PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — The 40mm M992 Infrared (IR) Illuminant Cartridge is a type of a pyrotechnic flare, but unlike the standard flare, the IR cartridge produces a type of light that is invisible to the naked eye yet can be seen through night-vision goggles.
“The cartridge brought the infantry squad the ability to enhance infrared night vision without providing visible light and exposing friendly positions,” said mechanical engineer Anthony Amoroso.
“Without it, the ability to see in the dark was something that previously was only available with a call for fire from field artillery or aircraft,” added Amoroso, who is with the Medium and Cannon Caliber Munitions Division at Picatinny Arsenal. The division is part of the larger Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, or ARDEC.