Description
The 4 inch Training Flare Body Mk IV comprises a front body portion containing a flare candle and a pull percussion igniter, and a rear body portion containing an 11 ft. cotton parachute, which is connected with the candle unit. The front and rear body portions are connected by a diaphragm, which closes one end of the front body and supports the flare candle and igniter. Two suspension bolts on the diaphragm provide an anchorage for the parachute. The opposite end of the front body is closed by a millboard disc held in place by a fusible closing disc. In addition to the igniter plug, the igniter comprises an igniter body, which houses a striker mechanism, and into which the igniter plug is screwed. The igniter body is held in place in the central tube by a retaining plate.
The A.S. Reconnaissance Flare is identical to the Training Flare except for a delay fuze below the igniter, which gives about a 5-second delay before burning starts.
The flare has a suspension band to which the lug is attached.
The 4 inch Training Flare Mk I has a silk parachute, and a safety pin held by a split pin instead of a securing wire. The flash from the gunpowder is conveyed to the burster charge by a length of instantaneous fuze instead of by a primed cambric tube as in the Flare Mk IV. The 4 inch Training Flare Mk III has a silk parachute, but it is a stronger one than is used in the Flare Mk I. The 4 inch Training Flare Mk VII has a slightly different cotton parachute than the Flare Mk IV. The 4 inch Training Flare Mk VIII has an igniter fitted with a copper shear wire, which passes through holes near the top of the igniter body and in the clutch. The shear wire is fitted to assist assembly during manufacture. It is broken by the jerk which bends the securing wire and pulls out the clutch. The parachute is similar to that of the Mk VII.
The 4 inch A.S. Reconnaissance Flare Mk II has the same changes as 4 inch Training Flare Mk VIII.
These flares are used primarily for training purposes, and, after being dropped from an aircraft, are supported by their parachutes even if they are not ignited. The flares can also be used to assist in making an emergency landing during night flying.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
See Also
Flare, 4 inch Reconnaissance, AS, Mk 1, Mk 2
Source(s)
OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance (1946)
