CONSTRUCTION. The marker is constructed in two parts. The rear portion consists of a cylindrical steel container to the rear end of which are attached four metal fins; behind these is situated a flat metal base plate of the same diameter as the marker and having attached to it a spring-loaded platform which in turn houses a green silk drogue. Project-ing also from the base plate is a frosted globe.

At the other extremity of the rear portion of the marker is situated a fuze pocket sealed by a steel disc and locking ring. Forward of this and next to it is a carrying lug. The front portion of the marker consists of a heavy steel nose which is internally attached to the rear portion, the joint being visible as a thin groove. Screwed to the end of the nose is a circular steel plate which serves as a kopfring. (See fig. 90.)

The forward portion of the marker contains another fuze pocket. Forward of this is a small hole covered by a thin steel disc held by a spring clip; a similar hole is situated on the other side of the nose diametrically opposite to it. Passing down the side of the mar-ker is a piece of thin S.W.R. which passes through a small hole where the two halves of the marker join together.

OPERATION. Immediately upon release from the aircraft the drogue is pulled out by means of a rip cord attached to the aircraft and the (17) A fuze in the forward end of the marker is charged. The speed of the marker's fall is slightly reduced by the drogue. Upon striking the water it sinks to the bottom, burying its nose.

After a preset delay up to 72 hours, the (17) A fuze fires a small charge of gun-powder contained in a bakelite gaine. The pressure created by this explosion release the catch holding the two halves of the marker together. The front portion of the marker is forced off the rear portion by its spring-loaded plunger. As soon as the two halves separate, the electrical hydrostatic switch on the rear portion is free to close on release of water pressure. The rear portion of the marker having positive buoyancy now rises to the sur-face of the water, unwinding as it does so the S.W.R. contained on the drum of the for-ward portion of the marker which now acts as an anchor.

As soon as the cylindrical rear portion reaches the surface, the hydrostatic switch clo-ses. The battery is now connected up in parallel with the motor and the lamp. The motor revolves and by means of a gear train operates a contact breaker, thus causing the 24-watt bulb to emit a series of light flashes. The frequency, alternation, and duration of the flashes emitted vary in each marker.

The closing of the hydrostatic switch also allows the battery to charge the (17) A fuze. After a delay the fuze fires. The electro-magnetic current inducer attached to it produ-ces a flow of electricity which fires two ignition bridges in the end plates of the marker. The flooder plugs are blown out thus destroying the marker by permitting it to sink.

SUSPENSION. Horizontal by standard German eyebolt.

REMARKS. A soluble plug on the drogue housing allows the drogue to break free from the marker after it has entered the water.

COLOR AND MARKINGS. The complete marker is colored fawn and has the following stenciled in black on the side:

Kennung K.B., Seillänge 200 m, ZW

Verbrauch B 15

Figure 90 – Lux EZ 50 SC Sea Marker