SB 742-1370-94-703
to and during use of that item. The manual is titled with
2. Item description.
the APE number and nomenclature of the APE item.
a. These items are used for daytime and nighttime
signaling.
b. Star cluster signals consist of five-star illuminant
4. Safety.
assemblies and a rocket motor propulsion assembly
a. The inspection and surveillance function testing
contained in a hand-held aluminum launching tube. The
must be conducted according to the provisions set forth
base of the launching tube contains a primer and an
in appropriate safety regulations and implementing
initiating charge. As shipped, the firing pin cap is
instructions, with special attention given to technical
assembled to the forward end and must be reversed for
manuals describing item. A standing operating procedure
firing. The stabilizing fins on the tail assembly of the
(SOP) for this operation is required and will delineate
rocket are folded parallel to axis of signal. A bolt, that
specific safety requirements. Absence of a safety
also transfers the initiating charge flash to the propellant,
requirement in this or any other publication is not to be
extends into the center of the solid propellant that fills the
construed as meaning that precaution is unnecessary.
propulsion assembly. The illuminant assembly is
b. Function testing will be conducted during daylight
mounted on top of the propulsion assembly with a delay
hours only and only in an area that is clear of flammable
assembly and an expelling charge between. A label
material such as dry grass, weeds, etc. Testing will not
specifying firing procedures is secured to the body of
be conducted during electrical, rain, or snow storms or
signal.
during any other conditions that might create a
c. When the firing cap is placed on the initiator end in
hazardous condition or adversely affect test results.
preparation for firing signal, the firing pin is aligned with
Testing must be conducted according to any other
the primer. Striking primer with the firing pin fires the
applicable regulations; i.e., U.S. Environmental
initiating charge to ignite the rocket propellant. As the
Protection Agency (EPA) local regulations, etc. Signals
rocket emerges from launching tube, fins extend for flight
will not be fired when wind velocity exceeds 15 mi/h.
stability. Before the rocket motor burnout at 200 feet, the
c. In event of a misfire, personnel must remain inside
black powder expelling charge is ignited performing the
the protective shelter for 5 minutes.
two-fold function of expelling and igniting the five-star
d. Recovery or destruction of duds will be
illuminant assemblies. The burning time is 6 to 10
accomplished according to all applicable safety
seconds with burnout occurring at 250 to 300 feet above
regulations and an approved SOP including protective
ground.
equipment such as heat-resistant gloves, full face shield,
flame-resistant clothing, etc.
3. References.
a. The following publications will provide more
5. Personnel.
information on the surveillance of subject items. This list
Visual examination and function testing will be conducted
is not to be considered all inclusive.
under the direct control of a Quality Assurance Specialist
(1) AR 75-1, Malfunctions Involving Ammunition
(Ammunition Surveillance) (QASAS).
(3) TM 43-0001-37, Army Data Sheets for Military
b. Each item of ammunition peculiar equipment (APE)
has an operational manual that should be consulted prior
Section II. SURVEILLANCE
a. If samples are to be function tested at an installation
6. Sample size.
other than one at which parent lot is stored, packing
Unless otherwise directed, a representative sample size
boxes and containers that are not shipped will also be
of 60 items is required for a surveillance function test. To
inspected. The appropriate part of DA Form 984
satisfy requirements of a periodic inspection performed
Munitions Surveillance Report) will be completed prior to
in conjunction with a function test, additional sampling of
shipment.
item, inner and outer pack may be required according to
b. Samples that are shipped must be packed and
SB 742-1.
marked according to SB 742-1.
c. During sample selection, number the hermetic-
7. Sample selection.
sealed containers 1 through 60.
Sample items will be selected according to the provisions
of SB 742-1 except that no more than 12 items may be
selected from any one box.
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