Description
The Flare Mk V has a tubular body containing the candle unit and the Cotton Parachute Mk IVF. The tail end is closed by a closing dome, and has four tail tins. The body is closed at the nose end by a diaphragm, having a bush into which screws the nose fuze. The flare composition is contained in a candle case, and at the nose end of the case is a quantity of priming composition. The tilling of the candle is held in place at the nose end by a primed cambric disc and a millboard washer, and at the tail end by a felt washer and a lid secured to the candle case. The lid is riveted to the candle case, and the rivets pass through a hessian or cotton canvas strengthening band around the candle case. At the nose of the candle unit is a container in which is coiled a length of safety fuse, he ends of which are clamped and set in cement.
During manufacture, the end of the safety fuse which is ignited by the powder puff is cut square, dipped in moist powder, and dusted with dry sulphurless mealed powder. The other or inner end of the safety fuse terminates in a small quantity of igniter composition, and is covered by a shellacked paper tube and two shellacked paper discs.
A suspension band around the body has two removable suspension lugs for attaching to a Universal bomb carrier, or a Light Series bomb carrier. Seven flares may be contained in Cluster, No. 1 Mk I, and four in the 250 lb S.B.C..
The 4.5 inch Flare Mk VI is similar to the Flare Mk V. but is provided with a 4 minute internal delay, so that the flare falls 4,000 ft. suspended on its parachute, before the candle is ignited. The Flare Mk VIII differs from the Flare Mk V in that it has a modified parachute known as the 11 ft. Parachute Mk VF.
The period of delay of these flares enables the aircraft which has released the flare to get into position for its bombing run and to make the best use of the three- to four-minute period of illumination given by the flare
Functioning
No information about functioning.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance (1946)
