Evaluation of XM-143 Photoflash Cartridge.

摘要

A requirement exists for a suitable photoflash cartridge for use with airborne cameras in peacetime maneuvers. The charge case of the standard M112 photoflash cartridge is made of metal and produces sizable fragments when detonated. In a letter to Chief of Ordnance dated 4 September 1958, the Commanding General, US Continental Army Command, stated that safety requirements precluded the use of M112 and M123 Photoflash Cartridges over troops and materiel during training and peacetime maneuvers. As a consequence, development of the XM-143 Photoflash Cartridge was initiated to produce a cartridge which would have the same characteristics and time fuse delays as the M112, except that the charge case and fuse housing would be made of plastic instead of metal, the plastic fragments to be consumed by burning. In May 1959, at Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, Delaware, a quantity of plastic charge cases was fabricated and tested for functioning, fragmentation, light characteristics, delay time, and ejection velocities.