Precision pyrotechnic display system and method having increased safety and timing accuracy

A method for firing a pyrotechnic projectile, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an ignitor for the pyrotechnic projectile, the projectile comprising a lift charge to be ignited by an electrically operated lift charge ignition device to launch the pyrotechnic projectile, and a break charge to be ignited by an electrically operated break charge ignition device to burst the pyrotechnic projectile, the igniter comprising electronic control circuitry adapted to be carried by the pyrotechnic projectile and for receiving an electronic fire command from an external control device and, in response thereto, (1) activating the electronically operated lift charge ignition device so as to launch the pyrotechnic projectile and the igniter, and (2) a pre-determined time after receiving the electronic fire command, activating the electronically operated break charge ignition device so as to burst the pyrotechnic projectile;
• sending a “fire” command to the pyrotechnic projectile so as to activate the lift charge;
• upon receiving confirmation of a successful launch, electrically timing the predetermined time within the pyrotechnic projectile;
• and
• upon expiration of the predetermined time, detonating the break charge carried by the pyrotechnic projectile.