American Projectiles and Explosives - Anti-Tank Mines (Part 2)

American Projectiles and Explosives

Anti-Tank Mines




M6

Diameter: 12.5 inches

Height: 3.25 inches
Total weight: 20 pounds
TNT filler weight: 12 pounds
Material: Steel
Color: Olive drab

Components: The mine consists of a loaded mine body, fuze, and pressure-plate plug.  The steel body is cylindrical, with a carrying handle attached to the bottom.  Assembled to the mine body is a round pressure plate, 7 and 1/2 inches in diameter, containing the reversible pressure-plate plug which covers the fuze well.  The pressure plate is supported internally by circular Belleville springs and sealed against moisture by a rubber diaphragm.  In addition to the primary fuze well, supplementary fuze wells are located on the side and on the bottom of the mine for use in anti-lifting or booby-trap purposes.


Remarks: For booby traps or anti-removal devices, after the main fuze is installed, any standard firing device may be attached to the supplementary fuze wells by using the Activator M1.  This activator is a plastic adapter approximately 2 inches long, which contains a tetryl booster charge.

This fuze myst not be used with the Anti-Tank Mine M7.

M7A1

Length: 7 inches
Width: 4.5 inches
Height: 2.5 inches
Total weight: 4.5 pounds
Tetryl filler weight: 3.25 pounds
Material: Steel
Color: Olive drab

Components: This mine can be used as either an anti-tank or an anti-personnel mine.  The body is a rectangular steel container filled with high explosive.  The fuze well is located in the center of the top surface, and at one end is an activator well that will accommodate any standard firing device with a Corps of Engineers' blasting cap.  The pressure plate is shaped to the contour of the mine body and is slotted so that it may be guided by rivets in the sides of the mine body, into position over the fuze.  A small circular pad on the underside of the pressure plate bears against the head of the fuze.


Remarks: For a booby trap or anti-personnel mine, any standard firing device may be attached to the side fuze well.





Improvised Mines

Bangalore Torpedo

No picture available

Special torpedo caps are furnished with each box of ten bangalores, to adapt the bangalore torpedo for use on an anti-tank mine.  Pull-firing detonators are furnished separately.  To assemble the bangalores for use as an anti-tank mine, insert detonators in two torpedo caps; place a safety pin through the torpedo-cap ears and the detonator loop of each; and snap a torpedo cap onto each end of the torpedo, so that the detonator fits into the cap well.  Lay the torpedo on the ground across a wooden block and drive eight-inch spikes on drift pins into the ground as close to the ends as possible.  Pass the detonator wire through each detonator loop, and attach the wire to the spike.  Make sure there is no tension on the detonator wire.  Withdraw the safety pin.  The mine is now armed and ready for use.



2.36-inch A/T Rocket

No picture available

The A/T Rocket M6 may be employed by placing the rocket, nose-up in its container, in a hole about two feet deep, either ina  roadbed or horizontally on the side of a cut or bank.  It can be set to fire electrically by arranging a circuit containing the rocket, a battery, and an improvised circuit closer.  Connections to the rocket are made on the ignition wires: one from the brass ring on the nose, the other from the fins.  Ordinary field telephone wire will serve; the battery and connections should be protected from water if necessary.

The container cap is removed and the other end knocked out.  The container is thus a guide for the rocket.  A hole is punched in the container cap, through which the electric firing-device wire (or trip-wire) are run.  When connections have been made, the container cap is slid in place over the fins to protect the contacts from fouling.  The rocket safety pin is removed; the container tube is slid over the rocket and joined to the cap; and the assembly is placed in the hole.  Loose dirt and leaves are then placed over all of the rocket except the nose; the nose is concealed by covering with leaves or light bunches of grass.  Care must be taken not to bump the nose, as the rocket is completely armed when the safety pin is removed.







Practice Mines


  General: Practice mines are used in training.  These mines can be identified by their blue color and white markings.


M1: The Practice Mine M1 consists of three components: an empty mine body, a spider, and a fuze.  The parts are similar in construction to the high-explosive mine, except that the body has five one-inch holes equally spaced around the side.  The explosive filling consists of a caliber .32 blank cartridge in the fuze, 100 grains of red phosphorus, and 60 grains of black powder.


M1B1: The Practice Mine M1B1 is made of sheet metal and resembles the service mine, except that the filling hole is in the bottom of the mine body.  The body is sand-filled to weight before it is issued for use in practice.  Four sections are cut out of the top of the body near the fuze well, to permit the passage of smoke.


