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5.5-in, Reconnaissance Flora Mks I and II (Obsolescent) |
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Filler and Weight | ||
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| NA, | |||
| Body and Overall Weight | |||
| NA, 41.5 lb. | |||
| Color | |||
| Black over-all with red band 5 in. from the nose | |||
| Type of Round, DODIC | |||
| Reconnaissance Flora, NA |
| Description: |
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| The tail end of the body is closed by a closing dome and has four tail fins. The diaphragm has a flash hole, sealed by a thin metal disc. A powder puff, consisting of a primed fabric bag containing gunpowder and strands of quick match, is located in position by washers, and a perforated disc to which it is secured. The candle unit comprises a candle case containing the flare composition and a quantity of priming composition. The nose end of the case is closed by a primed cambric disc and a millboard washer, and the tail end is closed by a lid, A shackle attached to the lid connects the candle unit with the suspension rope of the parachute. |
| Use: |
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| The Flare Mk II has a tubular body, which contains the flare-candle unit and its parachute. The body is closed at its nose end by a diaphragm having a bush into which is screwed a nose fuze. |
| Functioning: |
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| When the fuzed flare is released from a plane, the fuse is set in operation and the flare falls freely until the magazine charge of the fuze is fired and perforates the metal disc covering the flash hole in the diaphragm. The flash from the magazine charge passes through the flash hole arid ignites the primed fabric of the powder puff and the strands of quick match, which in turn ignites the gunpowder in the powder puff. The gases formed by the burning of the gunpowder in the puff force the candle unit towards the closing dome, and the wooden slats push off the closing dome and permit the candle unit and parachute to be ejected from the flare body. The parachute then opens and supports the candle unit. Before ejection, the candle is ignited by the flash from the gunpowder in the powder puff; this flash being conveyed by the primed cambric disc at the nose end of the candle case to the priming composition, which, in turn, ignites the flare composition. |
| Munition Components: |
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| Data Source: |
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| OP 1665 Explosive Ordnance British |
| Munitions Tech Data Sheet: |
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