2. To fire the pistol, aim it upward at the desired
When you load or fire a pyrotechnic pistol, NEVER
point it in the direction of other personnel or vessels.
angle, normally 60 degrees, but clear of other ships or
personnel. Pull the trigger, as shown in figure 3-5, view
NEVER use the Mk 5 pistol with ammunition other
C. Keep your elbow slightly bent when firing to absorb
than that authorized for use with it. Conversely, never
the shock of recoil and to prevent the pistol from
fire illumination signals from shotguns or from
projectors other than those authorized
knocking itself out of your hand.
3. To extract the expended shell, break the pistol
open again (view A) and pull the shell out of the
AN-M37A2 THROUGH AN-M39A2 SERIES,
chamber (view D).
DOUBLE-STAR AIRCRAFT
ILLUMINATION SIGNAL
The AN-M37A2 through AN-M39A2 series
WARNING
illumination signals (fig. 3-6) are fired from the AN-M8
pyrotechnic pistol for either day or night identification
The pyrotechnic pistol is cocked at all
or signaling. Each signal projects two stars of the same
times when the breech is closed; it has no
color, which burn from 7 to 13 seconds, to an altitude of
positive safety mechanism. DO NOT load an
approximately 250 feet above the point of launch. The
illumination signal into the pistol until just
25,000-candlepower stars are visible from 2 to 3 miles
before you are ready to use it. DO NOT leave
in daylight and 5 miles at night in clear weather. The
unfired signals in the pistol.
display colors are indicated by 1/4-inch bands around
The Mk 5 pistol must be kept in serviceable
the circumference of the signal and by colors on the
condition at all times. Clean it thoroughly after each use
closing wad. No provision is made for identification by
according to the procedure prescribed on the
touch as with the Mk 2 marine illumination signal.
appropriate 3-M System maintenance requirement card
These signals ignite upon firing since they have no
delay fuse.
(MRC).
Figure 3-6.--The AN-M37A2 through AN-M39A2 aircraft illumination signals.
3-6