T8E1: The Practice Mine T8E1 simulates the standard Mine M6.  It uses the Practice Fuze T20, which simulates the M600, but gives a puff of smoke instead of detonating the mine.  Four sections cut out of the top of the body near the fuze well permit the passage of smoke.


M10: The Practice Mine M10 simulates the standard Mine M7A1.  It is loaded with 3.4 pounds of inert filler, consisting of Santo wax M, 50%, plaster of paris, 12%, and powdered red iron oxide, 38%.  It uses the Practice Fuze T20.  Four sections cut out of the top fo the body permit the passage of smoke. 

Next Time: Anti-Personnel and Trip Mines

American Projectiles and Explosives - Hand Grenades (Part 1)

American Projectiles and Explosives

Grenades

General

The design of hand grenades has been confined by several limiting technicalities, as follows: the grenade must be small and light; its range is short; there is no set-back or creep force of significance in the throwing operation; and the grenade must be rugged and safe enough to be carries on the bodies of troops.

Hence, despite the many tactical purposes, anti-tank, anti-personnel, screening, etc, hand grenades are generally of the same shape, size, and fuze action.





Fragmentation Mk II, Mk IIA1; also Fuze M204

Overall length: 4.5 inches
Diameter: 2.25 inches
Color: Olive drab
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Filling: Flaked and granular TNT
Weight of filling: 1.75 ounces

Fuze: M204
Delay: 4 to 5 seconds


Description: The Fragmentation Grenade Mk II has a serrated cast-iron body of the familiar "pineapple" design.  The grooves run both horizontally and vertically to assist in the formation of uniform fragments of effective size.

This grenade is issued loaded and fuze with Igniting Fuze M204.  This Fuze M204 produces no noise other than that of the impact of the striker on the primer, and emits no smoke or sparks during its burning.  The fuze consists of a body, striker, safety lever, and safety pin.  The body of the fuze is cylindrical in shape and is threaded for assembly to the grenade.  It contains the primer, a delay element sufficient to give an average delay of 4.5 seconds, and a detonator of PETN.  At the top of the body, one side is extended and slotted to form a point of fulcrum for the attachment of the safety lever.  The striker is retained by the safety lever.  The lever is hooked under the lip of the fuze body, extends across the head of the fuze and over the striker, and curves downward in an arc that conform to the shape of the grenade body.  The lever is held in position for shipping and handling by a split safety pin which passes through the safety lever, through the fuze body, and over the striker to protrude on the other side, where the pin is spread so that a pull of between 20 and 30 pounds is required to withdraw it.


Operation: When the safety pin is withdrawn preparatory to throwing, the lever is held in place by the hand holding the grenade.  When the grenade is thrown, the lever is released.  The striker, driven by its spring, throws off the lever and rotates about its pivot to impinge on the primer.  The primer ignites the delay element, which takes from 4 to 5 seconds to burn through to a relay element which flashes through a flash channel to ignite the detonator.  Explosion of the PETN detonator, detonates the main charge of the grenade.

The grenade can be thrown about 35 yards.  Effective fragmentation covers an area of 30-yard radius, but fragments may travel as far as 200 yards.


Earlier models: This grenade replaces an earlier model, the Mk IIA1, which was identical to the Mk II except for the fuze and the filling, the Mk  IIA1 being issued with the Fuze M10A3.  The only external difference is that the safety lever fits over rather than under the lip of the fuze body.  The Fragmentation Grenade Mk II is filled with 3/4 ounce of E.C. powder.

Offensive Mk IIIA1 and Mk IIIA2; also Fuzes M6 and M206A1

Overall length: 5.35 inches
Diameter: 2.125 inches
Color: Black
Weight: 0.84 pounds

Fuze: M206A1
Delay: 4.5 seconds


Description: The Offensive Grenade Mk IIIA2 consists of a cylindrical pressed-fiber body and a charge of pressed TNT.  The head contains a threaded fuze hole which is sealed by a water-proof paper disc.

It is fuzed with Detonating Fuze M206A1, which has a delay varying between 4.3 and 4.8 seconds.  The fuze consists of a threaded metal body which contains the primer, delay element, and detonator, and to which a spring-drive striker is attached.  The striker is restrained by the safety lever, which hooks over the lip of the body and passes across the head of the body, over the striker, and down the side of the grenade.  The lever is held in place during shipping and handling by a split safety pin which passes through the safety lever, through the fuze body, and over the striker, to protrude on the other side, where it is spread so that a pull of between 10 and 30 pounds is required to withdraw it.  This fuze is distinguished from igniting fuzes by the red sealing compound, instead of green, used to seal the detonator into the fuze.


