British Ordnance Collectors Network
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What is this
- Thread starter vinnyw
- Start date
Vinny,
It's a round for the M4 pyrotechnic launcher. They came in various colors like the later rifle launched ones. The launcher was like a short mortar barrel and was normally carried as an accessory on armored vehicles like the M8 and M20 armored cars.
The round was muzzle loaded in the barrel with the fins pointing upward and was held away from the firing pin by spring fingers in the bore. When the launcher was smacked against the ground the shell would overcome the spring tension and slide down against the firing pin. After launch, the round would invert in flight and stabilize before ejecting the fins and lighting the internal candle.
All in all, a pretty goofy design. The cartridges still show up occasionally but the launchers are REALLY scarce. I've only seen two or three originals in 45+ years.
It's a round for the M4 pyrotechnic launcher. They came in various colors like the later rifle launched ones. The launcher was like a short mortar barrel and was normally carried as an accessory on armored vehicles like the M8 and M20 armored cars.
The round was muzzle loaded in the barrel with the fins pointing upward and was held away from the firing pin by spring fingers in the bore. When the launcher was smacked against the ground the shell would overcome the spring tension and slide down against the firing pin. After launch, the round would invert in flight and stabilize before ejecting the fins and lighting the internal candle.
All in all, a pretty goofy design. The cartridges still show up occasionally but the launchers are REALLY scarce. I've only seen two or three originals in 45+ years.
Called something like 'Ground,signal,Projector series M17 to M22',the fin colour and stamping indicate content, in this case 'A.S.' is Amber Cluster,pyrotechnic.
I've posted some info on these previously,so have a go with a search on BOCN.
Bob
I've posted some info on these previously,so have a go with a search on BOCN.
Bob
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