German Explosives
Aluminum Mine (A/P or A/T)
Diameter/Width: 12 inches
Depth: 3 and 3/4 inches
Total Weight: 14 pounds
Explosive: Cheddite with Tolite boosters
Explosive Weight: 7 pounds
Material: Aluminum Alloy
Pull or Pressure required: 130 pounds on sides, 390 pounds in center.
Color: Tan
Description: The lower portion of the mine is a flattened cylindrical case which contains the explosive. The explosive is covered by a flat aluminum disc. Three igniter wells, located 120 degrees apart are positioned in the explosive. Three D. Z. 35 igniters with No. 8 detonators are screwed into these wells. An aluminum lid is placed over this assembly to act as a pressure plate.
Operation:
1. Pressure of 130 pounds on sides to 390 pounds in center depresses cover and sets off one or more of the three pressure fuzes, either German D.Z. 35 or T.Mi.Z.42.
2. Fuzes explode detonators, boosters, main charge.
L.P.Z. (Light A/T or A/P)
Diameter/Width: 10 and 1/2 inches
Depth: 5 inches
Total Weight: 9 pounds
Explosive: TNT
Explosive Weight: 5 pounds
Material: Sheet Metal
Color: Gray
Description: This is a light antitank mine, convertible to antipersonnel. The explosive charge is contained in two saucer-shaped covers and an outer cover serves as a pressure plate. Five igniters are built into the mine and spaced radially around it. The igniter strikers, which face upwards toward the top of the mine, are held under spring tension and are cocked in position by locking balls. A flame tube or flash chamber leads from each of the igniter caps to a central chamber over the main detonator. The safety screw threads into this chamber and when it is screwed tightly clockwise, the white line marked "SICHER" on screw head is opposite white mark on mine. The beveled end on the screw closes the flash hole leading to the detonator. Three bolts, radially spaced, serve to secure the main charge to the pressure plate.
Operation: Pressure crushes the mine cover, and forces one or more igniter housings downward over their plungers. This action compresses the outer spring, allowing the steel locking balls to be forced outward into upper recesses, releasing the striker. The released striker, driven by the striker spring, explodes the percussion cap. Flame from the cap travels through the flame tube and chamber, and ignites the detonator, booster, and main charge.
Remarks: If the mine is used against personnel, bottom fuze nuts are removed and the mine, resting on threaded end of plungers, is placed on a flat hard surface. Light pressure on the mine cover depresses the entire mine and forces the plungers upward into the igniter housing.
Glassmine 43 (f) (A/P)
Length: 6 inches
Depth: 4 and 1/8 inches
Explosive: Sprengkorper 28
Explosive Weight: 7 ounces (approx.)
Material: Glass
Pull or Pressure required: 20 to 25 pounds
Color: Clear
Description: The mine consists of a glass "dish" which is covered by a thin glass shear plate. The explosive charge is a standard sprengkorper 28 German demolition block. Either the Buck chemical igniter or the "Schuko" igniter may be employed as shown above. A metal safety fork fits into grooves in the pressure plate, providing a bridge to the outer edges of the mine, and supports the safety fork until such time as the mine is laid.
A grooved shoulder on the inside of the case, about 2 inches from the bottom, supports the igniter plate. When the Schuko igniter is used the igniter plate consists of a thin sheet metal plate which has a central hole for the igniter. When the Buck chemical igniter is used, however, an igniter plate having the same diameter and igniter hole but of stronger design is employed. Four circular corrugations on the plate not only serve to strengthen it, but also to raise the igniter hole by 3/8 inch.
The mine is stated to be proof against sea, air, and sea water, and with each mine is supplied sufficient cement putty to ensure this. The putty is used around the circumference of the igniter plate and around the edge of the glass shear plate.
Operation: When sufficient pressure is applied to the glass pressure plate, the shear plate is broken and crushes the top of the Buck igniter or trips the actuating lever of the Schuko igniter, depending on which is used.
Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 6)
Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters
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