|
|
| BRITISH EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE |
| Part 1 - Chapter 19 |
| Flares and Photoflash Bombs |
|
5.5-in Reconnaissance Flare Mk I and II (Obsolescent) |
| Data |
| Fuzing | Nose Fuze No. 28B, 42, or 848; may use No. 35 or 849; No. 860 can be used only if specially authorized |
| Color markings | Black over-all with ½-in. red band 5 in. from the nose |
| Over-all lenght | 48 in. |
| Body diameter | 5.5 in. |
| Parachute diameter | 18 ft. |
| Total weight | 41.5 lb. |
| Burning time | 3¼ - 4¼ minutes |
| Candlepower | 1,000,000 (approx.) |
|
Description: The Flare Mk II has a tubular body, which contains the flare-candle unit and its parachute. The body is closed at its nose end by a diaphragm having a bush into which is screwed a nose fuze. |
|
The tail end of the body is closed by a closing dome and has four tail fins. The dia-phragm has a flash hole, sealed by a thin metal disc. A powder puff, consisting of a pri-med fabric bag containing gunpowder and strands of quickmatch, is located in position by washers, and a perforated disc to which it is secured. The candle unit comprises a cand-le case containing the flare composition and a quantity of priming composition. The nose end of the case is closed by a primed cambric disc and a millboard washer, and the tail end is closed by a lid. A shackle attached to the lid connects the candle unit with the suspension rope of the parachute. |
|
Functioning: When the fuzed flare is released from a plane, the fuze is set in opera-tion and the flare falls freely until the magazine charge of the fuze is fired and perforates the metal disc covering the flah hole in the diaphragm. The flash from the magazine charge passes through the flash hole and ignites the primed fabric of the powder puff and the strands of quickmatch, which in turn ignites the gunpowder in the powder puff. The gases formed by the burning of the gunpowder is the puff force the candle unit to-ward the closing dome, and the wooden slats push off the closing dome and permit the candle unit and parachute to be ejected from the flare body. The parachute then opens and supports the candle unit. Before ejection, the candle is ignited by the flash from the gunpowder in the powder puff; this flash being conveyed by the primed cambric disc at the nose end of the candle case to the priming composition, which, in turn, ignites the flare composition. |
|
Suspension: A suspension band with lug is provided for attachment to a Universal bomb carrier. |
|
Remarks: The 5.5-in. Reconnaissance Flare Mk I is similar to the Flare Mk II, excpet that the duration of burning is approximately 3.5 minutes, and a Parachute Mk I, which is not as stron, is used instead of a Mk II. |
|
|
|
Figure 88 – 5.5-in. Reconnaissance Flare Mk II |
|
|
