American Projectiles and Explosives - Anti-Tank Mines (Part 2)

American Projectiles and Explosives

Anti-Tank Mines




M6

Diameter: 12.5 inches

Height: 3.25 inches
Total weight: 20 pounds
TNT filler weight: 12 pounds
Material: Steel
Color: Olive drab

Components: The mine consists of a loaded mine body, fuze, and pressure-plate plug.  The steel body is cylindrical, with a carrying handle attached to the bottom.  Assembled to the mine body is a round pressure plate, 7 and 1/2 inches in diameter, containing the reversible pressure-plate plug which covers the fuze well.  The pressure plate is supported internally by circular Belleville springs and sealed against moisture by a rubber diaphragm.  In addition to the primary fuze well, supplementary fuze wells are located on the side and on the bottom of the mine for use in anti-lifting or booby-trap purposes.


Remarks: For booby traps or anti-removal devices, after the main fuze is installed, any standard firing device may be attached to the supplementary fuze wells by using the Activator M1.  This activator is a plastic adapter approximately 2 inches long, which contains a tetryl booster charge.

This fuze myst not be used with the Anti-Tank Mine M7.

M7A1

Length: 7 inches
Width: 4.5 inches
Height: 2.5 inches
Total weight: 4.5 pounds
Tetryl filler weight: 3.25 pounds
Material: Steel
Color: Olive drab

Components: This mine can be used as either an anti-tank or an anti-personnel mine.  The body is a rectangular steel container filled with high explosive.  The fuze well is located in the center of the top surface, and at one end is an activator well that will accommodate any standard firing device with a Corps of Engineers' blasting cap.  The pressure plate is shaped to the contour of the mine body and is slotted so that it may be guided by rivets in the sides of the mine body, into position over the fuze.  A small circular pad on the underside of the pressure plate bears against the head of the fuze.


Remarks: For a booby trap or anti-personnel mine, any standard firing device may be attached to the side fuze well.





Improvised Mines

Bangalore Torpedo

No picture available

Special torpedo caps are furnished with each box of ten bangalores, to adapt the bangalore torpedo for use on an anti-tank mine.  Pull-firing detonators are furnished separately.  To assemble the bangalores for use as an anti-tank mine, insert detonators in two torpedo caps; place a safety pin through the torpedo-cap ears and the detonator loop of each; and snap a torpedo cap onto each end of the torpedo, so that the detonator fits into the cap well.  Lay the torpedo on the ground across a wooden block and drive eight-inch spikes on drift pins into the ground as close to the ends as possible.  Pass the detonator wire through each detonator loop, and attach the wire to the spike.  Make sure there is no tension on the detonator wire.  Withdraw the safety pin.  The mine is now armed and ready for use.



2.36-inch A/T Rocket

No picture available

The A/T Rocket M6 may be employed by placing the rocket, nose-up in its container, in a hole about two feet deep, either ina  roadbed or horizontally on the side of a cut or bank.  It can be set to fire electrically by arranging a circuit containing the rocket, a battery, and an improvised circuit closer.  Connections to the rocket are made on the ignition wires: one from the brass ring on the nose, the other from the fins.  Ordinary field telephone wire will serve; the battery and connections should be protected from water if necessary.

The container cap is removed and the other end knocked out.  The container is thus a guide for the rocket.  A hole is punched in the container cap, through which the electric firing-device wire (or trip-wire) are run.  When connections have been made, the container cap is slid in place over the fins to protect the contacts from fouling.  The rocket safety pin is removed; the container tube is slid over the rocket and joined to the cap; and the assembly is placed in the hole.  Loose dirt and leaves are then placed over all of the rocket except the nose; the nose is concealed by covering with leaves or light bunches of grass.  Care must be taken not to bump the nose, as the rocket is completely armed when the safety pin is removed.







Practice Mines


  General: Practice mines are used in training.  These mines can be identified by their blue color and white markings.


M1: The Practice Mine M1 consists of three components: an empty mine body, a spider, and a fuze.  The parts are similar in construction to the high-explosive mine, except that the body has five one-inch holes equally spaced around the side.  The explosive filling consists of a caliber .32 blank cartridge in the fuze, 100 grains of red phosphorus, and 60 grains of black powder.


