{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-usaaf-an-mark-4-aircraft-night-signal-float-light-dated-february-1942","title":"Original U.S. WWII USAAF AN Mark 4 Aircraft Night Signal Float Light - Dated February 1942","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a very nice original WWII \u003cb\u003eU.S. Aircraft Night Drift Signal, Mark 4\u003c\/b\u003e, manufactured by \u003cb\u003eTriumph Explosives, Inc.\u003c\/b\u003e and dated \u003cb\u003eFebruary 1942\u003c\/b\u003e. Designed to be dropped from an aircraft over water, the signal would float after impact and produce a bright flame accompanied by white smoke, allowing an aircrew to determine aircraft drift and providing a highly visible reference point on the surface. This early 1942 example retains excellent exterior markings and is in very good to excellent overall condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side retains its original stenciled markings reading \u003cb\u003eAIRCRAFT FLOAT LIGHT M.K. IV \/ LOT NO. 156 2\/42 \/ TRIUMPH EXPLOSIVES, INC. \/ R.G.\u003c\/b\u003e The \u003cb\u003e2\/42\u003c\/b\u003e marking indicates production in \u003cb\u003eFebruary 1942\u003c\/b\u003e, placing this example very early in America's direct participation in WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AN-Mk 4 was a compact aircraft-deployed pyrotechnic signal with a wooden body, metal nose and tail components, and an internal pyrotechnic candle. When dropped, it descended nose-first and activated upon striking the water. The water-impact mechanism initiated a delay of approximately \u003cb\u003e8 to 12 seconds\u003c\/b\u003e, allowing the signal time to return to the surface and orient itself before the pyrotechnic composition ignited. Once functioning, it produced a bright flame approximately \u003cb\u003e12 to 15 inches high\u003c\/b\u003e, together with white smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good\/excellent condition these are exceptionally rare with an example currently on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space museum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eTriumph Explosives, Inc.\u003c\/b\u003e manufacturer marking and early \u003cb\u003eLOT NO. 156 2\/42\u003c\/b\u003e date are especially desirable features on this example. Surviving AN-Mk 4 signals provide an interesting look at the specialized navigation and signaling equipment carried aboard American military aircraft during WWII, equipment that served a far less familiar but important role alongside conventional aircraft armament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is particularly noteworthy for its \u003cb\u003eclearly retained February 1942 date, Triumph Explosives manufacturer marking, lot number, and excellent overall exterior condition\u003c\/b\u003e. Its specialized function as an aircraft drift and surface-reference signal makes it an unusual surviving piece of early WWII American aviation equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis inert ordnance item has been fully deactivated in accordance with ATF guidelines. It cannot be converted into a functional explosive device and is strictly restricted from international export. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAN-Mk 4 Specifications\u003cbr\u003eLength: 13 inches\u003cbr\u003eDiameter: 3 inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2 pounds\u003cbr\u003eBurning time: 3 to 3.5 minutes\u003cbr\u003eTime from impact to ignition: 8 to 12 seconds\u003cbr\u003eRelease altitude: Under 500 feet\u003cbr\u003eVisibility: Night - 6 to 7 miles\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45818748305477,"sku":"ONSV26CNB163","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/870874FF-4692-47E3-A891-66EECF290D71.jpg?v=1790017105","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-usaaf-an-mark-4-aircraft-night-signal-float-light-dated-february-1942","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}