Abstract: Aerial training flare or flare simulator comprising a polymeric case, a begradable polymeric candle housing, and a candle comprising a pyrotechnic illuminant and an environmentally friendly, fast-burning ignition composition. An expulsion cartridge ejects the candle and the candle housing while the case is retained on the launching aircraft. The only major component of the flare which falls to earth is the partially melted candle housing, which is biodegradable and thus reduces requirements for environmental cleanup.

Abstract: A shock energy absorbing device provides shock protection for the riser l employed to attach an aerodynamic deceleration device to a primary body during deployment of the system into an airstream. During deployment, for example, by dropping an unopened parachute and attached load or by rocket delivery of the unopened parachute and attached load, the parachute is made to open at a desired altitude wherupon very large shock tension forces are generated which are applied to the line. In order to protect the line from failing under these forces and to reduce the requirement for a bulky, heavy line, a shock absorber is provided in the form of a block having one or more breakable web portions formed therein and through which the riser line is threaded. Upon deployment of the system into an airstream, the shock tension forces operate to fracture some or all of the breakable web portions thereby dissipating the shock energy generated during deployment and protecting the riser line from failure.

Abstract: Illuminating flare has an igniter in which a two-part inertial mass is gud for relative aftward movement from a safe position to an armed position under launching forces. One part of the mass undergoes relative forward movement to an ignition position under parachute-opening, deceleration forces while the other part of the mass is restrained from moving as far forward as the first part. This separation of the parts of the mass releases locking balls to unlock a firing pin, which stabs a primer and initiates ignition of the flare. The primer is contained in a rotor, and as the mass traverses from the safe position to the armed position it rotates and the rotor rotates with the mass. In the safe position the primer is out of communication with an ignition passage through which ignition of the illuminant composition occurs. Rotation of the rotor as the mass traverses to the armed position places the primer in communication with the ignition passage where it remains until activated by the firing pin.

Abstract: A swimmer distress signal of the smoke or flare type has an ignition system hich can be operated with one hand. A stab primer is activated by a sliding firing pin that is normally locked in position and protected by a metal cover. Upon withdrawal of the signal from a pouch, a lanyard pulls off the cover to expose and unlock the firing pin which has an enlarged head. A hit or force on the firing pin head drives it into the primer to ignite the display.

Abstract: An out-of-line igniter assembly having a primer located out-of-line of an nition train and movable to an in-line position for ignition of a main pyrotechnic charge. A housing has a raceway connected with a gas expansion chamber and a pellet chamber, and a slider having a primer and a striker assembly is movable in the raceway. Premature detonation of the primer causes the primer to fire into the gas expansion chamber but, in normal operation, the slider is moved so that the primer is fired into the pellet chamber. Movement of the slider causes the striker assembly to actuate when the slider is in an in-line position with the pellet chamber.

Abstract: A release mechanism for use with an air-dropped store having a timed firing echanism which can be set for different time intervals. Action is initiated by a plurality of dynamic pressure sensing fins which, upon actuation, first unlock an inertia locking arm and then the fins impart a rotation to the store which rotation, in turn, causes the locking arm to pivot and initiate a timer. The timer, in turn, initiates separation of the release mechanism from the store.

Abstract: An aerial flare having a safe-and-arm ignition system in which a radially vable valve element or slider is retained in a safe position obstructing ignition ports by engagement of the slider with interior walls of the flare casing. To deploy the flare, an expulsion charge is electrically detonated, ruptures a frangible barrier, ignites primer in the igniter, and expels igniter-illuminant assembly from the forward end of the casing. When the igniter clears the casing, the slider is powered radially outwardly under the force of a biasing spring to uncover the ignition ports so that the parts are in an arm position. The flaming primer then ignites the illuminant through the open ignition ports.