Two distinct kinds of rockets and shells are issued, one of which is adapted to day and the other to night signaling. Shells and rockets of the amber smoke type with parachutes are used in the daytime, while shells (red and white) and sequence rockets are used at night.
Fig. 11.—Signaling rocket and accessories.
Fig. 12.—Signaling shells.
Description.—The shells are all single shot and are fired from a 5-inch portable mortar, attaining a height of about 550 feet. The report of explosion can be heard at varying distances up to 5 miles, depending on weather conditions. The parachute attached to the smoke shell suspends a small light wooden tube which, after ignition, emits smoke for from four to six seconds. The red and white shells, on bursting, discharge a shower of red and white fire which can be observed for some time, in fact almost until the sparks fall to the ground.
Rockets for both day and night signaling are equipped with parachutes. The smoke rocket is of similar construction to the smoke shell. The sequence rocket is so arranged at the base that threaded sections of combustible material burning either red or white can be attached to it. Rockets ascend about 700 feet.
Each rocket and shell is supplied in a cylindrical sealed tin can, which also contains a port fire, wind matches, and for the rockets a stick in four sections. On the outside of the can is a label designating the kind of shell or rocket therein contained. These cans are easily opened by pulling a ring and require no special opening tool.