American Projectiles and Explosives
Aircraft Pyrotechnics
Smoke Streamer
T29
Overall length: 47.5 inches
Body length: 40.5 inches
Body diameter: 8 inches
Body length: 40.5 inches
Body diameter: 8 inches
Wall thickness: 0.06 inches
Tail length: 11.5 inches
Tail width: 10.75 inches
Filling: 8 Modified Smoke Grenades M18
Total weight: 100 pounds
Tail width: 10.75 inches
Filling: 8 Modified Smoke Grenades M18
Total weight: 100 pounds
Fuzing: The Fuze M143 consists of a fuze body support mounting four bouchon grenade-type fuzes and an arming washer, and is threaded to fit the fuze adapter of the tube train. The arming washer is 2.5 inches in diameter and has four arms 0.75 inches wide and one inch long. The arming wire holds the arming washer over the bouchon levers until it is withdrawn.
Construction: The bomb body consists of a sheet-steel case with a filling plug in the base. The four tail vanes are welded to the truncated cone with box-type interior struts. The complete body assembly consists of this Practice-Bomb Case M38A2, a train tube, a grenade train, a closing plug, and a fuze. The train tube is a seamless steel tubing three inches in diameter and 40 inches long, with a fuze adapter brazed to the after end. Eight modified Grenades M18 filled with fast-burning mixture are inserted into the tube to form the grenade train. Each grenade is modified by cutting a center hole in its base, and the bouchon fuze is omitted.
The top of each grenade is coated with a starter compound which acts as the igniter for the adjacent grenade. Four strands of quick match are knotted and inserted in the center hole of the top grenade in such a manner as to leave the knot and loose ends at the top to receive the fuze flash. The eight grenades are held apart by spring steel separators. A threaded closing plug seals the tube and protects the grenade train from moisture. This plus must be removed just prior to use. the bomb is brought up to the weight of approximately 98 pounds by filling the balance of the internal space with sand.
The top of each grenade is coated with a starter compound which acts as the igniter for the adjacent grenade. Four strands of quick match are knotted and inserted in the center hole of the top grenade in such a manner as to leave the knot and loose ends at the top to receive the fuze flash. The eight grenades are held apart by spring steel separators. A threaded closing plug seals the tube and protects the grenade train from moisture. This plus must be removed just prior to use. the bomb is brought up to the weight of approximately 98 pounds by filling the balance of the internal space with sand.
Operation: When the arming wire is pulled, the bouchon springs throw off the arming washer and handles, allowing the bouchons to fire. This action ignites the quick match in the center hole of the top grenade, which in turn is ignited, and the flash is simultaneously transmitted to all the grenades.
Remarks: The colored streamer smoke bomb is used as a visual signal to be dropped by the lead plane of a bomber formation when the target has been determined. Smoke emission begins approximately one second after release from the plane and continues for approximately 7,000 to 10,000 feet.
Remarks: The colored streamer smoke bomb is used as a visual signal to be dropped by the lead plane of a bomber formation when the target has been determined. Smoke emission begins approximately one second after release from the plane and continues for approximately 7,000 to 10,000 feet.
Photoflash Bombs
M23A1
Overall length: 25.4 inches
Diameter: 4.25 inches
Weight: 10.6 pounds
Weight of flash powder: 7.75 pounds
Fixed delay: 15 seconds
Duration of flash: 0.2 seconds
Intensity of flash: 150,000,000 candlepower
Release altitude: 4,000 to 7,000 feet
Diameter: 4.25 inches
Weight: 10.6 pounds
Weight of flash powder: 7.75 pounds
Fixed delay: 15 seconds
Duration of flash: 0.2 seconds
Intensity of flash: 150,000,000 candlepower
Release altitude: 4,000 to 7,000 feet
Use: This bomb is used to provide light of high intensity and short duration for night photography from low altitudes.
Description: The bomb case is made of cardboard closed with metal ends, one of which is marked "Front" to insure proper loading in the rack. This end contains the hang-wire assembly just before the Fuze Assembly M23A1. The fuze assembly is made up of the friction wires attached to the hang wire, match composition, quick match, delay element, upper and lower rings, and base ignition charge immediately adjacent to the flashlight powder charge. The hang wire is attached to the arming-wire retainer.