M1B1: The Practice Mine M1B1 is made of sheet metal and resembles the service mine, except that the filling hole is in the bottom of the mine body.  The body is sand-filled to weight before it is issued for use in practice.  Four sections are cut out of the top of the body near the fuze well, to permit the passage of smoke.


T8E1: The Practice Mine T8E1 simulates the standard Mine M6.  It uses the Practice Fuze T20, which simulates the M600, but gives a puff of smoke instead of detonating the mine.  Four sections cut out of the top of the body near the fuze well permit the passage of smoke.


M10: The Practice Mine M10 simulates the standard Mine M7A1.  It is loaded with 3.4 pounds of inert filler, consisting of Santo wax M, 50%, plaster of paris, 12%, and powdered red iron oxide, 38%.  It uses the Practice Fuze T20.  Four sections cut out of the top fo the body permit the passage of smoke. 

Next Time: Anti-Personnel and Trip Mines

British Explosive Ordnance - Army and Navy Demolition Stores

British Explosive Ordnance





Firing Devices and Demolition Stores




General

British firing devices, referred to as switches, are used to initiate booby traps or, in some cases, demolition charges.  Switches generally operate by pull, pressure, release of pressure, or various combinations of these actions.  Time or long-delay switches may utilize the corrosive reaction of acid with metal, or lead fatigue to achieve the delay.  Many types of improvised switches of both electrical and mechanical types may be constructed from common materials, but are not dealt with in this publication.

Demolition stores include the more common Detonators, primers, instantaneous fuze, safety fuse, detonating fuse, prepared demolition charges, and military explosives used by the British.  These stores are used chiefly in demolition work, or in the preparation of booby-trap charges.


Distribution

Switches are ordinarily designated by the "type of action" (pull, pressure, etc.), a "Number" corresponding to the US Navy "Mark", and a Roman numeral "Mark" corresponding to the US Navy "Modification".

The designation of demolition stores varies with the particular item, but usually follows the common "Number" and "Mark" system.

Army Demolition Stores

Bangalore Torpedoes

  

2-inch Bangalore Torpedo Mks I and II: This torpedo, 62.5 inches long and weighing about 25 pounds, consists of a steel body fitted with an ogival hardwood head.  It contains a charge of about 7 pounds of Ammonal with  a Primer Mk II C.E. fitted at the front end.  Two studs are provided near the rear end of the body for assembly of the sections in series.  The body is painted service green or brown, with a red band, below which are located identification stencillings.  Two 1/4-inch buff bands enclose a 1-inch green band on which the letter "A" is stencilled to denote the Ammonal filling.


20-foot Lightweight E.P. Bangalore Torpedo: This torpedo is issued empty in sections 3-foot long and 3-inch in diameter.  It is made of light sheet steel.  Each section is split longitudinally down the center to form a top and bottom half-section.  A wooden nose plug, a wooden tail plug, six junction bands, and nine junction rings are issued with each outfit of seven complete sections of the torpedo.  The torpedo was originally designed to be used in conjunction with the 20-foot Flexible Torpedo, described below, as its filler, but it may be filled with cartridge-type explosive without any canvas lining.


20-foot Flexible E.P. Bangalore Torpedo: This torpedo consists of a 20-foot length of 2-inch diameter canvas hose, filled with "808", Gelignite, or Ammonal.  A double length of Cordtex, passing through regularly spaced primers, runs through the explosive-filled hose.  The torpedo was designed as an assault-demolition weapon to be used in single lengths, coiled, or bundled, or stretched out and tied to other lengths.  When rigidity is desired, this torpedo may be placed inside the 20-foot Lightweight Torpedo, described above.


1 and 1/2-inch Lightweight Bangalore Torpedo Mk I: This torpedo consists of a thin steel tube, 1 and 5/8-inches in diameter.  It is issued in two lengths, 6 feet and 10 feet.  The torpedo is painted brown, with a red band, below which identification stencillings are painted.  Two 1/4-inch buff bands enclose a 1-inch green band on which the letter "A" is stencilled to indicate the Ammonal filler.  An ogival wooden head, fastened to a short metal sleeve with screws, is provided with each set of four sections.  A studded metal band is provided with each section for use in joining the sections together.



