German Explosives
Pappmine (A/T)
Diameter/Width: 12 inches
Depth: 5 inches
Explosive: Pressed TNT
Explosive Weight: 11 pounds
Color: Black
Material: Cardboard
Pull or Pressure required: 750-790 pounds
Description: The Pappmine is an antitank mine made entirely of nonmetallic materials to prevent detection by electric mine detectors. It derives its name from the material of the mine body, "pappe", or paper cardboard. The mine, which is black in color, consists of a container and lid, the lid covering the full depth of the container. The top and bottom edges are rounded and lid and container are held together by a band of cardboard.
In the center of the lid is a 2 and 3/4 inch pressure plate of thick green glass which resembles a threaded and knurled glass stopper. Inside the mine is a glass igniter set into about 11 pounds of pressed TNT.
Igniter Assembly: In the center of the top of the charge is a hole, approximately 1 inch across and 2 inches deep, which houses the igniter assembly. The igniter, which is entirely of glass, resembles the R. Mi. Z. 42 in shape, including the pin through the striker.
The body of the igniter is stated to taper toward the bottom and contains a central tube containing an ignition mixture of unknown reddish composition. The bottom of this tube is connected to a short chamber containing what appears to be a priming charge.
Operation: Pressure on the pressure plate forces its undersurface down on the head of the igniter. This crushes the internal glass tube, and the initiating flash passes to the priming charge at the base of the tube, thus exploding the main charge. A 3-second delay may be incorporated in the igniter. Pressure on the cardboard side of the mine will not set it off.
Remarks: This information is taken from a captured German document.
Panzerschnell Mine (A/T)
Length: 10 and ¾ inches
Depth: 4 inches
Explosive: Picric Acid
Explosive Weight: 13.2 pounds
Color: Buff and Green
Material: Wood
Pull or Pressure required: 6-11 pounds
Description: These two wooden box mines are similar to the Schumine although somewhat larger. Both A and B types are very similar, consisting of a wooden box containing 6 kg of picric acid in damp proof paper. The initiating charge in each case is a standard 200-gm charge built up on wooden blocks to enable the igniter to fit into it. On the inside cover of the box is painted the letter A or B showing the type of mine, and a label, giving instructions for installation.
Operation: Type A is actuated by pressure on the box lid, causing the shearing of two 1/2-inch wooden dowels and pressing out the link pin of the ZZ 42 igniter.
Type B is actuated by pressure on the box lid shearing 3/4-inch wooden dowels and exerting pressure on the head of the two Buck chemical igniters.
Magnetic Antitank Charge (Panzerhandmine 3)
Length: 5 and ½ inches
Depth: 10 and ¾ inches
Total Weight: 8 pounds
Explosive: TNT or RDX/TNT
Explosive Weight: 2 and ⅓ pounds
Material: Paper Board
Description: This charge is an assault weapon designed to be placed on enemy tanks or similar targets, to which it adheres by means of magnets.
The body is of ppaer board and encases the charge and the magnets. A web-carrying handle is attached to a metal neck band. The hemispherical cavity of the hollow charge is closed with a sheet metal liner.
Three pairs of magnets are mounted on the inside of the paper board skirt. They are protected in transit by an iron keeper ring which has a web handle fastened to it to facilitate withdrawal. On one side of the keeper are three equidistant spikes so that the charge can be attached to a wooden surface. In transit the keeper is reversed and the spikes are positioned between the magnets.
The charge is fired with a 7 and ½ second friction igniter.
Operation: Information is lacking as to how the charge is placed and fired. It is apparently designed to be placed by hand on the tank and the igniter pulled after it has been positioned. German documents make no mention of the charge being thrown.
Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 2)
Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters
No comments:
Post a Comment