Operation: When the safety pin is removed preparatory to throwing, the lever is held in place by the hand holding the grenade.  When the grenade is thrown, the lever is released.  The striker, driven by its spring, throws off the lever and rotates about its pivot to impinge on the primer.  The primer ignites the delay element, which takes about 4.5 seconds to burn through to the detonator.

The explosion of the detonator sets off the main charge, producing a blast effect.  This blast is not effective against personnel except at very short ranges or in enclosed spaces.


Earlier models: The Offensive Grenade Mk IIIA1 differs from the Mk IIIA2 in that the ends of the grenade body are of sheet metal and the grenade weighs 0.875 pounds fuzed.  The Mk III had metal ends and contained only 0.27 pounds of TNT.  It was shipped with a wooden plug in the fuze well.  The M6A1, M6A2, and M6A3 models of this fuze may be encountered.  These modifications have been declared unsafe for use and should be destroyed.


Remarks: The Hand Grenade Mk IIIA2 has been taken out of production, but large quantities of them still exist.






Smoke (W.P.) M15; also Fuzes M6A3, M10A3, and M200A1

No picture available

Overall length: 5 inches
Diameter: 2.5 inches
Color: Blue grey
Filling: White Phosphorus

Fuze: M6A3
Delay: 4.5 seconds


Description: This grenade is of the bursting type and contains white phosphorus in a sealed cylindrical container.  The body corners are rounded.  It is fuzed with the Detonating Fuze M6A3, which has a delay varying between 4.3 seconds and 4.8 seconds.  The fuze consists of a threaded metal body which contains the primer, delay element, and detonator, and to which a spring-driven striker is attached.  The striker is restrained by the safety lever, which hooks over the lip of the body and passes across the head of the body, over the striker, and down the side of the grenade.  The lever is held in place during shipping and handling by a split safety pin which passes through the safety lever, through the fuze body, and over the striker, to protrude on the other side, where it is spread so that a pull of between 10 and 30 pounds is required to withdraw it.  This fuze is distinguished from igniting fuzes by the red sealing compound, instead of green, used to aid in sealing the detonator into the fuze.  It differs from the Detonating Fuze M10A3 in that the safety lever is straight, while that of the M10A3 is curved.  It differs from the Detonating Fuze M200A1 int hat the length of the body is approximately four inches, as compared with a body length of two inches for the M200A1.  The detonator consists of a seven-grain primer charge and a 13.5-grain tetryl charge.


Operation: When the safety pin is removed preparatory to throwing, the lever is held in place by the hand holding the grenade.  When the grenade is thrown, the lever is released.  The striker, driven by its spring, throws off the lever and rotates about its pivot to impinge on the primer.  The primer ignites the delay element, which takes about 4.5 seconds to burn through to the detonator.

When ignited by the delay element, the detonator bursts the case and scatters the phosphorus over an area about 25 yards in diameter.  The phosphorus ignites spontaneously, and the scattered pieces will burn for about 30 seconds.

Gas CN-DM-M6, CN-M7, and CN-M7A1; also Fuze M201A1

Overall length: 5 inches
Diameter: 2.5 inches
Color: Blue grey

Filling:
-M6: Cloracetophenome, Diphenylamine, Chloraisine, burning mixture
-M7: Cloracetophenome, burning mixture

Fuze: M201A1
Delay: 2 seconds


Description: These grenades are of the burning type; they do not explode.  They have a cylindrical body made of tin plate.  The M7A1 has a half-inch gas port in the bottom and four ports in the head, covered by small squares of adhesive tape.  A center hole is placed through the CN mixture.  At the top of the hole is the starter mixture.  The M6 and M7 have three lines of six gas ports in the body and four ports in the head, covered by small squares of adhesive tape.

The Fuze M201A1 threads into the top of these grenades.  It is essentially the same as the Igniting Fuze M10A3 used in the fragmentation hand grenade.  However, there is only a two-second delay element, an igniter, and no detonator.  This results in a fuze with a much shorter body.  At the top of the body, one side is extended to form a lip for the attachment of the safety lever; the other side forms a hinge to carry the spring-loaded striker.  The striker is restrained by the safety lever.  The lever is hooked over the lip of the fuze body and extends across the head of the fuze, over the striker, and down the side of the grenade.  The lever is held in position for shipping and handling by a split safety pin which passes through the safety lever, through the body, and over the striker, to protrude on the other side, where it is spread so that a pull of between 20 and 30 pounds is required to withdraw it.


