WW1 French Michelin Parachute Flare (Set of 6)

Comprising: Six historically accurate scale models in high-resolution, 3D-printed resin.

History: This pyrotechnic device was developed in 1915 by the Compagnie Générale des Pneumatiques Michelin (the famous tire firm) to provide effective aerial illumination for night operations. Known in French records as the Fusée-parachute Michelin or bombe éclairante, it was the most widely deployed Allied flare of its type during the Great War. Its purpose was to illuminate terrain for night bombing, reconnaissance, artillery observation, naval patrols, coastal surveillance, and forced landings. This 35-pound cylinder was dropped from specialized mechanical release racks (namely the Michelin Type I and Type IV carriers) fitted under wings or lower fuselages. It deployed a parachute after release, allowing it to descend slowly while burning with immense intensity (approximately 110,000 candlepower) for 7 to 11 minutes. Later, it was supplemented or partially superseded by smaller, more efficient French designs, such as the Bourges flare. The United States formally adopted the design and contracted American builders (such as the Edward G. Budd Manufacturing Company) to fabricate copies of the French release gear and the Mark I Airplane Flare, which was modeled directly on the Michelin.

Operational Use: Deployed by French, British, Belgian, and U.S. forces. Aircraft types associated with this device include the Airco D.H.4 and D.H.9; Bréguet Bre.4 and 14; the Breguet-Michelin series (BM.2 and BM.4); Caproni Ca.3 series; Caudron G.4 and G.6; Dayton-Wright D.H.4; Farman MF.11, F.40, F.50, and F.60; Handley Page O/100 and O/400; Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b and F.E.2d; Salmson 2.A2; Sopwith 1½ Strutter; and Voisin 3, 5, 8, and 10.

Note: Images may include digital renderings of the actual 3D designs used to produce this scale model. Each scale is customized to ensure the highest level of detail and historical accuracy, while balancing the limitations of the printing process to produce the most pleasing results.