A WWI-era parachute flare dropped from aircraft for illumination. A flare is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a long-duration brilliant light without an explosion. Flares are sometimes launched into the air with a rocket or dropped from an aircraft and then suspended from a small parachute to slow its descent, providing a temporary source of light for a large area of land. Flares were dropped from lead planes in WWII to mark targets for bombers. There are versions of flares designed for use on the ground to use as a signal, e.g. a distress signal. Flares generally produce their light through the combustion of magnesium metal, sometimes colored by the inclusion of other metals.
A special variety of flare is used in military aircraft to defend against heat-seeking missiles, such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder or the AA-2 Atoll. These flares are usually dropped in manual salvoes by the pilot, and are accompanied by high-gee evasive action. Naturally, these flares produce a great deal of heat, and relatively little light.
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A gas flare is a tall chimney used by oil wells and refineries to vent waste natural gas and other flammable gases that are not economical to retain. The flammable gases are burned as they exit the chimney, producing a bright flame.
Also known as bellbottoms, flares are a style of pants in which the bottom ends of the legs broaden out into wide bell-like shapes.
A solar flare is an eruption of plasma from the surface of the sun. Solar flares result in a surge in the density and velocity of the solar wind, which can cause radiation damage to equipment located beyond Earth's magnetosphere.
A flare is also an aircraft landing manoeuvre.
Flare is a Canadian fashion and style magazine.
See also Flare Technology
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