CHAPTER 4 PYROTECHNICS

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. 4-1