M1A1 (Obsolete)

Diameter, inches

8

Height (with spider), inches

Height of body, inches

Total weight, pounds

Cast TNT weight, pounds

Material

Fuzing

M1A1, M1A2

Components: The metallic Anti-Tank Mine M1A1 has three main components: loaded body, fuze, and spider. The spider fits over the fuze to increase the effective size of its head. The steel body is a squat cylindrical container of light steel filled with high explo-sive. A carrying ring is attached to its side. The flanged rim around the top is notched for attaching the spider. In the center of the top is the cavity for the fuze and booster; the booster fits into the cavity and locks into place. The spider is a ring with two cross members pressed from a single sheet of metal. Hooks on the spider engage the flange on the mine body, and the center hub of the spider rests on the striker head of the fuze. When the mine is packed, the spider is placed over the bottom of the steel body to save space.

Fuze M1A1: This fuze consists of a striker assembly and a body with a primer. The head of the striker assembly protrudes 3/8 inch beyond the body of the fuze. Pressure of 500 pounds directly on the fuze head, or 250 pounds on the edge of the spider, depres-ses the outer sleeve, cutting the shear pins and aligning the holes in the outer sleeve with the steel balls lodged in the inner sleeve. The steel balls are forced into the holes in the outer sleeve, releasing the striker. The striker, thus freed, driven by the striker spring, sets off the percussion cap, detonator, booster, and main charge, in the order listed. For safety of shipping and handling, a safety fork is fitted over the collar between the striker head and the top of the fuze body.

Fuze M1A2: This fuze is identical in outward appearance to the M1A1. The detonator is more powerful to insure a high-order explosion.

Arming: The safety fork is not removed until after the mine is laid; and, after remo-val, the fork is left beside the mine, attached to its cord, never between the body and the spider. Before the mine is taken up, the safety fork is replaced.

Color: The bottom and ¾ inch of the side are painted yellow; the rest of the mine is painted olive drab.

Remarks: The M1, the orignal model, is no longer being manufactured or issued. The principal difference is that, in the Mine M1, the booster is an integral part of the fuze; in the Mine M1A1 the booster is a separate part and issued assembled in the cup of the mine.

Protective bag covers made of moisture-resistance, mildew-proof fabric are provided with this mine to prevent foreign matter from working between the mine body and the spider. The cover is cylindrical in shape, 8.75 inches in diameter, 9 inches high, and open at one end. The Mine M1A1 is being replaced by the M6.

Figure 237. Anti-Tank Mine M1A1