After an exhausting session with Victoria's Secret Police, Token
blurted out:

However, IRCM flares are
JUST short of "explosive", they have a very rapid velocity factor. If
you have ever listened to them from outside the AC, say on the ground
under the AC, they make a very distinctive "pop" on ignition, a pop
that can be heard over a pair of engines in reheat.

Hehe...standing on the ramp I've heard the carts fire whilst
jettisoning a CL tank off a Phantom from over a mile away.

Sincere thanks for the link.

As far as the photo-flash flares having "not enough heat", I can see
someone saying that, in fact I have heard similar quotes from supposed
knowing individuals, but the physics just don't work that way.

Oops, my poor choice of words. The video we watched clearly showed
foreign (as in those from the SA-7 and an early version of the Atoll)
seekers NOT tracking a photo-flash cart either singles or pairs. I
took them at their word. Another test showed AIM-9 Lima versus Papa
flare rejection abilities in relatively clear air mass, at high
aspect. Way out at 10 miles a Papa would bite off on an IR flare.

Yes, IR flares are specifically designed, not an adaptation of other
types of flares. The point of what I am saying is that photo-flash
flares will have some signature in the proper IR bands, but without a
doubt, it could be made better.

Fair enough, I am unable to dispute your logic. I love physics, but
don't have the memory (or notes) to get very deep in the topic. But
please feel free to expound...I always like learning.

lol...magic...magic with some kind of ALQ designator ;-) And that is
old tech, you should see some kind of DIRCM at work.

Indeed, I'm long removed from a fighter cockpit to venture a WAG.

Juvat