Operation: When the safety pin is removed preparatory to throwing, the lever is held in place by the hand holding the grenade.  When the grenade is thrown, the lever is released.  The striker, driven by its spring, throws off the lever and rotates about its pivot to impinge on the primer.  The primer ignites the delay element, which takes about 2 seconds to burn through to the igniter.  The igniter ignites the starter mixture, which creates enough heat to vaporize the chemical ingredients.  The pieces of adhesive tape covering the gas ports are blown or burned off and gas is emitted  The gas generation reaches full volume three seconds after the safety lever is released, and gas is emitted for from 20 to 60 seconds.  The M7A1 has an average burning time of 45 seconds.


Remarks: The M7A1 is an improved model of the M7, which is now substitute standard.  The tendency of the M7 to flame or explode upon ignition has been eliminated in the M7A1, which also produces more than double the concentration of CN smoke and vapor.

Smoke, White, H.C., AN-M8, and Colored, M18 and M16; also Fuze M201

No picture available

Length: 5 inches
Diameter: 2.5 inches
Color: Blue grey

Filling:
-AN-M8: Hexachlorethane-zinc
-M18: Colored smoke mixture

Fuze: M201
Delay: 2 seconds


Description: These grenades have four ports in the head.  These are covered by small squares of adhesive tape.  The Grenades M18 produce seven colors of smoke: red, orange, blue, green, black, violet, and yellow.  The M16 is a limited standard colored-smoke grenade and differs from the M18 in that it produces smoke for 2.5 minutes, while the M18 produces smoke for one minute, and the AN-M8 produces a white smoke for three minutes.

The Fuze M201 threads into the top of these grenades.  It is essentially the same as the M10A3 used in the fragmentation hand grenades.  However, there is only a two-second delay element, an igniter, and no detonator.  This results in a fuze with a much shorter body.  At the top of the body, one side is extended to form a lip for the attachment of the safety lever; the other side forms a hinge to carry the spring-loaded striker.  The striker is restrained by the safety lever.  The lever is hooked over the lip of the fuze body and extends across the head of the fuze, over the striker, and down the side of the grenade.  The lever is held in position for shipping and handling by a split safety pin which passes through the safety lever, through the fuze body, and over the striker, to protrude on the other side, where it is spread so that a pull of between 20 and 30 pounds is required to withdraw it.


Operation: The igniter ignites the starter mixture, which initiates the smoke mixture.  The pieces of adhesive tape covering the gas ports are blown or burned off and gas is emitted for approximately 3.5 minutes.

The volume of smoke generated by a grenade is generally too small for screening purposes.  Although these grenades may be used to patch gaps in a larger screen, the authorization is for signals.


Remarks: The presence of moisture will cause these grenades to ignite spontaneously.  If a fire should occur in such munitions, an attempt should be made to remove and segregate the burning items.  Neither water nor the usual chemical extinguishers should be used in an attempt to extinguish such fires.

The Smoke Grenade M16 is designated as a substitute standard item.

Smoke, Red, AN-M3, also Modified Fuze M201

Length: 5.5 inches
Diameter: 3 inches
Color: Blue grey
Filling: Red smoke mixture

Fuze: Modified M201
Delay: 2 seconds


Description: This grenade differs from the other smoke grenades in that the body is assembled in a cylindrical outer container.  This container has eight smoke-emission ports in its top.  It also has three light metal flaps welded to the side, which may be bent outward at right angles to furnish bearing for supporting the grenade in snow, mud, or other soft surface.  With the outer container, this grenade is slightly larger than the ordinary smoke grenade.

The Fuze M201 has been modified by shortening the safety lever so that it does not protrude down the side of the grenade.  At the top of the body, one side is extended to form a lip for the attachment of the safety lever; the other side forms a hinge to carry the spring-loaded striker.


Remarks: This grenade is used for signaling, especially in snow.

