Description
This marker is used primarily to provide reference points for aircraft engaged in antisubmarine warfare.
The cartridge is composed of a shotgun type case containing a primer, a black powder propelling charge, and the projectile. The projectile has a thin aluminum case and contains 28 grams of fluorescein dye and a black powder bursting charge initiated by a Bickford type fuse.
The marker cartridge is fired in the Pyrotechnic Pistol AN-M8, which may be held in the hand or mounted in the Mount Ml.
Functioning
When the cartridge is fired, the black powder in the head of the case propels the projectile from the pistol and at the same time ignites the Bickford fuse. The fuse bums for about eleven seconds before igniting the bursting charge which expels the fluorescein dye out into the water. The projectile has a positive buoyancy and will remain near or at the surface until a small, bright green slick is created.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
OP 1664, Volume 1 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
USNBD - Bombs and Fuzes, Pyrotechnics (1945)
