US M127 and M127A1 Parachute Flares 1955-1978 - Sealed Cans

[M8owner]

I found a treasure trove, so I am ready for the 4th of July. I know how to make family reunions memorable. The oldest one is dated 1955.

 

[Slick]

Launched one about 5 years ago. They burn all the way to the ground. Set the woods on fire. Forestry Service got involved in the extinguishing. Was sorta kindly advised not to do that again. I said I was sorry.

 

[kiwieod]

signal illumination ground,does this mean it illuminates the ground(which would explain why it was still burning on the ground!)
or that it is fired from the ground?

 

[ordnance]

Slick, Thanks for that post. Best laugh I've had today.

 

[M8owner]

They are hand launched and go up approx. 300 meters then deploy a magnesium flare from a parachute. It burns for about a minute, and will illuminate (Like it is day time) and area approx. 200 meters in diameter. I have fired off several at my house with none still burning by the time it hit the ground. No fire issues thus far. They remind me of my Army days in Germany. I remember launching these from a moving M1 Abrams tank by slamming them on the top of the turret at the Bergen Hoene training area.