95. Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet, is used for emergency identification by a surfaced submarine. It is fired from Submarine Rocket Pistol Mk 1 Mod 0, which is similar to Signal Pistol Mk 5 in operation. Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet, may also be fired from Pyro-technic Pistol AN-M8. The signal consists of an aluminum case in two sections. It is 14 inches long. The lower section is eight inches long and 1.5 inches in diameter. It houses a standard Primer Mk 5, a felt pad and one-gram charge of black powder, which acts as an auxiliary expelling charge and ignites the rocket. The upper section of the signal is six inches long and of lesser diameter than the lower section. It houses the signal chamber, which carries the pyrotechnic candle, and is attached to the rocket tube, which contains a solid black powder charge of 58 grams, extending into the lower section. At the base of the rocket tube are attached four folding vanes four inches long and 0.5 inches wide. Details of the construction of the Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet, will be seen in Fig. 36. The signal is available in three colors, RED, GREEN, or YELLOW. It burns for approxi-mately 12 seconds as a single star while falling freely to the surface. The candlepower of the signal is rated at 45,000, giving night visibility in good weather up to ten miles.

Figure 36. – Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet

Operation

96. Detailed instruction for firing Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet, will be found under the paragraphs covering Submarine Rocket Pistol Mk 1 Mod 0 and Pyrotechnic Pistol AN-M8. When the signal is fired, the primer ignites the one-gram auxiliary expelling charge, which projects the upper section of the signal to a height of 30 feet. There the rocket element ignites and the signal rises to 650 feet, where the pyrotechnic candle ignites, furnishing the colored star. The vanes give the rocket stability as it rises, and the rocket charge leaves a trail of white light similar to the tail of a comet, from which the signal gets its name. The single star does not have parachute suspension, but falls freely to the surface during its 12 seconds of burning.

Packing

97. Each Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet, is packed in a waterproof mailing tube con-tainer. Fifty such containers are shipped by Naval Ammunition Depots in wood cases. A metal container holding 12 signals and their mailing tube containers is available for issue to submarines. The signals must not be removed from their individual containers until rea-dy for use. Colors of the signal star are marked on the paper containers.

Stowage

98. The general rules for the stowage of pyrotechnics detailed in paragraphs 9 to 12, in-clusive, apply to Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet. The special metal container should be obtained if available, and the 12 signals kept in readiness for immediate use. Signals which have been removed from their individual containers but not used, must be dried thoroughly before re-inserting them from stowage.

Safety Precautions

99. In firing Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet, from the Submarine Rocket Pistol or Pyro-technic Pistol AN-M8, always point the pistol slightly outboard and away from surround-ing personnel or vessels. This caution should also be taken when loading new single into the breech of the pistol.

(a) Faulty or misfired signals should never be diassembled.