40mm Floating Flare Feasibility
Abstract
A program was conducted to develop a floating flare for nighttime target or pdsition marking in inundated areas. Red, green, and yellow flare rounds were developed to be compatible with the M79 and M203 40mm Grenade Launchers and with an external configuration similar to the 40mm Floating Target (Smoke) Marker. A total of 144 static development tests, 75 ballute development tests, 15 feasibility demonstration tests, 66 environmental tests, and 9 delivery acceptance tests was conducted. Seventy-five rounds were delivered to the Land Warfare Laboratory. The major program objectives and development goals were achieved. A target marker was developed which: (1) is capable of launch from either the M70 or M203 40mm Grenade Launcher, (2) is capable of floatation in swamp or water-covered areas, (3) has an external configuration similar to the 40mm Floating Smoke Marker, and (4) contains a flare-emitting pyrotechnic element, a delay element that ignites the flare before impact, and a floatation device. Three exceptions were: (1) the burn time of the red signal is 80 seconds rather than the goal of 90 seconds, (2) the green signal is not color identifiable beyond a range of 2200 meters compared to the goal of 3000 meters, and (3) overall reliability of the feasibility hardware was less than the 95 percent desired reliability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- ADA487465
Entities
People
- Peter D. Evanoff