Cavity Charges


Stock Charges: The 5-ounce Stock Demolition Charge Mk I and 7-ounce Stock Demolition Charge Mk II are exactly the same, except that the latter is 2 inches longer than the former.  The 5-ounce Charge Mk I is a small, linear cavity charge, consisting of a tin outer casing 6-inches x 1 and 5/16 inches x 2 inches, with an 80 degree angled copper arch fitted so that the apex is 1 and 3/8 inches above the base.  The charge is designed to cut 1-inch of steel.  Two Cordtex leads are led through a groove in the top of the charge, above a series of primer pellets, and are held in place by four straps soldered to the outer casing.  About 4 and 1/2-inches of the Cordtex project from either end of the charge as leads.  A 10-inch tinned copper wire is soldered to each corner of the charge to provide a method of fixing the charge, or of connecting two or more charges together.



Beehive Charges


6-inch Beehive Demolition Charge No.1 Mk III: The 6-inch Beehive No.1 Mk III is a 10 pound cavity charge containing 6 and 3/4 pounds of Pentolite.  The charge measures 6 inches in diameter and 7 inches in length, with three 4 and 1/2 inches legs attached to the base to give the proper stand-off distance.  An 80 degree sheet steel cone is fitted to give a cavity-charge effect.  A removable cap on top of the container covers a primer tube containing the primers into which the detonator is inserted.

From time to time, other sizes of Beehives have been used by the British Army, as follows:
-16-25 pound Demolition Charge No.6 Mk I
-30 pound H.C. Demolition Charge Mk I (Nesting)
-35-50 pound Demolition Charge No.7 Mk I
-60 pound Demolition Charge No.8 Mk I
-75 pound H.C. Demolition Charge No.4 Mk I




Arched Charges



25-pound Arched Demolition Charge No.2 Mk I (General Wade): This charge is an arched linear charge, containing 26 pounds of Pentolite.  The container is made of tin-plate, and measures 9 inches x 12 and 3/4 inches x 6 and 3/8 inches.  The container is semi-cylindrical, with a 2 and 1/4 inches radius arch fitted into the bottom to give the cavity-charge effect.  The charge is designed to be a general purpose charge, combining some of the advantages of the coned type of charge with those of the ordinary contact type.  It is thus adequate to effect serious damage against the majority of targets likely to be encountered by assault troops, i.e., against reinforced concrete and armor plate up to 2 inches in thickness.


26-pound Arched Demolition Charge (M.S. Shape): This charge is a slight adaptation of the General Wade.  The thickness of the explosive at the top has been reduced to 2 and 1/2 inches and the base pressure charge has been increased by about 50% giving the following dimensions, 9 inches x 17 inches x 5 inches.




Hayrick Charges


15-pound Hayrick Demolition Charge No.3 Mk I: The Hayrick charge is a linear cavity charge designed to cut the tension reinforcing bars of reinforced concrete structures.  It consists of a mild steel body containing the HE filling, with a blast plate fitted internally to provide the cavity-charge effect.  The body is rectangular in shape, measuring 11 and 1/4 inches x 6 inches x 17 and 1/2 inches.  One end is open and formed with flanged end plates, while the opposite end is shaped to an apex and carries two detonator sleeves, a sealing plate, and the fuze support.  About 15 pounds of Pentolite make up the HE filler, bringing the total weight to about 27.5 pounds.




Magnetized Charges

 
Clam Mk III: The Clam is a small time bomb with a magnetic base, which enables it to be attached instantly to any flat iron or steel surface, such as engine blocks, railroad tracks, steel plate, etc.

The body is a black plastic box with rounded corners, measuring 5 and 3/4 inches x 2 and 3/4 inches x 1 and 1/2 inches.  At each end of the box is a magnet compartment, in which the two magnets are loosely mounted so that they can grip an uneven surface.  The center compartment of the box contains about 8 ounces of the HE filler, usually Tetryl/TNT 45/55.  The box is closed by a flat lid held in place with four screws.

A standard L. Delay Switch No.9 Mk I, with a Detonator No.27 attached, serves as the delay initiator.  It slips into a groove in the top part of the body and is held in place by a small clip.

Limpet Mk III: The Limpet is a small, self-contained, delay-action mine with a magnetic base, which allows it to be fitted instantly to any iron or steel target, such as a tank or the hull of a ship.

