armored targets.
These warheads contain a large
number of small arrow-shaped projectiles. A small
explosive charge in the base fuze of the warhead
dispenses the flechettes through the nose of the warhead
after rocket motor burnout. Target damage is caused by
impact of the high-velocity flechettes.
SMOKE WARHEADS.— Smoke warheads (fig.
2-17) are used to produce a volume of heavy smoke for
target marking. The warhead contains a burster tube of
explosives, usually comp-B, which bursts the walls of
the warhead, dispersing the smoke. These warheads are
designated SMOKE, followed by the abbreviation for
the smoke producing agent it contains. For example,
WP for white phosphorus, or PWP for plasticized white
phosphorus. The types of smoke warheads currently in
use are listed in table 2-1.
FLARE WARHEADS.— Flare warheads (fig.
2-18) are used to illuminate tactical operations. They
consist of a delay-action fuze, an illuminating candle,
and a parachute assembly. The fuze ignites the
expelling charge, which separates the case from the
candle and parachute assembly. The wind stream forces
the parachute open, suspending the burning candle. The
only flare warhead currently in use is the Mk 33 Mod 1.
PRACTICE WARHEADS.— Practice warheads
are either dummy configurations or inert-loaded service
warheads. In the inert-loaded service warheads, the
weight and placement of the filler gives the practice
warhead the same ballistic characteristics as the
explosive-loaded service warhead. A steel nose plug is
assembled in the practice heads in place of the nose fuze.
The entire surface, except for the stenciled marking, is
painted blue. The practice warheads currently in use are
listed in table 2-2.
Figure 2-17.—Smoke warheads.
2-12
