American Projectiles and Explosives
Aircraft Pyrotechnics
Parachute Star M11, also M10, M14, M15, and M16
Length: 7.69 inches
Diameter: 1.58 inches
Burning time: 30 seconds
Intensity: 20,000 candlepower
Color: Red
Height: 200-250 feet
Use: This is a distress signal from grounded planes.
Projection: The Pyrotechnic Piston AN-M8 or Hand Projector M9 is used for firing the flare.
Description: The cylindrical, aluminum outer case has an extraction groove at the end containing the primer. A press-fit identification top is cemented to the end opposite the primer and has the embossed letters "R.P." for night identification. This cartridge is classified by the Army as the rimless type.
Operation: The firing pin of the pistol sets off the primer, igniting the propelling charge. The propelling charge ignites the delay fuze and propels the inner case outward. The delay fuze burns for 2.5 seconds and ignites the expelling charge, which in turn ignites the candle and expels the candle and parachute from the inner case.
Remarks: The Army has other parachute signals which are similar to the M11. These are obsolete or limited standard items.
Double Star AN-M28 to AN-M33 Series (Obsolete)
Length: 3.02 inches
Diameter: 1.58 inches
Burning time: 7 seconds
Height: 250 feet
Use: Double star aircraft signals are used as emergency identification by aircraft.
Projection: The Pyrotechnic Piston AN-M8 or Projector M9 is used for firing the signal.
Description: The signal cartridge has an aluminum, plastic, or steel barrel with an extraction groove at the closed end which houses the primer. A press-fit identification top is cemented into the opposite end, finished with embossed letters to identify the colors of the stars. Appropriately colored bands around the outer case also identify the colors of the stars, in addition, the identification top is appropriately colored. These signals are also classified by the Army as the "Rimless Type."
Operation: The firing pin of the pistol strikes the primer, igniting the propelling charge. As the stars are expelled from the pistol, they are ignited by the propelling charge through the quickmatch. The stars reach full brilliance after travelling 40 or 50 feet, and rise to a height of approximately 250 feet.
Single Star AN-M34 to AN-M36 Series (Obsolete)
Description: This series has the single star instead of the double star of the AN-M28 to AN-M33 series, but the dimensions are the same.
Remarks: This series is not procured by the Navy
Aircraft Signals AN-M37 to AN-M42 and AN-M37A1 to AN-M42A1 Series
Length: 3.85 inches
Diameter: 1.54 inches
Burning time: 7 seconds
Height: 250 feet
Use: These signals are used for emergency identification of aircraft.
Projection: The Pyrotechnic Piston AN-M8 is used to fire this signal.
Description: A metal or plastic head contianing the primer is crimped to the paper board or metal case, the opposite end of which is closed with a cardboard wad. The colors of the stars are printed and painted on this wad, there being no means of night identification. Colors of stars are also indicated by the appropriately colored bands on the case near the forward end. These signals are classified by the Army as the Cartridge Type.
Operation: These signals are similar to the AN-M28 to AN-M33 series in operation.
Remarks: The A1 series has an aluminum case.
Description: This series has a single star instead of the double star of the AN-M37 to AN-M42 series; dimensions are the same.
Two Star Cartridge Mk 3 Mod 3
Description: These are interchangeable with the AN-M37 to AN-M42 series. There is no means of night identification. Color combinations available are: red-red, yellow-yellow, green-green, red-yellow, red-green, or green-yellow.
Next Time: Aircraft Pyrotechnics - Pistol and Hand-Size (Part 2)
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