Operation: When the bomb is released, the hang wire remains attached to the arming-wire retainer. As the bomb drops, the hang wire pulls the friction wires through the match composition of the fuze. The hang wire also pulls out the hang-wire container, allowing both the hang wire container and the bomb to fall free. The flame from the match composition ignites a piece of quick match, which in turn ignites a delay element. After 15 seconds, the delay element ignites the base charge of the fuze, which sets off the flashlight powder charge. The flash lasts a fifth of a second.
Operation: When the bomb is released, the hang wire remains attached to the arming-wire retainer. As the bomb drops, the hang wire pulls the friction wires through the match composition of the fuze. The hang wire also pulls out the hang-wire container, allowing both the hang wire container and the bomb to fall free. The flame from the match composition ignites a piece of quick match, which in turn ignites a delay element. After 15 seconds, the delay element ignites the base charge of the fuze, which sets off the flashlight powder charge. The flash lasts a fifth of a second.
AN-M46
One-inch Salute Mk 1 Mod 0
Length: 1.75 inches
Diameter: 0.75 inches
Use: This salute is used by the Marine construction battalions and amphibious training commands to simulate battle sounds of loud report and bright flash.
Description: Essentially a commercial-type firecracker, this salute is a spirally-wound paper tube closed at both ends with paper cups. It uses the regular firecracker filling and fuse.
Firecracker Mk 2 Mod 0
General: This firecracker is used as a practice charge for booby traps and firing devices. It produces a loud report, bright flash, and smoke. It is designed to reduce the hazard of flying particles attendant upon use of a standard potassium perchlorate firecracker. It is classified as fireworks, since it contains no high explosive. Although coated with a waterproofing material, it should be stored in a dry place.
Installation: The coupling base of any standard firing device is pushed through the wax-filled hole in the hollowed end of the firecracker and rotated clockwise until at least two threads of the coupling base are inside the hollowed end.
Signal Light Mk 2
Red
Burning time: 7
Candlepower: 300
White
Burning time: 6
Candlepower: 250
Green
Burning time: 5
Candlepower: 600
Use: Signal Light Mk 2 is used primarily as a distress signal.
Description: The cartridge, sometimes called the Very signal, is similar in appearance to a 10-gauge shotgun shell. The star charge is a tightly-packed cylinder of pyrotechnic material reinforced with wire and wrapped with quick match. The propelling charge is composed of about 25 grains of black powder separated from the star charge by a hard felt pad.
Identification of the three types
Red Star: Paper wrapping is red; closing wad is corrugated
White Star: Paper wrapping is white; closing wad has a small cone in the center.
Green Star: Paper wrapping is green; closing wad is smooth.
Operation: The Signal Pistol Mk 5 may be used, as well as the Hand Projector Mk 3 or Mk 4.
The primer ignites the propelling charge, expelling the star out of the projector and igniting the quick match, which ignites the star as it leaves the barrel and burns as it rises to a height of about 200 feet.
Projector Type M17 - M22 Series (Obsolete)
Length w/o tail: 6 inches
Diameter: 1.6 inches
Delay: 6 seconds
Height of trajectory: 600 feet
Description: The signal is assembled in a cylindrical case, and equipped with a finned tail assembly for stabilization purposes. The primer is located int he head of the signal, and the propelling charge is contained in a small cavity under the head. The end opposite the primer is closed by a press-fit cap to which the tail assembly is attached. The signal has a solid tail stem and an X-shaped fin. Embossed letters on the fin indicate the color and type of star(s).
Operation: The signal is inserted nose-first into Ground Projector M3 or M4. The projector is struck smartly on the ground, causing the primer to strike the projector firing pin. The primer ignites the propelling charge, which projects the signal tail-first for approximately 100 feet. The signal then reverses itself and reaches an altitude of approximately 600 feet.
High-Bursting Range Signal M27
No picture available
The Range Signal M27 is similar to the projector-type signals, except that it has no tail assembly. It is fired only from the Ground Signal Projector M1A1. The signal explodes at the top of its rise, producing a flash and a puff of smoke.
