ABSTRACT
Tracers are used to trace the path of a projectile over short distances as it is difficult to see traces beyond a few kilometres. They are also used for self-destruction of ammunitions as well as to alert small arms ammunition shooter that the rounds in a magazine are expected to be exhausted soon. To hide the weapon system and the shooter, tracers are filled with dim tracer compositions with main tracer compositions as well as infrared compositions. A number of factors affect tracer performance. As human eyes are more sensitive to red colour, tracers giving red colour are mostly used. Tracers are used in small arms, medium calibre and large calibre ammunitions. Tracer compositions are required to possess specific characteristics to be used in the battlefield.
This chapter provides the role and types of tracers, including infrared tracers. It also provides details on tracer design, tracer luminous intensity, factors affecting tracer performance, use of tracers and typical tracer compositions and the special requirements.
