Abstract: A 12-gauge emergency radar rescue signal cartridge comprises bundles of high density chaff tuned to I-Band frequencies of 8-10 GH.sub.z and packaged in a projectile housed within a 12-gauge 3.0-3.5 inch magnum shot shell. The projectile is deployed to a desired altitude by a propellant charge contained within the base of the shell. The base propellant ignites a pyrotechnic delay train carried by the projectile which allows the projectile to reach apogee geometry before the chaff material is expelled to form a radar reflecting cloud. The cartridge may also be employed to facilitate radar observation of low altitude wind conditions.