The Limpet is designed to function either on land or under water, and carries a charge of 3 and 1/2 pounds of HE filler, usually Tetryl/TNT 45/55, which is sufficient to pierce 60mm plate.  Exceptionally powerful segmental magnets, flexibly mounted, allow it a firm grip even on uneven surfaces.  It will remain in place on the average vessel at speeds up to 16 knots.

The explosive container of the Limpet Mk III is a separate unit, which can be detached from the magnet ring so that the device can be used without magnets if desired.  This container weighs about 4 and 1/4 pounds filled.  The magnet ring weighs 5 and 1/4 pounds, bringing the total weight of the device to 9 and 1/2 pounds.  A carrying ring is fitted to the top of the limpet body.

A standard L. Delay Switch No.9 Mk I, with a Detonator No.8 attached, serves as the delay initiator.  It is inserted in a special holder, which gives a watertight joint when inserted int he magazine.

The earlier Limpet Mk II was fitted with two magazines, allowing the use of a duplicate igniter system to provide against possible failure.

Rigid Limpet: The British Rigid Limpet is designed for the destruction of tanks or other steel structures.  The device is painted field gray and consists of a rectangular box of sheet brass, 8 and 1/4 inches long x 2 and 1/2 inches wide x 2 and 1/2 inches deep.

The box contains a charge of 2.5 pounds of plastic HE, moulded to accept a detonator at each end.  A pair of brass brackets are riveted to either side of the brass body, and a brass rod is secured between each pair of brackets.  To each rod are fitted three permanent U-shaped magnets, each fastened by metal straps to a rubber mounting.  These magnets are retained in position by flanges on the rod.  The rubber mountings allow limited movement to the magnets, so that the Limpet can be readily attached to uneven surfaces.

An internally threaded brass cap provides a filling hole.  A threaded adapter fixed centrally to the brass filling cap and another threaded adapter fitted to the other end of the body provide means for inserting the AC Delay Igniter Mk I, with which the Limped is fuzed.

This initiating mechanism, used only with the Rigid Limpet, is a chemical-type long-delay device, consisting of a brass body containing a spring-loaded striker.  The head of this striker is sunk in a celluloid disc, retaining the striker under spring compression.

Immediately above the celluloid disc are located cotton wadding and a glass ampoule of solvent accommodated in an enlarged recess in the body.  The top of the body is threaded externally to receive a threaded cap.  Screwed into the center of the cap is a threaded spindle, which bears on a rubber sealing disc.  To the top of the spindle is attached a wing bolt to permit manual operation.  A safety pin pierces the threaded spindle and the cap, preventing the spindle from being screwed down as long as the pin is in place.
 
The device is put in operation by removing the safety pin and screwing down the threaded spindle, thus crushing the ampoule and allowing the solvent to saturate the cotton wadding and work on the celluloid disc.  Eventually the celluloid is sufficiently softened to release the striker, which is then forced by its spring into the detonator threaded to the lower end of the body.  Delay times can be varied by changing the solvent ampoule.  The color of the ampoule indicates the delay at 20 degrees Celsius.

 Dimensions and functioning details of the igniter follow:

Overall length: 5 and 1/2 inches
Detonator length: 4 and 1/2 inches
Body diameter: 1 inch

Delay at 20 degrees Celsius:
-Red ampoule: 4 hours
-Orange ampoule: 7 hours
-Yellow ampoule: 14 hours
-Green ampoule: 22.5 hours
-Blue ampoule: 36 hours
-Violet ampoule: 4.5 days

Delay times will increase at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, and decrease if temperatures are below that point.

Navy Demolition Stores

Explosive Charges




C.E./TNT Block Mk I

Explosive weight: 14 ounces
Length: 4 and 1/2 inches
Width: 2 and 1/4 inches
Height: 1 and 7/8 inches
Total weight: 14 ounces
Container: Metal
Remarks: May be made up into a 25-foot chain demolition charge



TNT Block Mk I

Explosive weight: 1.25 pounds
Length: 6 inches
Diameter: 2.4 inches
Total weight: 1.25 pounds
Container: Paper
Remarks: Usually inserted in a TNT Container Mk I, made of sheet steel


