M48 and M49

General: Trip flares ate used as a warning device in forward edges of mine fields. They can replace or supplement anti-personnel mines, especially when the field in being hastily prepared. The flares give warning of approaching patrols entering the mine field and illuminate the area so that effective fire can be directed at intruder.

M48: This is a mortar-type parachute flare similar in appearance to the M2 series of anti-personnel mine. The flare, weighing a total of five pounds, has a metal case which is painted olive drab. In operation, the functioning of the igniter sets off the propelling charge, which projects the canister into the air and ignites the delay fuse in its base. When the canister is 300 to 500 feet in the air, the delay fuse sets off the propelling charge in its base, which forces the flare and parachute out of the canister and sets off the ignition charge at the base of the flare. The parachute unfolds, and the ignition charge ignites the flare, which burns for 20 seconds. It illuminates effectively a circle of 300 yards radius.

M49: This is a candle flare for use above the ground. The flare, weighing a total of 1.4 pounds has a laminated paper body with metal fittings which are painted olive drab. Functioning of the flare is similar to that of the Fragmentation Hand Grenade Mk II. The flare is installed with a taut trip wire which holds the trigger in an armed (vertical) posi-tion against the pressure of the trigger spring. An additional pull of two to nine pounds on the trip wire pivots the trigger against the pressure of the spring, or release of the tension in the trip wire allows the spring to pivot the trigger in the opposite direction, either of which will release the cocked lever. The pressure of the striker throws the lever off, and the released striker fires the percussion cap. The flame from the cap ignites the black powder, which blows out the top and ignites the illuminant composition. The flare produces a brilliant white light for approximately one minute.

The M49 can also be installed with a loose trip wire by having the trigger horizonatl and attaching a trip wire to the safety pin. A subsequent pull on the wire would with-drawn the safety pin and permit the flare to fire.

Figure 244. Trip Flares M48 (below) and M49 (above)