Aircraft Parachute Flare, M26A1 Operation

The detachable cover lock cord, attached to the shrouds, removes the lock (F) of the cover releasing cup (G) 

When the flare has dropped the combined length of the hangwire, tear-wire, tear-wire cord, sleeve, and shrouds, its momentum breaks the tear-wire, allowing the flare to drop. It is stabilized in flight by its fins and sleeve. The arming vane on the fuze rotates to arm the fuze a maximum of 3 seconds after release when released at speeds of 200 mph or higher 

The thrust spacer (L)and shade retainer support (M), no longer restrained, also fall away free 

The parachute opens not more than 5 seconds after illuminant and shade assembly are expelled from the outer case. The fall of the flare is retarded with a jerk which Breaks the parachute pull-out cord, allowing the stabilizing sleeve (E), cover releasing cup (G), and detachable cover (H) to be separated from the flare and to fall free and 

As the flare charge ignites, the gases generated expel the lower spacer and rib retainer (R), allowing the rib springs to open 

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