 
Amatol Charge Mk I

Explosive weight: 10 pounds
Length: 8.3 inches
Diameter: 6.5 inches
Total weight: 18.5 pounds
Container: Mild steel
Remarks: Receives one 4-ounce primer and a Detonator No.6


 
Amatol Charge Mk I

Explosive weight: 25 pounds
Length: 18.2 inches
Diameter: 6.6 inches
Total weight: 39.5 pounds
Container: Mild steel
Remarks: Receives two 4-ounce primers and No.6 detonators



Amatol Charge Mk II

Explosive weight: 25 pounds
Length: 18.5 inches
Diameter: 6.6 inches
Total weight: 41 pounds
Container: Mild steel
Remarks: Receives one 1 and 1/4 pound TNT block



Amatol Charge Mk I

Explosive weight: 50 pounds
Length: 18.5 inches
Diameter: 9 inches
Total weight: 70.5 pounds
Container: Mild steel
Remarks: Receives two 4-ounce primers and No.6 detonators


 In addition to these, heavy demolition is sometimes accomplished by adapting Depth Charges Mk VII, Mk VIII, Mk XI, and D Mks I and II, and Mine Charge Case Mk V for demolition firing.




Cavity Charges

  

5-pound RDX/TNT Cavity Demolition Charge Mk I: This charge is a liner cavity charge designed for cutting chain, steel wire rope, steel plate, etc.  The charge consists of approximately five pounds of 60/40 RDX/TNT.  The primer pocket will accept either a C.E. Primer Mk I, II, or III, or a 2-ounce Polar Blasting Gelatine Primer.  The charge has been designed for use with Briska Detonators No.6, and is not suitable for use with Detonators No.21 or No.25.  An I.C.I. Gasless Delay Detonator No.1 may be used when the charge is fitted with a C.E. Primer Mk III

The thin sheet-steel case encloses the water-tight cavity.  The case and primer-tube bung are watertight, allowing the charge to be used in depths up to three fathoms.  Two cleats and 6-foot lanyards attached ot the charge enable it to be quickly secured to its target.

Next Time: German Projectiles Introduction

Imperial Japanese Explosives - Land Mines and Grenades (Part 2)

Imperial Japanese Explosives

  

  

Type 3 (a) Antivehicular and Antipersonnel Land Mine
 

Diameter: 8.6 inches

Height (w/o fuze): 4.13 inches
Height (fuzed): 6.2 inches
Length of fuze: 2.5 inches

Material of mine wall: Terra cotta
Thickness of wall: 7/16 inch

Explosive fillin: Type 88 explosive.  Captured document states bursting charge might also be either ammonium nitrate (50%), TNT (50%); or ammonium nitrate (90%), dinitronaphthalene (10%)

Weight of explosive: 4 pounds, 8 ounces

Total weight of mine: 11 pounds, 6 ounces

  

Color and markings: Brown


Description: The mine is circular with a slightly concave top and a moderately convex base.  The mine case is made of earth-colored terra cotta.

The outer surface has a thin dull glaze while the inner surface is covered with a thin coat of lacquer.  A rubber fuze seat is sealed in place in a hole in the center of the top of the mine.  The explosive filler is contained in a light rubber bag inside the mine.

The fuze body, cover, plunger, and striker support are made of bakelite.  The springs, percussion hammer, striker, and the release fork are the only metal parts in the mine and with the exception of the release fork, all are contained inside the fuze.
 

Employment: May be used as an antivehicular or antipersonnel mine.
 

Operation: The mine is place in the desired location and the safety pin is withdrawn.  The fuze may then be rigged to fire either by pull or pressure.

The percussion hammer located within the fuze is held in place by a release fork to which a trip wire may be attached.  When the wire is pulled (22-pound pull required), the fork releases the hammer which is forced downward by the hammer spring.  The hammer hits the striker forcing it through its bakelite holder into the percussion cap.

When pressure of 20-25 pounds is applied directly on the head of the fuze the plunger spring and hammer spring are compressed causing the hammer head to exert pressure on the hammer release fork.  When the plunger is further depressed a groove in its inner surface comes down to the level of the hammer release fork.  The pressure of the hammer head cams out the fork.  The hammer is released and hits the striker which in turn pierces the detonator.

Remarks:  A larger model of this mine exists, and differs from it only in size.  The larger version has a diameter of approximately 10 and 1/2 inches.

