Table 4-1.—Pyrotechnic Pistols and Devices Launched
These devices are capable of firing various types of
marine signaling devices. Refer to table 4-1.
MK 13 MOD 0 MARINE SMOKE
AND ILLUMINATION
SIGNAL
The Mk 13 Mod 0 (fig. 4-4) is used as a day or night
signal by personnel on land or sea. Because of its small
size and weight (6.4 ounces), it can be carried in life
vests or flight suit pockets and on life rafts. ‘This signal
is especially adapted for use by aircrew personnel
downed at sea.
The Mk 13 Mod 0 signal is a metal cylinder
approximately 5 inches long and slightly more than 1.5
inches in diameter. It emits orange smoke for day use
and red flame for night use. Burning time for each end
is about 20 seconds. The protective plastic cap on the
flame (night) end is molded so there are three prominent
protrusions or beads across the face. You can identify
this end by the sense of touch. The face of the cap at the
smoke (day) end is smooth. A label on the outer surface
around the whole body of the signal further identifies
the smoke (day) and flame (night) ends. This label has
instructions for its use.
To use the signal, remove the plastic cap from the
end of the signal. Flip the pull ring over the signal rim
and push downward to break the seal. After the seal is
broken, NEVER point the signal toward your face or
body. Then, ignite the signal with a quick pull on the
ring. Hold the signal firmly at arm’s length and at a
45-degree angle to prevent burns from hot drippings. If
you only use one end, douse the signal in water to cool
it. Save the other end for later use.
MK 79 MOD 0 ILLUMINATION
SIGNAL KIT
The Mk 79 Mod 0 signal kit (fig. 4-5) consists of 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 used by downed aircrew personnel as a
distress signaling device. Because it is small and
lightweight, personnel can carry it in pockets of flight
suits or in 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
between 250 and 650 feet. The star burns for a
minimum of 4 1/2 seconds.
To operate the device, you cock the projector firing
pin by moving the trigger screw to the bottom of the
vertical slot, and slip it to the right so that it catches at
the top of the angular slot. After cocking the firing pin,
remove a signal from the bandoleer and mate the
projector with the signal.
Now, rotate the projector
clockwise until the signal is seated. Hold the projector
overhead, pointed at a slight angle away from your body.
While firmly gripping the projector, fire the signal by
slipping the trigger screw to the left, out of the safety
slot and into the firing slot.
NOTE: This first step is very important because the
signal is threaded and screwed into the end of the
projector. If you don’t cock the projector before
screwing in the signal, the firing pin could be forced into
the primer of the signal, possibly firing the signal
prematurely.
Q1.
Q2.
Q3.
Q4.
REVIEW NUMBER 1
Navy pyrotechnic devices contain what type of
material ?
Why are dye-marking devices classified as
pyrotechnic devices?
When used during the day, what color smoke is
emitted from the Mk 13 Mod 0 marine smoke and
illumination signal?
What is the burning time for each end of the
Mk 13 Mod 0 signal?
4-3
