Trip flares are used as an warning device in for-ward edges of mine fields. They can replace or supplement anti-personnel mines, especially when field is being hastily prepared. The flares give warning of approaching patrols entering the mine field and illuminating the area so effective fire can be directed at intruders.

TRIP FLARE - M48:

The M48 is a mortar type parachute flare similar in apperance to the M2 series anti-personnel mine. The flare, weighing a total of 5 pounds, has a metal case which is pain-ted olive drab.

In operation, the functioning of the igniter sets off the propelling charge which pro-jects the canister into the air and ignites the delay fuze in its base. When canister is 300 to 500 feet in the air, the delay fuze sets off the propelling charge in its base which forces the flare and parachute out of the canister and sets off the ignition charge at the base of the flare. The parachute unfolds and the ignition charge ignites the flare which burns for 20 seconds. It illuminates effectively a circle of 300 yards ra-dius.

TRIP FLARE - M49:

The M49 is a candle flare for use above the ground. The flare, weighing a total of 1.4 pounds, has a laminated paper body with metal fittings which are painted olive drab.

The functioning of the flare is similar to the fragmentation hand grenade, Mk II. The flare is installed with a taut trip wire which holds the trigger in an armed (vertical) posi-tion against the pressure of the trigger spring. An additional pull of 2 to 9 pounds on the trip wire pivots the trigger against the pressure of the spring of release of the ten-sion in the trip wire allows the spring to pivot the trigger in the opposite direction, either of which will release the cocked lever. The pressure of the striker throws the le-ver off and the released striker fires the percussion cap. The flame from the cap ignites the black powder which blows out the top and ignites the illuminant composition. The flare produce a brilliant white light for approximately one minute.

The M49 can also be installed with a loose trip wire by having the trigger horizontal and attaching a trip wire to the safety pin. A subsequent pull on the wire would with-draw the safety pin and permit the flare to fire.