  

  

Type 3 (b) Antivehicular and Antipersonnel Land Mine

Diameter: 7 and 1/8 inches

Height (w/o fuze): 5 inches
Height (fuzed): 7.5 inches

Material of mine wall: Wood
Thickness of wall: 9/16 inch

Explosive fillin: Type 88 explosive.  Captured document states bursting charge might also be either ammonium nitrate (50%), TNT (50%); or ammonium nitrate (90%), dinitronaphthalene (10%)

Weight of explosive: 4 pounds, 8 ounces

Total weight of mine: 6 pounds, 4 ounces (w/o fuze)

  

Color and markings: Unpainted wood

   

Description: The mine is simply a wooden box with dovetailed sides to which top and bottom closing pieces have been fastened by screws and nails respectively.  It is a standard mine manufactured to standard specifications and employing the Type 88 explosive charge and its rubber container, the threaded rubber fuze seat, and the same type fuze used in the Type 3 (a) land mine.

The threaded rubber fuze seat is nailed to the bottom side of the top closing piece beneath a hole provided to allow insertion of the fuze.

Employment: May be used as either antivehicular or antipersonnel mine.

Operation: Same as Type 3 (a) land mine.

Beehive Antipersonnel Land Mine

    

Diameter at base: 8 inches

Height (w/o fuze): 4.5 inches
Total weight: 17 pounds (approximate)
Thickness of mine wall: 3/8 inch

Explosive filling: TNT
Weight of explosive: 5 pounds (approximate)

 

Color and markings: Black
  

Description: The mine is hemispherical in shape and its surface is uniformly serrated.

The central hole in the top of the mine is internally threaded to receive one of two fuze adapters.  The first adapter takes either the plastic fuze used in the Type 3 (a) ceramic and Type 3 (b) wooden land mines, or the Type 88 instantaneous artillery fuze from which the centrifugal detents have been removed.  The second adapter is constructed to take the fuze employed in the Type 93 tapemeasure mine.

Both the serrations of the mine case and the thickness of the wall (3/8 inch) indicate that this mine was to be used as an antipersonnel weapon.

Employment: Antipersonnel mine

Operation: The operations of the Type 93 land mine fuze and the Type 3 (a) ceramic land mine fuze are discussed under their respective mines.

The Type 88 artillery projectile fuze from which the centrifugal detents have been removed is fired by pressure on the firing pin head.  Pressure on the firing pin head compresses the anticreep spring and the firing pin is forced into the primer.

5kg Hemispherical Antitank Land Mine

 The 5kg hemispherical A/TK mine is a weapon designed to help overcome the shortage of A/TK weapons and armored vehicles which the Japanese forces experienced during the war.  It is a suicide weapon, intended to be placed against an armored vehicle either by hand or by means of a pole or lines.

The mine is hemispherical in shape, black in color, with the fuze mounted opposite the flat face.  It is equipped with a straight projection to which a pole may be lashed, and with four eyelets to which lines may be attached.

The mine is detonated by the same fuze as that used in the Type 99 magnetic A/TK mine.  No specimens of this mine were found outside of the Japanese homeland, very few of them having been produced.

    

Bangalore Torpedo and Igniter

  

Dimensions: See Drawing
Total weight of torpedo: 10 pounds

Weight of filling: 3 pounds
Type of filling: TNT (36.4%), Cyclonite (63.6%)


Color and markings:
-Torpedo tube: Brown with red band onboard of externally threaded end, white triangle near midepoint of tube, and eleven inches inboard of red band on opposite side from white triangle is (see below)

  

Description:  The igniter system consists of two pull igniters screwed into an igniter holder which fits into the igniter locking collar.  The rings of the igniters are connected by lines to the lanyard holder.  The igniters are simple match composition pull igniters with a black powder delay of 8 seconds, an initiant, and a base charge of tetryl.  When shipping, the steel nose cap is threaded onto the igniter as shown in drawing.

The torpedo proper is a steel tube with shoulders welded to both ends.  One end is internally threaded to take the igniter locking collar and the other end is threaded externally to take the pointed nose cover.  When shipped the tube has a cap screwed over one end and a male plug threaded into the other.

