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SIGNAL, ILLUMINATION, GROUND RED STAR, PARACHUTE, M131 |
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Filler and Weight | ||
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| NA, 0 | |||
| Body and Overall Weight | |||
| Aluminum tube, 1.21 lb | |||
| Color | |||
| White label w/black markings | |||
| Type of Round, DODIC | |||
| NA, 1370-L277 |
| Description: |
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| The signal is a hand-held device containing a single red star illuminant candle, a parachute to suspend the candle, and a small rocket propulsion motor. The outer case constitutes the launcher tube. A rough hand grip is provided on the exterior and there are two internal helical rotation grooves which impart spin to the signal as it leaves the launcher. A metal closing cover is at each end. The igniter assembly in the base includes a pull ring with a lanyard, safety latch, spring-actuated striker arm, primer, and propelling charge. The motor assembly includes a quickmatch extending through the solid rocket propellant within the tube, a fire clay throat, and exhaust housing. Located ahead of the propellant in the motor assembly is a transition charge, delay assembly, and ejecting charge. A relay assembly, expelling charge, and a primary charge are incorporated in the illuminant assembly. The parachute with suspension chain and a shock absorber are packed on top of the illuminant assembly which is protected by a fire clay header and gas check wad. |
| Use: |
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| Primarily for distress signaling. A distinctive red light is produced above overcast and ground fog or haze such as is commonly encountered in arctic regions, thereby enabling ground personnel who are obscured by such conditions to signal to personnel in aircraft. |
| Functioning: |
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| When the ring is pulled, the firing pin strikes the primer to ignite the propelling charge. A wad protects the forward components from the force of setback. The propelling charge ignites the motor quickmatch to ignite the rocket propellant. The rocket carries the signal too an altitude of approximately 1500 feet and upon burnout ignites the delay assembly. The ejecting charge then functions to separate the illuminant assembly (illuminant and parachute assembly) from the motor assembly. At the same time, the ignition train continues through the relay assembly to the expelling charge. The expelling charge expels the illuminant and parachute assembly out the top of the case and ignites the illuminant. The parachute opens to slowly lower the burning illuminant which provides a red star signal visible at distances up to 35 miles. |
| Munition Components: |
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| Data Source: |
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| TM 43-0001-37 Jan 1994 |
| Munitions Tech Data Sheet: |
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