M983 120 mm infrared illuminating cartridge

The M983 is a U.S. 120 mm infrared illuminating mortar cartridge developed by ARDEC for the M120A1 and M121 Battalion Mortar Systems. Army and FAS references describe it as ballistically similar to the visible-light M930 family, with a parachute-retarded candle assembly, IR output for passive night-vision devices, and a 50-60 second burn time.

M983 120 mm infrared illuminating cartridge, 120 mm infrared illuminating mortar cartridge, Munitions

Image source: M-982 120 MM Infrared Illuminating Cartridge

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Pine Bluff Arsenal
Type: 120 mm infrared illuminating mortar cartridge
Service note: 2000s-present
Designer: U.S. Army ARDEC
Produced: 2002-present

mortar illuminationinfrared

Specifications

Caliber: 120 mm
Cartridge type: Infrared illuminating mortar cartridge
Compatible systems: M120A1 and M121 Battalion Mortar Systems
Range: 375 m minimum; 6,675 m maximum
Weight: 30.6 lb (13.65 kg)
Length: 27.67 in
Burn time: 50-60 seconds
Fuze: M776 mechanical time super quick fuze

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Developed as one of the Army's first infrared illuminating mortar munitions in 2002 and highlighted at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Army material from 2007.
Used by: United States Army

Firing Weapons

The Army portfolio book identifies the M983 as a 120 mm infrared illuminating cartridge developed for the M120A1 and M121 Battalion Mortar Systems.

Firing weapon

Weapon type

Firing evidence

120 mm mortar

The M983 was developed for use in the M120A1 and M121 Battalion Mortar Systems.

Sources: PEO Ammunition 2017 Portfolio Book

M983 120 mm infrared illuminating cartridge Images

M983 120 mm infrared illuminating cartridge, 120 mm infrared illuminating mortar cartridge, Munitions - view 1 — Source: M-982 120 MM Infrared Illuminating Cartridge

M983 120 mm infrared illuminating cartridge, 120 mm infrared illuminating mortar cartridge, Munitions - view 2 — Source: M-982 120 MM Infrared Illuminating Cartridge

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Sources

M-982 120 MM Infrared Illuminating CartridgePublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the Army Materiel Command article, the M983 production-line context at Pine Bluff Arsenal, and the article image used as the primary illustration. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 XM983 120mm Infrared (IR) Illuminating CartridgePublisher: FAS | Note: Supports the XM983/M983 family description, the M120/M121 mortar compatibility, range, burn time, contractor, and the page image used for the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 PEO Ammunition 2017 Portfolio BookPublisher: U.S. Army Capability Program Executive Ammunition & Energetics | Note: Supports the M983 cartridge's development for use in the M120A1 and M121 Battalion Mortar Systems and the Army's published performance data for the round. | Accessed: 2026-06-23