Description
The Flame Float No. 3 Mk I has a cylindrical tinplate body, the after end of which has four attached tail fins. The tail end of the body is closed by a tail cover having a central hole. The neck of the tail cap is closed by a thin rupture disk to which is secured a small pillar having a ring passing through it. The forward end of the body is closed by a cast-iron nose having a central water-inlet hole. The nose is contained in a tin-plate cover, having a central hole covered by a tear-off seal to which is secured either a ring or an eyelet. Inside the body is a perforated zinc central tube surrounded by a swansdown bag containing calcium magnesium phosphide. Cotton wool is packed around the tail end of the bag, and a layer of glass wool is located between the bag and the iron wire gauze. The charcoal is provided to absorb any slight traces of gas which may be given off while the flame float is in storage. The tail end of the body comprises the buoyancy chamber of the flame float.
Should either of the seals be broken while in storage, the damaged flame float must be removed to a dry place where the possibility of its catching afire is an acceptable risk pending final disposal.
The Float Mk II differs from the Mk I in that a rear seal and tear-off cord are substituted for the tail rupture assembly of the Mk I. The long perforated tube of the Mk I is considerably shortened in the Mk II.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance (1946)
