ammunition Budget |
Manufacturer and Army sources connect the M940 to the Land-Based Phalanx/C-RAM firing chain rather than to independent conflict use by the cartridge itself.
| Firing weapon | Weapon type | Firing evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Land-based close-in weapon system | Northrop says the M940 is fired from C-RAM, while Army ammunition material says the Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System employs M940 against rockets, artillery shells, and mortar rounds. Sources: Northrop Grumman Ammunition, 20mm x 102mm Suite of Ammunition Product Brochure, PEO Ammunition Portfolio Book 2017, 2021 Army MAS Ammunition Handbook |
 | 20 mm Gatling cannon family | FY2027 Army budget material describes the M940 as fired from the M61 cannon used within LPWS for the C-RAM application. Sources: FY 2027 Army Ammunition Budget |
 | Legacy VADS/PIVADS firing system | General Dynamics says the M940 was developed and qualified for the M163 self-propelled and M167 towed VADS/PIVADS, and describes compatibility with 20x102 mm systems including M168 and M61 guns. Sources: General Dynamics M940 MPT-SD |
Public Army, DLA, and manufacturer material describes the M940 through LPWS/C-RAM procurement, compatibility, and firing-system context. Together, those sources define the cartridge's role inside the C-RAM chain, projectile behavior, and current Army AC34 procurement wording.
Army portfolio and MAS sources describe LPWS/C-RAM employing M940 against incoming rockets, artillery shells, and mortar rounds.
The round uses a multi-purpose delayed-effect projectile intended to carry fragments and incendiary effects into the threat after impact.
The MIL-DTL specification sets self-destruct timing after launch, supporting the role of self-destruction in missed airborne engagements.
Current Army budget wording describes AC34 M940 with a tungsten penetrator tip and MK7 link for the LPWS M61 cannon.
Army procurement budget material lists 1989 as the M940 MPT-SD type-classification date.
Sources: FY 2027 Army Ammunition Budget
MIL-DTL-70793A reactivated the M940 detail specification for new and existing designs and acquisitions and covered use in different air-defense systems.
Sources: MIL-DTL-70793A(AR) M940 Detail Specification
The PEO Ammunition portfolio book described M940 as a VADS-origin 20 mm cartridge revived for the Army C-RAM program, with Land-Based Phalanx employing it against rockets, artillery shells, and mortar rounds.
Sources: PEO Ammunition Portfolio Book 2017
The Army MAS handbook listed AB07 and AC34 M940 MPT-SD entries for LPWS and described the newer JUONS configuration with tungsten penetrators in the nose.
Sources: 2021 Army MAS Ammunition Handbook
The FY2027 Army ammunition budget requested $3.821 million for 0.019 million M940 cartridges and listed Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics option-year load, assemble, and pack work.
Sources: FY 2027 Army Ammunition Budget