Employment: The Bangalore torpedo is used by the Japanese to demolish barbed wired entanglements.  It can also be used as a booby trap, actuated by pull.

Operation: The caps are removed from the ends of the tube, the pointed nose cover is screwed onto one end, and the igniter locking collar into the other end.  The torpedo is now ready for use.  When the torpedo is placed the safety pin is removed and the firing lanyard is pulled sharply.  Personnel can take cover in the 8 seconds delay period.

The pulling of the firing lanyard pulls the match composition through the abrasive.  The flash starts the black powder which after 8 seconds delay fires the initiant and tetryl base charge and the torpedo charge.




Pressure and Traction Land Mine
  

Overall length: 12.5 inches
Overall width: 9.5 inches
Overall height: 7 inches

Weight of filling: 2 pounds
Type of explosive: Three blocks picric acid or TNT detonator of igniter inserted in center block.



Description: The mine consists of a wooden box, the lid of which is held in place against the internal flanges on the top by four stout springs (one in each corner).  A wooden block is secured by two bolts to the underside of the lid and serves to operate the pull igniter by pressure exerted on the cover.

The explosive charge is in a separate container with the igniter and detonator inserted in the center block.  A pull wire extends from the igniter over to the wire rod directly under the wooden block attached to the underside of the lid.

To this wire rod are attached a trip wire which passes out through the cover to be secured to a tree or other suitable object and an antilifting wire attachment which passes through a hole in the base of the box and is secured to a peg.  The igniter contains ignition composition and a pellet of powdered glass in red cement.

Employment: Used as an antitank or antipersonnel mine.

Operation: The mine will function by either of three methods:
-Pressure exerted on the lid,
-Tension exerted on the trip wire; or
-By lifting the mine to operate the antilifting device.

In all instances the wire rod is moved which pulls the wire leading to the igniter.




Friction-Fuzed Land Mine
  

Overall length: 13 inches
Overall width: 3 inches
Overall height: 2.37 inches

Weight of filling: 3.5 pounds

Type of explosive: Five blocks picric acid or TNT detonator of igniter inserted in end block.

Description: The mine consists of a wooden box, the sides of which are 0.59 inch thick.  A wooden partition block inserted 4.25 inches from the unfilled end of the box serves to hold the five blocks of explosive in place and also to secure the igniter in position.  To the igniter is attached a trip wire which extends out through the end of the box and is secured to a tree or other suitable object.

A safety device, the exact nature of which is unknown but reported to consist of a bottle cap, is incorporated on the outside of the box at a point of egress of the trip wire.  The antilifting device consists of a wire attachment which passes through the base of the box and is secured to a peg driven in the ground.

Employment: The mine is buried 1 to 2 inches below the surface and used as either an antitank or antipersonnel mine.

Operation: The mine can function by either a tension exerted on the trip wire or by lifting the mine to operate the antilifting device.  In both instances the pull igniter is fired which in turn detonates the explosive charge.




Improvised Land Mine
  

Dimensions: A box 5 and 5/8 by 4 and 1/4 by 3 and 1/4 inches
Material: Tin
Color: Silver
 
Description: The mine consists of a rectangular box with a cover securely fastened by friction tape.  Two holes are roughly punched in the cover through which a grenade fuze or detonator projects.  The grenade fuze projects approximately 3/4 inch, projection of detonator is unknown.

Contained in the box are one Japanese Type 91 hand grenade and twelve blocks of 1/3 aluminum powder and 2/3 RDX.  Each block is 1 and 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch and wrapped in waxed paper.  Color is black.  The grenade and blocks, 1/3 aluminum powder and 2/3 RDX, are firmly held in place by waxed paper.

Employment: Can be used as an antitank mine when fuzed with the armed grenade.  With a pull or tension detonator it can be used as an antipersonnel mine or booby trap.

Operation:
-As an antitank mine: Safety pin on fuze is removed.  When it is hit by a sharp blow the striker breaks a shear wire and penetrates the primer.  After a delay of 4 to 5 seconds the bursting charge explodes setting off the charge.

-As an antipersonnel mine or booby trap: A pull igniter with detonator is inserted into the charge.  When the trip wire is pulled, the flash will fire the detonator which in turn sets off the explosive and hand grenade.

Next Time: More Imperial Japanese Land Mines, and Grenades