Xdm pyrophoric countermeasure flare

Abstract

A decoy flare for infrared (IR) seeking missiles comprises a tubular outer shell with a first rupturing disc sealing a rear end of the outer shell and a cover member with a second rupturing disc sealing a front end of the outer shell. These form a sealed container for a pyrophoric liquid. A nozzle cap is attached to the cover member with a nozzle being located in front of the second rupturing disc. A piston in the container adjacent the first rupturing disc separates the pyrophoric liquid from the disc. A holder for a gas generator, a disc of energetic material, is connected in sealed relationship to the container to position the gas generator adjacent the first rupturing disc and form a gas generating chamber between the holder and that disc. That holder contains an ignition mechanism for the gas generator and a seal to prevent gases from escaping via the ignition mechanism after it is activated. Gases generated in the chamber will rupture the first rupturing disc, pushing the piston forward to rupture the second disc and eject pyrophoric liquid from the nozzle. A base portion connected to the flare forms a holder for an impulse cartridge that separates the flare from the base portion when activated, that separation activating the ignition mechanism. In these decoy flares, a friction wire safety ignition mechanism may be used to activate the gas generator upon separation of the flare from the base or, alternatively, a bore rider safety ignition mechanism may be used.