Buoyant Line-Carrying Rocket No. 2 Mk I (Service)

Over-all length

Maximum diameter

Total weight

General: This rocket is fired from a hand-firing rocket projector, and is initiated by a 30-grain percussion cartridge. The rocket is designed for rescue purposes on marine craft and for use by airfield situated in coastal areas as a means of contacting crews of air-craft which have crashed into the sea immediately after take-off.

Description: The rocket consists of a wooden head made in two halves, held toget-her with screws, which engages the head of the rocket tube. The rocket propellant com-position is contained in the tube, the nose end of which is closed by a wooden plug and a clay plug. The after end of the rocket tube houses a plaster-of-paris choke, which is covered by a millboard washer and an oiled paper disc. A conical vent is formed in the rocket propellant composition in line with a tapered hole in the choke. The  end of the vent nearest the choke and the hole in the choke are coated with gunpowder priming.

A bridle with a hinged stirrup is attached to the rocket, and a tail consisting of a wire cable about 3 ft. lonb is secured to the stirrup. The part of the tail nearest the rocket is protected from the heat of the burning rocket composition by an asbestos sheath. The free end of the tail carries a loop of connection to a buoyant line.

The buoyant line consists of 250 yd. of orange colored cotton cord, which is specially treated so that it will float on water. It is coiled in a square cardboard container whose lid is secured by adhesive tape.

The wooden head is painted yellow over-all, and filling and manufacturing information is stencilled on the head in black letters.

Operation: When the projector, loaded with rocket and cartridge, is fired, the flash from the cartridge ignites the gunpowder priming in the rocket and at the same time for-ces the rocket out of the projector. The gunpowder priming ignites the rocket composit-ion, which then takes over and propels the rocket along its trajectory. The rocket draws the buoyant line out of its container, and, when expended, falls into the sea and floats on the surface.