Overall length: 48.4 inches
Diameter: 8 inches
Weight: 51.9 pounds
Weight of flash powder: 25 pounds
Burning time: 0.2 seconds
Peak intensity: 500,000,000 candlepower
Fuzing: M111A2, AN-M146
Diameter: 8 inches
Weight: 51.9 pounds
Weight of flash powder: 25 pounds
Burning time: 0.2 seconds
Peak intensity: 500,000,000 candlepower
Fuzing: M111A2, AN-M146
Use: The Photoflash Bomb An-M46 was developed so that planes engaged in night photography reconnaissance need not be limited to low altitudes.
Description: In appearance it resembles a conventional light-case bomb. Uses a Fuze M111A2 in the nose, but it is issued unfuzed. It also has two suspension bands for rack and shackle suspension.
Operation: When the bomb is dropped, the arming wire is pulled, starting the mechanical time fuze. When the time set on the fuze has elapsed, the flashlight powder is ignited by the fuze booster.
Remarks: Because of the brilliance of the flash, it is detrimental to the vision to watch the explosion of photoflash bombs. Extreme care should be exercised in handling these bombs, because the charge is very sensitive to friction, shock, and temperature. These bombs should not be jettisoned over friendly territory, as they may function on impact.
Ground Pyrotechnics
Diameter: 0.75 inches
Use: This salute is used by the Marine construction battalions and amphibious training commands to simulate battle sounds of loud report and bright flash.
Description: Essentially a commercial-type firecracker, this salute is a spirally-wound paper tube closed at both ends with paper cups. It uses the regular firecracker filling and fuse.
General: This firecracker is used as a practice charge for booby traps and firing devices. It produces a loud report, bright flash, and smoke. It is designed to reduce the hazard of flying particles attendant upon use of a standard potassium perchlorate firecracker. It is classified as fireworks, since it contains no high explosive. Although coated with a waterproofing material, it should be stored in a dry place.
Installation: The coupling base of any standard firing device is pushed through the wax-filled hole in the hollowed end of the firecracker and rotated clockwise until at least two threads of the coupling base are inside the hollowed end.
Signal Light Mk 2
Red
Burning time: 7
Candlepower: 300
White
Burning time: 6
Candlepower: 250
Green
Burning time: 5
Candlepower: 600
Use: Signal Light Mk 2 is used primarily as a distress signal.
Description: The cartridge, sometimes called the Very signal, is similar in appearance to a 10-gauge shotgun shell. The star charge is a tightly-packed cylinder of pyrotechnic material reinforced with wire and wrapped with quick match. The propelling charge is composed of about 25 grains of black powder separated from the star charge by a hard felt pad.
Identification of the three types
Red Star: Paper wrapping is red; closing wad is corrugated
White Star: Paper wrapping is white; closing wad has a small cone in the center.
Green Star: Paper wrapping is green; closing wad is smooth.
Operation: The Signal Pistol Mk 5 may be used, as well as the Hand Projector Mk 3 or Mk 4.
The primer ignites the propelling charge, expelling the star out of the projector and igniting the quick match, which ignites the star as it leaves the barrel and burns as it rises to a height of about 200 feet.
Projector Type M17 - M22 Series (Obsolete)
Length w/o tail: 6 inches
Diameter: 1.6 inches
Delay: 6 seconds
Height of trajectory: 600 feet
Description: The signal is assembled in a cylindrical case, and equipped with a finned tail assembly for stabilization purposes. The primer is located int he head of the signal, and the propelling charge is contained in a small cavity under the head. The end opposite the primer is closed by a press-fit cap to which the tail assembly is attached. The signal has a solid tail stem and an X-shaped fin. Embossed letters on the fin indicate the color and type of star(s).
Operation: The signal is inserted nose-first into Ground Projector M3 or M4. The projector is struck smartly on the ground, causing the primer to strike the projector firing pin. The primer ignites the propelling charge, which projects the signal tail-first for approximately 100 feet. The signal then reverses itself and reaches an altitude of approximately 600 feet.
High-Bursting Range Signal M27
No picture available
The Range Signal M27 is similar to the projector-type signals, except that it has no tail assembly. It is fired only from the Ground Signal Projector M1A1. The signal explodes at the top of its rise, producing a flash and a puff of smoke.
Next Time: Ground Pyrotechnics (Part 2)
Any details on the parachute the AN-M26 used? I have one but no parachute.
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