American Projectiles and Explosives
Ground Pyrotechnics
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. It is similar to the projector type, but modified to be fired from a service rifle or carbine. This type has a hollow stem, which is closed by a cork plug and a wheel-shaped fin. The "A1B2" series is the same as the "A1" series, except that the former indicates steel construction. Special cartridges are used to ignite the propelling charge. Embossed letters on the closing cap indicate color and type of star(s).
Operation: Remove the cork plug from the tail and place the signal on a rifle launcher. Place the butt of the rifle on the ground as far away as practicable. When the rifle is fired, the cartridge fires the primer, which in turn ignites the propelling charge. The signal travels approximately 100 feet and then reverses itself and reaches an altitude of approximately 600 feet.
No picture available
Length: 8.37 inches
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Weight: 9.25 ounces
Height of trajectory: 700 feet
This signal has the standard tube and fin assembly as the launcher types. It is used in training maneuvers to simulate the air burst of an artillery shell. It produces a flash and puff of smoke, and a noise audible for at least 2,000 yards.
Flash and Sound Signal M74
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General: The Flash and Sound Signal M74 is designed for simulation of air burst of artillery fire in training troops. It is fired from the Hand Projector M9 or the Pyrotechnic Pistol AN-M8
Description: The signal consists of an outer case, an expelling charge, and an inner cylindrical case containing the delay fuze and bursting charge. The outer case resembles those of the aircraft double-star type. A percussion primer in the base of the outer case extends into the expelling charge. The expelling charge sets off the delay fuze.
Operation: When fired, the primer ignites the expelling charge. This ignites the delay fuze and propels the inner case out of the outer case. After a delay of about two and a half seconds, the fuze ignites the burster charge which, in exploding, produces a bright flash and a loud noise.
Remarks: With the pistol or projector at 45 degree elevation, the signal will reach a height of about 100 feet for its burst. Helmets should be worn by exposed personnel.
Smoke Signals M62, M64, M65, and M66
Length: 10.15 inches
Diameter: 1.88 inches
Bursting altitude: 600 feet
Colors:
-M62: Red
-M64: Yellow
-M65: Green
-M66: Violet
Use: These signals are employed by artillery observes to signal or lay in a line of fire.
Description and Operation: The signal is launched in the same manner as the M17A1 series. The fuze delay ignites an expelling charge, which expels and ignites the six smoke pellets at an altitude of 600 feet. The pellets burn and fall, leaving a colored smoke trail.
Pistol Rocket Signals Mk1 Mod 2 and Mk 2 Mod 1
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Burning time: 21 seconds
Weight: 1 pound
Use: These signals are for identification on other signalling between ground troops.
Description: Similar in construction to the submarine signal, Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1 Comet, the Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1 Mod 2 produces a chameleon signal consisting of three parachute-borne stars which burn successively in three colors. Each star burns for approximately seven seconds before the next color ignites. The Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 2 Mod 1 is a smoke signal, a parachute-borne smoke candle, but is generally the same construction as the Mk 1 Mod 2.
Operation: The signals are fired from the Submarine Rocket Pistol Mk 1 Mod 0 or the Pyrotechnic Pistol AN-M8. The primer ignites the one-gram auxiliary expelling charge, which projects the upper section of the signal to a height of 30 feet, where the rocket powder ignites, sending the signal on up to 650 feet. There the pyrotechnic element, chameleon or smoke, ignites. As the signal leaves the projector or pistol, the spring-loaded vanes fold out into place, stabilizing the flight of the signal.
Illuminating Hand Grenade Mk 1
Diameter: 2.1 inches
Weight: 9.2 pounds
Intensity: 60,000 candlepower
Delay: 7 seconds
Burning time: 25 seconds
Description: The grenade consists of two metal shells pressed together and sealed. The upper shell contains a Bouchon igniter and a delay fuse. The bottom shell contains the illuminant composition, first fire charge, ignition charge, quick match, and disc.
Operation: Pull the release pin and throw the grenade. When the lever is released, the firing pin is freed to fire the primer. The primer ignites the delay fuse, which burns for seven seconds and then ignites the ignition charge. The ignition charge sets off the first fire composition, which in turn ignites the illuminant composition. The gases from the ignition charge and first fire force the two shells apart, thus leaving the illuminant composition of the bottom shell free for burning.
Next Time: Ground Pyrotechnics (Part 3)
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