Abstract: A mechanical device is provided to link a payload and a parachute together prior to and during parachute dropping of the payload and provide for automatic separation of the payload from the parachute after the payload and parachute have landed. The payload is secured to either a shaft or housing of the device, and the parachute is secured to the other. The forces acting on the device during parachute dropping of the payload arm a mechanical system for releasably dis-associating the shaft and the housing, and when the payload has landed, the different forces prevalent on the system cause mechanical releasing of the shaft and housing. The device according to the present invention provides a novel method of parachute/payload separation and avoids the use of, and problems inherent with the use of, detonators which have been previously used for such purposes.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a floating incendiary device adapted to be dropped from an aircraft onto a combustible material on a body of water. The device includes an incendiary composition in the form of a disc which is ignited peripherally and burns inwardly. The incendiary composition is sandwiched between a pair of discs which direct the resulting flame radially outwardly over the surface of the combustible material during the burn time of the incendiary composition for a time sufficient to raise the temperature of the combustible material to its fire point to produce ignition and selfsustaining combustion of the combustible material.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a floating incendiary device adapted to be dropped from an aircraft onto a combustible material on a body of water. The device includes means for directing the resulting heat by convection and radiation to concentrate on a particular area of the combustible material for a time sufficient to raise the temperature of the combustible material to its fire point to produce ignition and self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material. A novel incendiary composition for use with the device is also disclosed.