TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook
| Section V |
No. 9 |
|
IMPROVISED WHITE SMOKE MUNITION |
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| A white smoke munition can be made from sulfur, potassium nitrate, black powder, aluminum powder, iron oxide and carbon tetrachloride. It can be used either for signaling or screening. | |
| MATERIALS REQUIRED: | SOURCE: |
| Sulfur | Drug or agricultural supply store |
| Potassium nitrate (Saltpeter) | Drug store or Section 1, No. 2 |
| Improvised black powder | Section 1, No. 3 |
| Aluminum powder (bronzing) | Hardware or paint store |
| Black iron oxide | Section V, No. 7 |
| Carbon tetrachloride | Hardware or paint store |
| Improvised white flare mix | Section V, No. 6 |
| Tablespoon | |
| Wooden rod or stick | |
| Newspaper | |
| Quart jar with lid | |
| Window screen | |
| Fuse, 15 inches long | |
| Tin can, 2-1/2 inches diameter x 5 inches long | |
| Flame source (matches, lighter, etc.) | |
| PROCEDURE: | |
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1. Measure 3 level tablespoons of powdered dry sulfur into the quart jar. |
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| 2. Add 4 level tablespoons of powdered dry potassium nitrate to the sulfur. | |
| NOTE: It may be necessary to crush the potassium nitrate crystals and sulfur to obtain an accurate measure in tablespoons. | |
| 3. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of black iron oxide. | |
| 4. Place all ingredients on the window screen. |
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| 5. Mix ingredients thoroughly by sieving them onto the newspaper. Repeat screening 3 times to insure thorough mixing. |
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| 6. Pour mixed ingredients thoroughly by sieving them onto the newspaper. Repeat screening 3 times to insure thorough mixing. |
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| 7. Screw lid onto the quart jar and shake vigorously until the ingredients are evenly mixed. |
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| 8. Remove lid from quart jar and add 15 heaping teaspoons of aluminum powder (bronzing) to the ingredients. Mix thoroughly with wooden rod or stick. |
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| NOTE: If the white smoke mixture is not for immediate use, screw the lid back onto the jar tightly and store until ready for use. If mixture is for immediate use, continue with the following steps. | |
| 9. Wet mix the ingredients to a paste consistency with carbon tetrachloride. |
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| CAUTION: Fumes of Carbon Tetrachloride are hazardous. Perform Step 10 in a well ventilated area. |
| 10. Add 1/2 cup of black powder to the ingredients and carefully mix with wooden rod or stick. |
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| HOW TO USE: | |
| 1. Measure one heaping teaspoon of white flare mix onto a 4 inch square piece of aluminum foil. | |
| 2. Knot one end of the fuse and place the knot into the mix. |
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| 3. Fold the corners of the foil tightly around the fuse. |
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| 4. Now place the white smoke mix into the can. |
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| 5. Place the fused white flare mix in the foil below the surface of the white smoke mix in the can. |
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| 6. Light the fuse with the flame source when ready. | |
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