Flare guns are not a popular weapon, however, in the arsenal of avid hunters, tourists and security guards are mandatory. The simple design, ease of maintenance and a rather spectacular result of the action make it possible to use such rocket launchers both in difficult conditions and in the order of on-duty support at critical points. From the point of view of law, flare guns, signal pistols and other variations of the lighting and sound hand weapons are not combat models and can be used without special permission.
General information
There are many versions and modifications of signal weapons, but in the standard version the rocket launcher is a non-automatic weapon in the shape of a handle. His device largely repeats the structural principles of a smoothbore gun, which provides for a fracture of the barrel. In fact, a signal rocket launcher can be attributed to one of the evolutionary stages of a classic hunting rifle, because ammunition for pyrotechnic signaling is developed on the same principle.
In addition to the fact that the signal rocket launcher in the first versions was produced on the platform of shortened guns, the most popular calibers were later adopted. However, labeling systems still have discrepancies. For example, a 26 mm rocket launcher barrel can be considered as an analogue of the 4th hunting caliber. In the standard version, the flare gun is a single-barrel weapon, but there are double-barreled models.
Operating principle
The firing of a shot is usually accompanied by noise, which is emitted due to the formation of a gas mixture from a warhead. At the moment of activation of the detonating capsule by striking with a striker, a charge explosion occurs, releasing chemical energy. The expanding gas also forms a shock wave in the air. If a signal rocket launcher is used with a light effect, then key processes occur at an altitude when the chemicals of the rocket launcher brightly illuminate the flight path. As in the case of smoke warheads, light rocket launchers may not produce noise effects at all - however, today there are many options for cartridges in which the combined principle of action is implemented.
Purpose and use
Rocket launchers perform two main functions - repelling and attracting attention (warning). Each cartridge model has a specific signal effect - light, sound or smoke. Depending on the goals and conditions of use, a specific option is selected - for example, for scaring and intimidation, a signal rocket launcher with charges of sound exposure is recommended, and lighting models are often used to inform, send signals for help, etc. Smoke charges are less common, but their role is also significant. For example, smoke is used to mask or mark landing sites. However, for such purposes, special installations or warheads with large calibers are more often used.
In addition, the signal pistol can be used as a training tool that develops handling skills already with a military counterpart. In this regard, such models make it possible to master not only the technical mechanism of operation, but also psychologically get used to working “effects”. For example, the signal launcher is not inferior in terms of noise exposure, and in some cases it surpasses combat models. Actually, this determines the demand for rocket launchers as a weapon for self-defense. They do not bring harm, but the psychological effect is quite impressive.
Shpagin's gun
One of the most successful representatives of domestic signal flares is the Shpagin pistol. This is a hand-held smoothbore weapon with which you can shoot with lighting cartridges. Being a reliable and trouble-free assistant, the SPSh signal rocket launcher has a simple design and operating principle. To charge it is necessary to break the barrel of the rocket launcher and install a cartridge in it. At the same time, the model does not differ in special properties of aiming, and its rate of fire is about 12 shots in 1 min.
If a signal charge is used, then the flight altitude can reach 120 m, and in the case of asterisks - 150 m. Shooting can be carried out by cartridges intended for both day and night time. In addition to signal warheads, the SPSh is compatible with incendiary cartridges and even some modifications of gas grenades.
Signal Ammunition
Ammunition, which is equipped with a pistol rocket launcher, is presented in a wide assortment. They can be classified by the presence of parachutes, the effect of action and the number of stars. The simplest charges include single-star signal cartridges, but there are also warheads with several colors, as well as smoke bombs. The maximum lifting height reaches 150 m, but this indicator is relevant for favorable conditions of use.
The pyrotechnic projectile launched by the signal flare in the form of a handle is visible at a distance of several kilometers. Recently, combined cartridges are also common, in which, along with color visual signaling, a noise effect is provided - it is provided by a howling pyrotechnic whistle.
