ABSTRACT
Pyrotechnic compositions can also produce infrared radiation, which has been effectively utilised for covert illumination, covert photography, tracking the path of wire-guided missiles and training aircrew for accurate firing of combat missiles. Infrared flare decoys and infrared illuminating ammunitions have gained significance in the past few decades. This chapter provides the role of infrared flares, electromagnetic spectrum, mechanism of infrared radiation from target, manufacture of infrared flare compositions for decoys, decoy flare design, spectrally matched infrared payloads, factors affecting infrared flare output, special requirements of infrared decoy flare compositions, illuminating infrared flare compositions, special requirements of infrared illuminating flare compositions and tracking flare compositions. References are provided at the end of the chapter.
