CHAPTER 4 - PYROTECHNICS

Pyrotechnics are fireworks adapted to military use. The word pyrotechny means the art of fire. Therefore, pyrotechnics are items that produce their effect by burning, and are consumed in the process. Pyrotechnics, as used in the military, are items that produce a bright light for illumination or colored lights or smoke for signaling.

All Navy pyrotechnic devices contain combustible chemicals. When ignited, these chemicals generate a flame, flash, infrared radiation, smoke, sound display, or combinations of these effects for many purposes. Some of these effects are visual and audible signaling, area and target illumination, reference point marking, indication of practice weapon impact or fuze action, tracking, decoying, simulating, and smoke-screen generation.

Dye-marking devices are pyrotechnics and screening devices, even though their display is not the product of combustion. They are classed as pyrotechnic or screening devices because their end purposes are quite similar to those of the true pyrotechnic. Dye-marking devices are used to establish reference points on the surface of the water. In some cases, the dye is spread on the surface by explosive means.

Pyrotechnics generally function by means of an ignition train, similar to the explosive train of high-explosive ammunition.

For further information on pyrotechnics, you should refer to Pyrotechnic, Screening, Marking, and Countermeasure Devices, NAVSEA SW050-AB-MMA-010/NAVAIR 11-15-7.

Figure 4-1.-Pyrotechnic pistol, Mk 1 Mod 0.

Figure 4-2.-Pyrotechnic pistol, Mk 5.

HAND-MANIPULATED SIGNALING DEVICES

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the purpose and use of hand-manipulated signaling devices.

Hand-manipulated devices are used for various signaling purposes, such as identification, recognition, warning, and distress.

PYROTECHNIC PISTOLS

Pyrotechnic pistols, Mk 1 Mod 0 (fig. 4-l), Mk 5 (fig. 4-2), and AN/M8 (fig. 4-3) are breechloaded, double-action, single-shot devices. The barrel is hinged to the frame and held in position by a breechblock or latch pin. All are fired by pulling a pistol type trigger.

Figure 4-3.-Pyrotechnic pistol, AN/M8.

Figure 4-4.-Mk 13 Mod 0 marine smoke and illumination signal.

Table 4-1.-Pyrotechnic Pistols and Devices Launched

These devices are capable of firing various types of marine signaling devices. Refer to table 4-1.

MK 13 MOD 0 MARINE SMOKE AND ILLUMINATION SIGNAL

The Mk 13 Mod 0 (fig. 4-4) is used as a day or night signal by personnel on land or sea. Because of its small size and weight (6.4 ounces), it can be carried in life vests or flight suit pockets and on life rafts. 'This signal is especially adapted for use by aircrew personnel downed at sea.

The Mk 13 Mod 0 signal is a metal cylinder approximately 5 inches long and slightly more than 1.5 inches in diameter. It emits orange smoke for day use and red flame for night use. Burning time for each end is about 20 seconds. The protective plastic cap on the flame (night) end is molded so there are three prominent protrusions or beads across the face. You can identify this end by the sense of touch. The face of the cap at the smoke (day) end is smooth. A label on the outer surface around the whole body of the signal further identifies the smoke (day) and flame (night) ends. This label has instructions for its use.

To use the signal, remove the plastic cap from the end of the signal. Flip the pull ring over the signal rim and push downward to break the seal. After the seal is broken, NEVER point the signal toward your face or body. Then, ignite the signal with a quick pull on the ring. Hold the signal firmly at arm's length and at a 45-degree angle to prevent burns from hot drippings. If you only use one end, douse the signal in water to cool it. Save the other end for later use.