DESCRIPTION. This fuze is used in the LC 10 F single candle unit parachute flare. It is presumed that a small range of variable delays may be used with the fuze by fitting varying lengths of safety fuze in the safety fuze housing. The fuze consists of a bakelite housing containing a closing cap, withdrawal lug, a safety spring, a striker pellet guide, a striker pellet, a striker detent pin, a firing spring, two ball detents, and a striker return spring. (See fig. 170.) The withdrawal lug and the closing cap are retained by a cord which is attached to the flare parachute.

OPERATION. As the flare falls away, the safety spring is extended until it is tensioned sufficiently to withdraw the striker detent pin. The ball detents are now free to move inward, and the striker pellet is forced by the firing spring to carry the striker into the percussion cap. At the end of its travel, the striker pellet compresses the striker return spring. The flash from the cap ignites the delay element, and after the appropriate delay, the flash from the safety fuze functions the missile. To allow the gases of combustion to escape, the striker return spring moves the striker pellet back a sufficient distance to remove the striker point from the cap.

Figure 170 – (29) Mechanical Aerial Burst Fuze