Depth Charge Pistols Mk XVI, XVI*, XIV and XIV* (Service)

Description: The depth-charge pistol consists of a valve unit, distance tube, and pis-tol mechanism. The valve unit is made of brass and is cylindrical, being threaded inter-nally in the upper part to reveice the valve cover; the lower end is also threaded exter-nally to fit into the connector of the distance tube. A hole is drilled centrally through the valve cover in order to take the valve spindle. Around this hole are four smaller ones which act as water-entry ports. Around the upper end of the valve spindle there fits the safety clip, having flatterned arms which cover the water-entry ports. On the lower end of the valve spindle is a shoulder to which is seated washer held on by a cotter pin. The washer seats on a shoulder of the lower valve body. Continual pressure is being exerted downward by the compressed valve spring, which rides between the valve cover and the shoulder on the valve spindle. The valve cover is held in place by a shakeproof washer and a set screw.

The pistol mechanism is cylindrical and fits into the primer tube. The pistol cover is held into the pistol body by a locking ring and is screwed into the lower end of the dis-tance piece. Around the sides of the pistol body are drilled six water-entry ports. There are also entry ports in the brass distance ring which fits in the rubber diaphragm. This diaphragm fits between an inner and outer sleeve. The diaphragm is double acting and is separated from the distance piece by a lead-foil ring, which keeps it from sticking. In the inner sleeve are drilled two holes, which contain two retaining balls engages with a groo-ved neck of the spring-loaded striker. The striker spring rests between a shoulder on the lower end of the striker and the outer sleeve, so that, as the diaphragm expands and moves the two sleeves apart, the striker spring is compressed. To the lower end of the pistol body are threaded the detonator carrier and detonator.

Operation: On release from aircraft, the safety clip is pulled, allowing the compressed valve spring to close the valve, and uncovering the water-entry ports. On water travel, water enters the holes in the upper valve body and passes out through those in the bot-tom of the valve cylinder into the primer tube. It then enters the water-entry ports in the sides of the pistol body and in the distance piece. This expands the rubber dia-phragm and moves the inner and outer sleeves apart until, at the set depth, the balls in the inner sleeve are cammed out into a groove in the outer sleeve, and the compressed firing spring forces the striker into the detonator. When dropped safe, the safety clip covers the water-entry ports, preventing the entry of water into the primer tube. Leak-age cannot cause the diaphragm to expand, because the valve is still up and pressure will be exerted on both sides of the diaphragm.

Remarks: The Mk XVI* is the same as the Mk XVI, except that it is modified to be secured more easily into the Depth Charges Mk VIII or IX, and an inertia safety clip is fit-ted. Also, the distance tube is sweated to the adjuster body to prevent leakage into the distance tube. The Mk XIV* has the same modification of the Mk XIV as the Mk XVI* has of the Mk XVI.

Figure 144 - Depth Charge Pistol Mk XIV or XVI