Next Time: Hand Grenades (Part 2)

American Projectiles and Explosives - Depth Charges and Slick Markers

American Projectiles and Explosives

Aircraft Pyrotechnics




Day Depth Charge Marker Mk 1 Mods 1 and 2

Length: 11.88 inches
Diameter: 3.46 inches
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Weight of dye: 2.75 pounds
Weight of bursting charge: 30 grams
Effective releasing altitude: Up to 1,000 feet
Visibility: 3,000 yards from deck of ship; 5 miles from aircraft


Use: The marker is used to indicate the initial point of contact with submarines and provide a reference point for further search and attack during day operation.


Description: The marker consists of a circular wooden block on which is mounted a grenade-firing mechanism with a 15-second delay.  Fluorescein dye is contained in two cylindrical paper cans, one attached to each flat side of the wooden block; and a celluloid tube containing the black-powder bursting charge is attached to the delay element and extends through the wooden block into the paper cans.  The dye is rusty red in color when dry, but a water solution of the dye is yellow-green.


Operation: The operator clasps the marker firmly in one hand, being sure that the release lever is held against the body of the marker.  With the other hand, he pulls the safety ring which is attached to the safety cotter pin and launches the marker by throwing it over the side.  When the marker is released, the spring-loaded striker forces the release lever off.  The striker, rotating about a hinge pin, hits the primer that ignites the 15-second delay fuze.  The delay gives the marker sufficient time to reach the water and float on the surface, and then ignites the bursting charge.  The gases evolved from the charge burst the dye containers and spread the dye on the water, forming a yellow-green slick about 40 feet in diameter.  The slick lasts for 45 to 60 minutes.








Night Depth Charge Marker Mk 2

Length: 7 inches
Diameter: 5 inches
Weight: 2.5 pounds
Effective releasing altitude: Up to 3,000 feet
Visibility: 4 miles from deck of ship; 10 miles from aircraft

Burning time: 55 minutes
Ignition time (after impact): 70-90 seconds


Use: The marker is employed to indicate the initial point of contact with submarines and provide a reference point for further search and attack during night operations.


Description: The marker is a sealed, cylindrical, metal container that has a centrally located tube, sealed on both ends by tear strips with a pull ring attached, and containing calcium phosphide.  The main charge is calcium carbide that surrounds the central tube and is held in one end by a screen.  This produces a concentration of weight at one end and allows the marker to float in an upright position.


Operation: After the two tear strips are pulled off, the marker is launched by throwing it overboard.  Water enters through the small calcium carbide (producing an inflammable gas, acetylene) and with the calcium phosphide (producing a spontaneously ignited gas, phosphine).  Both gases escape from the small holes in the top and ignite within 70 to 90 seconds after impact with the water.  In extremely cold weather, the ignition delay may be somewhat longer.  The resulting flame is about nine inches high.  If it should be put out by rough water, the gases will ignite again.










Slick Marker Cartridge AN-Mk 1

No picture availabe

Length: 3.8 inches
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Muzzle velocity: 300 feet/sec
Weight of dye: 28 grams


Use: This marker is used primarily to provide reference points for aircraft engaged in anti-submarine warfare.


Description: The cartridge is composed of a shotgun-type case containing a primer, a black-powder propelling charge, and the projectile.  The projectile has a thin aluminum case and contains 28 grams of fluorescein dye and a black-powder bursting charge initiated by a Bickford-type fuze.


Launching: The marker cartridge is fired in the Pyrotechnic Pistol AN-M8, which may be held in the hand or mounted in the Mount M1.

Operation: When the cartridge is fired, the black powder in the head of the case propels the projectile from the pistol and at the same time ignites the Bickford fuze.  The fuze burns for about eleven seconds before igniting the bursting charge which expels the fluorescein dye out into the water.  The projectile has a positive buoyancy and will remain near or at the surface until a small, bright green slick is created.


Remarks: This cartridge should not be fired from altitudes greater than 500 feet, because the cartridge must be in the water when it bursts.

Slick Marker AN-M59

No picture available

Length: 10.875 inches
Diameter: 3.375 inches
Weight: 2.9 pounds


Use: This is the standard all-purpose sea marker for daylight use: to provide reference points; to aid in determining drift; and to provide practice bombing targets on water.


Description: This marker consists of a paper composition case filled with a  fluorescein dye.  It is protected by a cylinder of papier-maché, which does not interfere with its function.


Launching: The marker is dropped by hand from a plane.


Operation: Upon impact with water, the case shatters and the dye spreads upon the surface.







Army Flares

M8 and M8A1

No picture available
  
Length: 25.5 inches
Diameter: 4.25 inches
Weight: 18 pounds
Color: Yellow
Intensity: 850,000 candlepower
Burning time: 3 minutes
Rate of fall after ignition: 500 feet/min


Use: The flares are used in emergency night landings.


