Multi-Star Signal Cartridge

The Multi-Star Signal Cartridge was a non-lethal signal flare that was developed by Germany and used by the Wehrmacht during World War II. The Multi-Star Signal Cartridge was designed to be fired from a Leuchtpistole or flare gun in English.


Multi-Star Signal Cartridge
A schematic of components.
TypeSignal flare
Place of origin Nazi Germany
Service history
Used byWehrmacht
WarsWorld War II[1]
Specifications
Length146 mm (5.75 in)
Diameter25 mm (1 in)[1]
Warhead3 red and 3 green stars
Detonation
mechanism
Delay pellet[1]

Design

The Multi-Star Signal Cartridge was a signal flare that could be fired from the Leuchtpistole 34, Leuchtpistole 42, or Sturmpistole. The Leuchtpistole and Sturmpistole were single-shot break action smoothbore guns and the cartridge was breech loaded. The cartridge consisted of an inner light alloy projectile which contained a total of three red stars and three green stars inside of a light alloy cartridge case with propellant charge. The exterior of the cartridge was engraved with numbers and the projectile could be twisted to create six different number combinations. Each number combination corresponded to a combination of red and green stars. By twisting the projectile a series of ignition holes were either opened or closed. When fired a percussion cap in the base of the cartridge ignited the propellant which in turn ignited a delay pellet in the base of the projectile. Once the delay pellet had burned through it exploded and the flash was channeled through an ignition tube in the center of the projectile igniting and ejecting the stars in sequence.[1]

Number Combination Red Stars Green Stars
0-2 3 3
7-8 1 2
14-15 3 1
21-22 1 3
27-29 2 2
34-35 2 1
  • Leuchtpistole 34.
  • Leuchtpistole 42.
  • A Sturmpistole with HEAT grenade.

References
  1. unknown (1 August 1945). Catalog Of Enemy Ordnance Material. www.paperlessarchives.com/FreeTitles/CatalogOfEnemyOrdnanceMateriel.pdf: Office of the chief of ordnance. p. 325.
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