Pains Wessex mark 8 pyros
Pains Wessex Safety Systems (PWSS) have recently informed us of their intent to stop manufacture in the near future of the Mk7 red handflare, the Mk3 para-red flare, the Mk3 paralum and the Mk3 Maroon– production of the Mk7 white collision flare stopped several months ago.
As a replacement PWSS are offering Mk8 versions of each of the above pyros – these Mk8 versions are not new products developed by Pains Wessex but are existing products manufactured by Comet GmbH (Comet was purchased by the Chemring Group [PW parent company] in Dec 2005). All the Mk8 products meet the necessary SOLAS performance and safety standards.
The new Mark 8 range represents the first products to combine the design, expertise and new developments in pyrotechnic technology and production techniques available now thanks to the recent acquisition of Comet GmbH by Chemring PLC, parent company to Pains Wessex. This augments and compliments the experience of Pains Wessex in marine distress signals.
'After a process of existing product review, rationalization and new development, the MK8 hand signal range was arrived at. As these will mainly see service in liferafts, where stowage space is always at an absolute premium, this range offers the great benefit of compactness, saving vital space in rafts compared to the previous products.
All the new Mark 8 products – which include a Mark 8 Handflare, Mark 8 Parachute Red Rocket and Mark 8 Lifesmoke – conform to the stringent SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and have gained MED approval, with other national approvals being obtained as required.
The Mark 8 Handflare demonstrates the development of technology and product styling now available. A compact flare, which is ideal for storage on a boat or within a liferaft, the Mark 8 hand flare features an ergonomically designed grip handle with unique telescopic design. To operate, the user holds the flare where indicated by the grip ribbing, and extends fully the telescopic section. A screw top at the ignition end of the flare is removed, and users grasp a small ball and pull to ignite the flare.
After a two second safety delay, the flare ignites and burns for a minimum of 60 seconds, producing a bright red 15,000 candela light. The Mark 8 is for short range signaling use in day or night time, and is used in an emergency onboard commerical and leisure vessels.
The Mark 8 Parachute Red Rocket is designed to attract attention at long range, firing a 30,000 candela red signal to a minimum of 300 metres altitude. The signal burns for 40 seconds suspended under a parachute.
Following a similar operating design as the Mark 8 Handflare, users grip the flare where the ribbing indicates, remove the screw top, and grasp the ball which is then pulled to ignite the rocket. A key benefit from this design is the reduced recoil – making it easier to fire, even in traumatic or in stressful situations. The Mark 8 Parachute red Rocket is designed for day or night time use, and is used in an emergency by both commercial and leisure vessels.
Also available in the new range is the Mark 8 Lifesmoke. This signal provides a dense orange smoke, for a minimum of three minutes, which is used to indicate position and wind direction (a great aid for helicopter pilots) during a search or rescue operation. The Mark 8 Lifesmoke is again a significantly more compact design, and features a flat, peel off top cap, which facilitates stowage and packing. The cap is removed to access the friction wire firing mechanism. Once pulled, there is a two second delay to allow the signal to be thrown into the water safely.
Key benefits to our distributors include:
· Smaller products
· Standardised ignition method
· Proven design
· More efficient shipments and deliveries
You will find with this letter more information on a data sheet including specifications and shipping information.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. '
Yours sincerely,
Keith Bradford
Sales & Marketing Manager
Pains Wessex.