Illuminating Projectiles

The M118 Series Illuminating Projectile is designed to provide battlefield illumination during night operations or low-visibility conditions.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Type: Illuminating
• Caliber: 155 mm
• Purpose: Provides illumination over a target area for observation and targeting purposes.
• Illumination Composition: The projectile contains a flare that, upon activation, provides bright white light to illuminate a wide area.

General Characteristics:

• Weight: Approximately 43 kg
• Length: Varies slightly depending on the version, but typically around 800 mm without the fuze.
• Fuze: Time fuze is used to initiate the deployment of the illuminating flare at a predetermined altitude.

Operational Use:

• Deployment: The projectile is fired from a 155 mm artillery piece. The time fuze is set to activate the flare at a specific height, allowing the flare to be ejected and descend slowly using a parachute.
• Illumination Duration: The flare burns for approximately 60-120 seconds, depending on the specific model, providing bright illumination for observation, targeting, and coordination during night operations.
• Parachute Descent: The flare descends slowly using a parachute, ensuring a prolonged period of illumination over the target area.

Firing Parameters:

• Compatible Charges: Can be used with various standard artillery charges, such as M4A2, M119A2, and M203, among others.
• Maximum Range: The projectile can be fired up to a range of 15-20 km depending on the charge used and firing conditions.

Tactical Use:

• Night Operations: The M118 Series is effective for illuminating enemy positions, enabling visual targeting, and improving situational awareness during night-time or in low-visibility environments.
• Coordination: Used to coordinate artillery fire and direct troop movements by providing clear visibility in the operational area.

The M118 Series Illuminating Projectile is a versatile tool for supporting night operations, enabling forces to maintain visual advantage over the enemy and coordinate effectively even in complete darkness.

M118 Series Illuminating Projectile

• Maximum Range: Up to 18.1 km with M119A1 charge
• Weight with Fuze: 46.3 kg
• Length without Fuze: 594 mm
• Body Material: Forged steel
• Explosive Charge: 1.95 kg
• Packaging: Wooden pallet containing 8 projectiles

• Effective Ignition Height of Flare: 640 m
• Effective Burnout Height of Flare: 50 m
• Not to Be Used with: M203 charge
• Temperature Range: -32°C to +52°C

Read: How to Make Corrections When Firing Illuminating Projectiles

General Characteristics:

• Weight with Fuze:
  • M485: 46.5 kg
  • M484A1: 46.7 kg
  • M485A2: 47.0 kg
• Length without Fuze: Typically around 800-850 mm, depending on the model.
• Body Material: Forged steel.
• Illumination Composition: Contains a flare that burns for an extended duration to provide bright illumination.

• Effective Ignition Height of Flare: 640 m
• Effective Burnout Height of Flare: 50 m
• Not to Be Used with: M203 charge
• Temperature Range: -54°C to +63°C

Range Table for FH70 Gun:

• M3A1 Charge 1: 2,970 m
• M3A1 Charge 2: 3,933 m
• M3A1 Charge 3: 5,569 m
• M3A1 Charge 4: 7,155 m
• M3A1 Charge 5: 8,721 m
• M4A2 Charge 3: 6,746 m
• M4A2 Charge 4: 7,949 m
• M4A2 Charge 5: 9,317 m
• M4A2 Charge 6: 11,304 m
• M4A2 Charge 7: 13,586 m
• M119A1: 17,086 m

Read: How to Make Corrections When Firing Illuminating Projectiles

Technical Specifications

• Caliber: 155 mm
• Length with fuze: 875 mm
• Nominal weight: 43.3 kg
• Illumination intensity: Minimum 1.8 million candelas
• Illuminator burn time: At least 60 seconds
• Descent speed: Less than 5 m/s
• Operating temperature range: -32°C to +52°C
• Fuze type: Mechanical time (e.g., L92A2)
• Primary ejection charge: 90 g of black powder

Compatible Artillery Systems

Self-Propelled Howitzers:

• TAMSE VCA 155
• PzH 2000
• Rheinmetall M109A3G and M44T
• Soltam Slammer
• Otobreda Palmaria and M109L
• K9 Thunder (South Korea)
• AS90 and Braveheart
• M109A5 and M109A6 Paladin
• XM2001/XM2002 Crusader AFAS

Towed Howitzers:

• FH-70 and FH-70 R
• GH N-45
• CITEFA CALA 30/2
• Patria Vammas 155 GH 52
• Soltam M-46
• Otobreda 155/39 TM
• RDM M139 and M114/39
• SANTA BARBARA SB 155/39 and 155/52 APU SBT-1
• M114 155/45 and M114/39
• Bofors FH-77B
• M198 (with M199 gun)
• XM777 Lightweight Towed Howitzer

How to conduct adjustment fire with illumination shells:

Read: How to Conduct Adjustment Fire with Illumination Shells.

LU 216 ILLUM IR – Illuminating Projectile Operating in Infrared Spectrum

The LU 216 is a specialized 155 mm illuminating projectile designed to provide illumination in the infrared (IR) spectrum, which is especially useful for operations involving night vision equipment. It provides invisible illumination that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected using infrared goggles or sensors, making it suitable for covert operations and surveillance.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Type: Illuminating (Infrared)
• Caliber: 155 mm
• Purpose: Provides infrared illumination for night operations, allowing friendly forces to see using night vision equipment without revealing their presence to the enemy.
• Operation: After being fired, the projectile ejects an IR flare that burns brightly in the infrared spectrum, effectively illuminating the target area for night vision devices.

