signaling by personnel on land or sea. It is a one hand
operable device that emits orange smoke for daytime
use and red flare for nighttime use. Burning time for
each end is about 20 seconds. Each end has protective
plastic caps. The night end has two prominent raised
bead circles on the casing that positively identify this
end, by the sense of touch, for nighttime use. A label on
the outer surface around the whole body of the signal
further identifies the smoke (day) and flare (night)
ends. The label also gives detailed instructions on how
to use the signal.
Mk 79 Mod 0 Illumination Signal Kit
The Mk 79 Mod 0 illumination signal kit (fig. 8-22)
contains a Mk 31 Mod 0 signal projector, a plastic
bandoleer that holds seven Mk 80 Mod 0 signals, and an
instruction sheet. The kit is designed for use as a
distress signaling device. It is small and lightweight for
carrying in flight suit pockets or life rafts. The projector
aims and fires the signals. Each signal contains a single
red star. On activation, this star is propelled upward to a
height of 250 to 650 feet. The star burns for at least
4 1/2 seconds.
AIRCRAFT-LAUNCHED ILLUMINATION
DEVICES
The devices discussed in this section are designed
to be launched or dropped from aircraft.
LUU-2 Aircraft Parachute Flare
The LUU-2 aircraft parachute flare (fig. 8-23) is
used for nighttime illumination of surface areas in
search and attack operations. The flare consists of a
candle, parachute assembly, and fuze, which are all
encased in a cylindrical aluminum container.
The LUU-2 flare is launched from an external
launching system, such as a bomb rack or by hand, from
an aircraft. The method most often used is the
dispenser-launch method. Regardless of the method of
launching, exerting pull on the fuze lanyard starts flare
operation. After a predetermined delay, a small
explosive charge detonates, expelling the candle and
parachute from the container. On opening, the main
parachute
exerts
pull
on
the
cables
of
the
suspension/ignition system, igniting the candle. The
candle produces about 2 million candlepower.
8-21
IGNITER END
SUSPENSION
LUG BANDS
TIMER GUARD
TIMER END
TIMER GUARD TAB
SUSPENSION
LUG BAND
TIMER GUARD
TIMER KNOB
14 INCHES
10 INCHES
ANf0823
Figure 8-23.—LUU-2 aircraft parachute flare with drogue tray.
