Practice A./T. Mines E.P. No. 2 and No. 3 (Obsolescent)

Diameter

Height

Explosive weight

Explosive

Material

Fuzing

Pressure required

Description: This mine has four prinicapl components: the mine body, the mine cover, the exploder mechanism, and the Thunderflash gunpowder charge. The mine cover is fastened to the body by three pins which engage slots provided in three retaining straps attached to the mine body.

The mine body is mushroom-shaped and contains a central well for the insertion of the special exploder. A hole is drilled in the side of this well near the bottom to allow passage of a short length of instantaneous fuse. Three equi-spaced one-inch holes are drilled in the top of the mine body to provide gas escape vents.

Practice Exploder E.P. No. 1 functions on the shear-wire principle of a fuze body with an off-center well in the top for the insertion of a plunger, which is retained by a shear wire. In the side of the exploder body near the base is a channel for the insertion of the ampoule cartridge and instantaneous fuse.

The fuze functions when pressure on the mine cover forces the plunger through the shear pin and down onto the ampoule cartridge. The ampoule is crushed, causing a che-mical reaction firing the instantaneous red fuse, which, in turn, sets off the Thunder-flash.

The Thunderflash is merely a container filled with 120 grains of G-20 gunpowder. It is connected to the exploder by six inches of red instantaneous fuse. The explosion of the fuse and Thunderflash provide a realistic effect for practice purposes.

Use: This mine is used in practice minefields.

Assembly and Arming: Lay the mine in the ground and removes the cover. Inspect the plunger to make certain that the shear wire is intact and in position. Insert the plun-ger in the hole provided in the top of the exploder and replace the mine cover.

Neutralization: Remove the mine cover and plunger.

Remarks: A./T. Practice Mine E.P. No. 2 is exactly similar to the Mine No. 3 described above, except that a three-foot length of red instantaneous fuse is substituted for the  Thunderflash.

Although this mine is not anti-personnel, the charge is by no means harmless, and due precautions should be taken in disarming, especially if the mine has been subjected to blast.