Decoy flare composition

Figure 10.23 Comparison of standard MTV decoy flare composition in 2-2.6 pm band with extruded Mg/PTFE/PS/DMPP composition [41].

Sotzky, L. (2002) Twin screw mix-ing/extrusion of M206 infrared (IR) decoy flare composition. 33rd International ICT Conference, Karlsmhe, Germany, June 25-28, p. V35. 

AIF3 is a possible reaction product from decoy flare compositions using MgAl alloy. Although the fluoroaluminate Mg2 [AIF5] is a likely main combustion product, there... 

Decoy materials of this composition undergo the above reaction to reach temperatures of 820°C in less than one second and above 750°C for twelve secrmds after their exposure to air. Presently this type of material is used in a commercial decoy flare that is composed of pyrophoric iron coated onto steel foil articles [35]. Due to increasingly demanding materials performance, environmental standards, aging, and duty-cycle, there exists a need for continued development of new materials and approaches to achieve pyrophoric materials with tailorable output. 

Other uses of compositions similar to those used in decoy flares are... 

The radiant intensity profile for equal amounts of standard MTV decoy flare mix with the above composition is depicted in Figure 10.23. The spectral efficiency for the latter is about twice ( 2.03) in the 2-2.6 pm band. This is due to the much higher Mg content in MTTP formulation (66 vs 54wt% Mg). However, despite the high Mg content, the latter formulation shows a very slow rise in intensity, indicating a slower burn rate. Thus this material would require a different grain geometry to meet with operational rise time specifications. 

The operational use of MTV composition in decoy flares occurs in tactical altitudes between 500 and 10 000 m. Thus, any combustion product released into the atmosphere will undergo sufficient dilution with air before reaching the ground. 

Koch, E.-C. (2005) Pyrotechnic composition containing poly-carbon-difluoroamine as oxidising agent, used in infrared decoy devices such as flares for defence against heat-seeking anti-aircraft missiles. DE Application 102004/018,861, Germany. 

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