Description: Each flare consists of a cylinder containing an unshaded candle.


Operation: Army Flares M8 and M8A1 are similar in operation to the Flares An-M26, except that the hang wire pulls the parachute directly from the case.


Remarks: The M8 is similar to the M8A1, except that the latter flare burns with a white light approximately 250,000 candlepower.

M9 and M9A1

Picture seen above

 M9 
Length: 13.8 inches
Diameter: 2 inches
Weight: 1.9 pounds
Color: Yellow
Intensity: 60,000 candlepower
Burning time: 1 minute
Rate of fall after ignition: 400 feet/min


M9A1
Length: 15.05 inches
Weight: 2.1 pounds


Use: This flare was designed to satisfy the requirements for a small parachute flare for reconnaissance.


Description: The flare consists of a cylinder containing a candle, designed to be projected with the Pyrotechnic Pistol AN-M8.


Operation: The flare is discharged from the pistol and the delay fuse is ignited.  The fuse burns for 2.5 seconds and ignites the expelling charge, which expels the candle and parachute, simultaneously igniting the candle.


Remarks: This flare is not procured by the Navy.

M24 (Obsolete)

Picture seen above

Length: 37 inches
Diameter: 8 inches
Weight: 47 pounds
Color: Yellow
Intensity: 800,000 candlepower
Burning time: 3 minutes
Releasing altitude: 2,500 to 3,000 feet
Speed of release: Not over 200 mph
Rate of fall after ignition: 700 feet/min


Use: The flare is a substitute standard for night observation and bombardment.


Description: It consists of a simple cylinder without hemispherical nose or tail fins; otherwise, it is similar throughout to the AN-M26, without the nose time fuze.


Operation: The flare is similar to the AN-M26 except that the hang wire acts directly to pull the parachute from the flare case.


Remarks: This flare was not procured by the Navy.

M6 and AN-M26

Picture seen above

Length: 50 inches
Diameter: 8 inches
Weight: 53 pounds
Color: White light
Intensity: 800,000 candlepower
Burning time: 3 to 3.5 minutes
Releasing altitude: 4,000 to 25,000 feet
Rate of fall after ignition: 700 feet/min


Use: These flares are used to provide illumination for night bombardment; also may be used to blind anti-aircraft defenses.


Description: The flare is enclosed in a metal cylindrical case with a rounded nose and tail fins.  In the nose is a mechanical time fuze.  The tail end is closed with a shipping cover that has a handle attached and sealed by a strip of tape.  The case is equipped with two suspension lugs 14 inches apart.


Operation: When the flare is dropped, the arming wire is pulled, allowing the vanes of the nose fuze to rotate.  The hang wire is retained and pulls off the cover of the stabilizing-sleeve compartment.  As the flare continues to drop, the tear wire and tear-wire cord pull out the stabilizing sleeve, and the cover-lock cord attached to the shrouds of the stabilizing sleeve unlocks and pulls out the cover lock.  When the sleeve is fully extended, the tear wire breaks, allowing the flare to fall free, stabilized in flight by its fins and stabilizing sleeve.

When the nose fuze functions, the gases of the black-powder booster force the releasing-cup cover out of the detachable cover, releasing the retaining pins from the groove in the flare case and freeing the detachable cover.  As the detachable cover is pulled out by the stabilizing sleeve, a pull-out cord pulls out the parachute.  when the parachute opens, the flare stops with a  jerk, breaking the pull-out cord (which allows the stabilizing sleeve assembly to fall free) and pulling the entire flare assembly out of the flare case (which then falls away).  The sudden stop also pulls the friction wires through the igniters, starting the six-second delay through the center of the candle, which allows full opening of the parachute.

The shock caused by the opening of the parachute is taken by the shock absorbers, made of copper tubing in a spiral or coiled shape.  they straighten out in absorbing the shock.  After the parachute is opened, the delay ignites the first fire, which ignites the candle.  When the first fire is ignited, the gases formed by burning force the rib retainer down, and the spring-loaded ribs jump out, opening the glass-cloth shade.


Remarks: The Flare AN-M26 can be dropped at air speeds up to 240 knots, but above that the stabilizing sleeve is apt to tear away.  The Flare M26 cannot be dropped at air speeds greater than 130 knots, for the same reason.

Next Time: A.A. Flares and Target Identification Bombs