Signal rocket
A signal rocket is a signal means by which emergency signals can be given. Its structure corresponds to a firework rocket .
construction
Signal rockets consist of a propellant that is supposed to propel the combustible element into the air. An element burns down in the air, which is supposed to attract attention through its luminosity.
Parachute missile
One form of signal rocket is the parachute rocket. The luminous element is shot up with a rocket, but slowly slides down on a built-in parachute. The advantage of the parachute missile compared to a signal missile is that, due to the lower rate of descent (5 m / s), a longer burn time is possible; thus it has a higher attention value.
Sense and purpose
Signal rockets have the simple purpose of attracting attention by burning pyrotechnic signals at high altitude. This can be done for the purpose of a call for help, but also as a signal to start or to attack.
Signal missiles in shipping
Signal and parachute missiles for shipping must meet the standards of SOLAS . The climbing height of such missiles is usually 300 meters. The light duration for parachute missiles must be at least 40 s, their luminosity 30,000 candela .
Flare and parachute missiles are either fired by a 4-caliber flare pistol or by non-firearm disposable launchers.
Signal rockets for mountains and small water sports
In addition to the standardized signal missiles for shipping, there are also a number of smaller and weaker missiles. These are fired by signal transmitters. The maximum height of rockets from signaling devices is 100 meters. Such signal transmitters are suitable for surfers on inland lakes or climbers in the mountains, but by no means for shipping at sea.
Legal basis in Germany
The acquisition and possession of pyrotechnic signaling devices is strictly regulated in Germany. The pyrotechnic signaling means are divided into two groups.
Subclass T1
Pyrotechnic distress signals that are fired once from the hand are subject to the Explosives Act and thus sub-class T1. Anyone over the age of 18 can acquire these signaling devices.
Subclass T2
If signal rockets are fired from a launcher for multiple use or a distress signal pistol (signal pistols and their ammunition according to PM2), these are subject to the Weapons Act . A gun ownership card is then required for possession . Proof of competence for distress signals is required to obtain this .
With the certificate of qualification for distress signals , holders of a sports boat license are authorized to purchase pyrotechnic distress signals of sub-class T2. The acquisition and possession of such rockets is regulated in Austria according to the Pyrotechnics Act , but in some countries it is not regulated at all.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Exam questions on the FKN (PDF; 113 kB)