Operational Use:

• Tactical Advantage: The IR illumination provided by the LU 216 is invisible to the naked eye, allowing friendly forces equipped with night vision technology to observe and target enemy positions without being detected.
• Deployment Altitude: The flare is usually deployed at an altitude of 600-700 meters, ensuring wide-area coverage for effective surveillance and targeting.

Firing Parameters:

• Compatible Charges: Works with standard artillery charges, including M4A2, M119A1, and others suitable for the range requirements.
• Maximum Range: The projectile can be fired to ranges of approximately 15-20 km, depending on the charge used.

Usage Notes:

• Effective for Covert Operations: This IR illuminating projectile is highly effective for covert nighttime operations, providing the ability to illuminate an area for forces with night vision capabilities without alerting the enemy.
• Parachute Deployment: The IR flare descends by parachute to prolong the time of illumination, allowing extended observation and coordination.

The LU 216 ILLUM IR is an essential asset for providing tactical illumination in the infrared spectrum, supporting covert night operations and enhancing battlefield awareness without compromising operational security.

The LU 216 ILLUM IR is an illuminating projectile produced by a French manufacturer for 39- and 52-caliber guns. It is used for discrete (in separate sections) battlefield illumination using light that is emitted in the infrared spectrum. The projectile features a base bleed unit to increase flight range.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Type: Infrared Illuminating Projectile
• Caliber Compatibility: 39- and 52-caliber artillery
• Purpose: Provides discreet infrared illumination of the battlefield, which is invisible to the human eye but detectable by night vision devices.
• Flight Range Enhancement: Equipped with a base bleed unit for extended range.

Human eyes cannot detect infrared radiation, but sensory organs of some other animals, like snakes and bats, perceive infrared radiation, allowing them to navigate effectively in the dark. (Source: Wikipedia)

When the main parachute is deployed, the infrared flare descends at a speed of approximately 5 m/s and burns for 80 seconds. At night, with the use of night vision devices, the visible illumination area has a diameter of 2,400 meters.

LU 216 ILLUM IR – Infrared Illuminating Projectile

• Weight with Fuze: 44.4 kg
• Length without Fuze: 803 mm
• Body Material: Forged steel
• Filler: 2.4 kg
• Burn Time of Flare: 80 seconds
• Descent Speed of Flare: 5 m/s
• Operating Temperature Range: -54°C to +63°C
• Body Material: Forged steel
• Illumination Duration: The IR flare burns for about 60-120 seconds, depending on the model, providing prolonged infrared illumination.
• Deployment: Fired from a 155 mm artillery system, the projectile ejects the IR flare, which descends by parachute to provide steady illumination over the target area.

Ballistic Characteristics Similar to the M864 Cluster Projectile:

• Effective Ignition Height of Flare: 640 m
• Effective Burnout Height of Flare: 50 m

Maximum Range (39-caliber Barrel):

• With M4A2 Charge: 17,180 m
• With M119A1 Charge: 22,000 m
• With M119A2 Charge: 22,000 m

If time allows, it is possible to more precisely determine the settings for the LU 216. In “Kropyva,” switch to “Height Section” at the calculated settings. Since the optimal flare burn height is approximately 650 m, mark this height on the projectile’s trajectory and adjust the sighting distance to ensure the flare burns above the target.

Read: How to Make Corrections When Firing Illuminating Projectiles

• The M1A1 Illumination Shell is a 155 mm artillery projectile designed for illuminating the battlefield at night or in conditions of limited visibility. Its use enhances battlefield observation, facilitates target identification, and supports combat operations.

  The HE M1A1 Illumination ERFB BT (Boat Tail) Shell belongs to the ERFB (Extended Range Full Bore) type, which provides extended range due to the aerodynamic shape of the projectile body. The BT (Boat Tail) version has a tapered rear section, reducing air resistance, further improving range and flight stability.

  Construction:
  Shell Body:

  • Durable steel body containing an illumination charge and a parachute.
  • Equipped with special vents for uniform light distribution.

  Illumination Charge:

  • Composed of combustible materials that provide an intense and long-lasting light output.
  • Burns with minimal smoke to preserve visibility.

  Parachute:

  • Made of heat-resistant material, ensuring a smooth descent of the illumination charge.
  • Descent speed: approximately 5 m/s.

  Fuse:

  • Installed in the nose of the projectile.
  • The fuse activates at an altitude optimal for effective illumination (typically 400–600 m).

  Operating Principle:

  1. After firing, the shell ascends to the preset altitude.
  2. The fuse triggers the shell body to open.
  3. The illumination charge is ejected along with the parachute.
  4. The charge ignites and descends on the parachute, illuminating the area.

  Applications:

  • Nighttime illumination for infantry operations.
  • Detection of enemy positions.
  • Coordination of artillery fire and other units.

  Advantages:

  • Effective illumination of large areas.
  • Easy to use.
  • Compatible with various 155 mm artillery systems.

• Caliber: 155 mm
• Shell length with fuse: 875 mm
• Shell weight: 44.5 kg
• Illumination charge weight: 4.5 kg
• Burn duration: 120 seconds
• Illumination intensity: 1,000,000 candela
• Illumination area: up to 1,000,000 m²
• Fuse: mechanical time fuse (e.g., M501A1)
• Year of production: 2022/2023/2024
• Maximum range: 28.6 km (39-caliber gun, charge 6 M92)

Application Features

• Deployment altitude: typically 400–600 m above ground level.
• Parachute descent speed: approximately 5 m/s.
• Parachute type: heat-resistant, ensures stable descent of the illumination element.
• Ballistic characteristics: similar to the HE M1A1 ERFB BT (Boat Tail) shell.

How to Adjust Fire with Illumination Shells:

Read: How to Make Corrections When Firing Illuminating Projectiles