Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet; Mk 3, Shower, and Chameleon

Length, inches

14.0

Diameter, inches

Burning time, seconds

Intensity, candlepower

Color

Red, green, or yellow

Use: These signals are used for emergency identification by surfaced submarines.

Description: The upper section or signal chamber contains a pyrotechnic composition and powder-ejector charge. The rocket motor, which is riveted to the signal chamber, contains one gram of black powder above a felt washer and 58 grams of black powder, which is the rocket element. Four spring-loaded hinged vanes, four inches long and one inch wide, are attached to the rocket tube and fold and fit into the rocket chamber. The rocket chamber is an aluminum container with a Primer Mk 5 in its base. This unit recei-ves the rocket motor.

Operation: The signal is fired from the submarine rocket pistol or the Pyrotechnic Pis-tol AN-M8. Release of the trigger fires the primer, which ignites the one-gram auxiliary propelling charge. This black-powder charge propels the signal chamber and attached rocket motor to about 30 feet from the pistol muzzle. At this point the 58-gram charge of black powder, which is the rocket element, takes effect and propels the signal to a height of approximately 650 feet. The rocket element ignites the expelling charge at the zenith of its trajectory. The expelling charge ignites the star and simultaneously ejects it. The signal star falls freely, and burns out just before hitting the water.

Remarks: This signal replaces the chameleon-type submarine rocket signal.

The Rocket Pistol Signal Mk 3 Mod 0 (Shower) is similar to this signal, except that a burst shower is produced instead of a single star.

The Rocket Pistol Signal, Chameleon, is similar to this signal, except that a variety of colors is obtained.

Figure 218. Pistol Rocket Signal Mk 1, Comet