Device for pyrotechnical illuminating charge

An improved pyrotechnical illuminating apparatus of the type adapted for use in parachute flares, comprising:

• an essentially cylindrical container for an illuminating charge, said container having an open end from which light-emitting flame gases and other products of combustion issue in use;
• flame distributing disc means arranged across said open end for spreading said flame gases radially outwardly as they issue from said container to create a turbulent admixture of air and the gases and other products issuing from said container during combustion;
• and
• an illuminating charge located within said container which comprises a metallic reducing agent, an oxidizing agent and a bonding agent, the quantity ratio of the reducing agent to the oxidizing agent being substantially greater than the ratio for such a charge would be for efficient combustion in an apparatus having no such flame distributing disc means arranged to spread flame gases and other products of combustion,
• whereby a substantial excess of reducing agent is carried unburned from said container with the flame gases generated upon combustion of said charge;
• is spread out by said flame distributing disc means;
• and is mixed turbulently with the surrounding air in the outer portions of the flame gases, the quantity of said substantial excess being sufficient to produce high intensity light emitting flames.