Submarine Float Signal Mk 1 Mod 1 and Mk 2 Mod 0

Length, inches

18.75

Diameter, inches

Delay, seconds

Burning time, seconds

Color

Black, yellow, green, or red

Use: This float signals are used to mark the position of a submerged submarine, and for other marking purposes.

Description: The firing mechanism consists of a firing-pin, firing-pin spring, firing-pin lever, and tripping lever or lug. The ignition system consists of a primer, time fuse, quick match, and a starter mixture. The aluminum signal contains a smoke pot, smoke mixture, smoke pot-cover, and central tube. The signal has a nose cap and release valve.

Operation: The signal is fired from a submerged submarine, through a tube, using compressed air as a propellant. As the signal is leaving the ejector, a tripping lever is rai-sed by contact with a lug in the gun, cocking and releasing the firing-pin lever, which fi-res the primer. The primer ignites the time fuse, which burns for 27 seconds. The signal is buoyant and rises to the surface within the 27 seconds of fuse delay. The time fuse ignites a piece of quick match, which, in turn, initiates the starter composition. The star-ter composition sets off the smoke mixture.

Remarks: The maximum launching depth is 162 feet.

The Submarine Float Signal Mk 2 Mod 0 is similar to the Mk 1 Mod 1, except for a fixed delay of 54 to 59 seconds, a maximum launching depth of 285 feet, and sturdier con-struction.

Figure 216. Submarine Float Signal Mk 1 Mod 1