PFL-40N, Illumination Rifle Grenade

[jvollenberg]

Can anyone tell me how the MECAR PFL-40N works? The line drawing picture we have doesn't really explain how it functions other than the possibility that the flash from the blank ignites the delay as it is leaving the rifle. There doesn't seem to be any firing pins or anything else.

I can't scan in the document or I would post the picture, but I thought I would throw it out there, if anyone has documentation on this rifle grenade, let me know.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[V40]

Joe,

It appears to use the same method as used on our "Smoke/Signaling, Rifle grenades" or better known as a smoke Streamer for signalling your position to the other members of your unit. It looks like when the projectile is launched using a GLB, inside the top of the tube the fire from the GLB hits the delay fuse which comes in two time settings, 2 seconds and 5 seconds. These are dependant on the use of the RG. The use of the 2 second fuse is for a Flat Trajectory. The 5 second fuses are for high angle shots.

Once the delay is used up it appears that it ignites a biger Black powder charge and ignites the flare. Then at the same time it also pushes the entire contents of the flare out into the open.

Joe,

do you need any specifications on it? I have a few in that area too?

 

[jvollenberg]

Anything you can send would be great .. we only have an old black and white photo copy of a brochure.

Joe

 

[V40]

Joe,

Here are the specs:

1) Caliber 1.57in or 40mm
2) Length 11.6in or 294mm
3) Weight 10.2oz or 290grms
4) Rifle Any with a 22mm grenade launcher bult on the flash hider or an additional launcher.
5) Special cartridge Provided with each R/G
6) Maximum range 275yds or 250meters
7) Flare colors available Yellow, Red, and Green
8) Illuminating Intensity for YELLOW it is between 25,000 and 60,000 candles. For RED it is 25,000 Candles, and for GREEN it is 25,000 candles.
9) Duration of the Flare is approximately 30 seconds.
10) Ignition Delay is 2 & 5 seconds.
11) Height of flare release at a 45 degree angle is appoximately 132 yds or a 120 meters.
12) Height of end signal (possibly a lower flat tragectery) is approximately 55yards or 50meters
13) Operating temperature is -32 Celsius to + 52 celsius or -26 degrees to 126 degrees Farhenheit.


Also note that it is found in Jane's 1975 "Infantry Weapons", page 541. One other note about this Rifle Grenade is that it can and sometimes does show an RFL in the name of the MERCAR R/G. I couldn't find out what this means and/or stands for exactly? Need some help from our Belgium friends here. The Flare will also continue to burn after it hits the ground or is stuck in a bush or small tree. For accuracy and stabalization it uses a fine, small set of fins that are 55mm from one outer tip to the opposite tip of the one directly opposite. Hope that all of these make sense for you Joe?

Anything else Joe?

 

[jvollenberg]

no thats perfect, unless you have pictures of it ...

Thanks alot, wasn't sure how the delay functioned and that was what was baffling us ... thanks again.

Joe

 

[inertordnance]

Joe,

Here are some diagrams for you.

Stay safe,

Frank