FM 21-60
FIELD MANUAL
No. 21-60
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Washington, DC, 30 September 1987
FM 21-60 VISUAL SIGNALS
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 4
PYROTECHNICS
4-1. GENERAL
Pyrotechnics produce either smoke or light and are
consumed in the process. When used for communications, prearranged or prescribed
signals are developed and used throughout a unit. These signals are developed
based on the color and characteristics of the pyrotechnic device used.
Pyrotechnic signals supplement or replace normal means of communication and
allow a large number of troops and/or isolated units to be signaled quickly.
They can be used for friendly unit identification, maneuver element control,
fire support control, target marking, and location reports. When pyrotechnics
are used, the signal and its meaning are included in the command and signal
portion of the operation order and in the unit's communications-electronics
operating instructions.
WARNING DO NOT DISCHARGE PYROTECHNICS IN THE VICINITY OF AIRCRAFT
FLYING IN THE AREA.
4-2. Description
Pyrotechnics are usually issued as complete rounds. There
are two common types of military pyrotechnics used for signaling--hand-held
devices and ground smoke. (The M203 grenade launcher can fire pyrotechnic
rounds; see FM
23-31.)
4-3. Handheld Signals
a. Handheld signals are rocket-propelled, fin-stabilized,
and consist of three concentric tubes. The outer tube is the container, the next
is the launcher, and inside the launcher is the fin-stabilized tube containing
the rocket propellant and signal element. When fired, the fin-stabilized tube is
lifted about 50 feet in the air, the signal element is expelled, and it burns
from 4 to 42 seconds, (depending upon the type of signal: cluster, or parachute
devices).
b. The following types of handheld signal rockets are
available.
(1) Star Clusters. Star clusters are used for signaling and illuminating. They are issued in an expendable launcher that consists of a launching tube and a firing cap. These signals produce a cluster of five free-falling pyrotechnic stars. Star clusters are available in green, red, and white (Figure 4-1).
Figure 4-1 Star Clusters
(2) Star parachutes. Star parachutes are used for signaling and illuminating. They are issued in an expendable launcher that consists of a launching tube and a firing cap. These signals produce a single parachute-suspended illuminant star. Star parachutes are available in green, red, and white (Figure 4-2).
(3) Smoke parachutes. Smoke parachutes are used for signaling only. They are issued in an expendable launcher that consists of a launching tube and a firing cap. The device is a perforated canister that is parachute-suspended. They are available in green, yellow, and red smoke.
4-4. Ground Smoke
a. Smoke may be used for both ground and ground-to-air
signaling. Both white and colored smoke may be used for this purpose. Smoke
signals are visible over greater distances when employed against a terrain
background of contrasting color. Smoke is valuable for marking unit flanks,
positions of lead elements, locations of targets, drop zones, tactical landing
areas, and medical evacuation landing sites. Smoke signals are not suitable for
messages, but are applicable when communicating by prearranged signals between
small units and with aircraft. Smoke signals may be observed by the enemy;
therefore, due regard for secrecy must be considered to try and avoid disclosing
position locations and/or a unit's intentions.
b. Smoke grenades are available in white, green, yellow,
red, and violet smoke. This color range is provided by two types of grenades.
(1) The white smoke hand grenade is a burning-type grenade used for signaling and for laying smoke screens. When ignited, it produces dense white smoke for 105 to 150 seconds. It will not normally injure exposed troops. In heavy concentrations, troops should wear the field protective mask. However, the mask will not protect against heavy concentrations of this smoke in enclosed spaces due to oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide buildup.
(2) The M18 colored smoke grenade is similar in appearance to the white smoke grenade, but its top is painted the color of the smoke it produces. Its filler is a burning-type mixture containing a dye; only four are standard: red, green, violet, and yellow. As a burning-type grenade, it has an igniting-type fuse, and burns 50 to 90 seconds.
| DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. |
*This publication supersedes FM 21-60, 10 December 1984.
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