A./P. Mine No. 5 Mk I (Service)

Diameter

Height

Explosive weight

Explosive

Material

Color

Fuzing

Pressure required

Markings

Description: The mine consists of two principal components: the loaded mine body and the fuze mechanism.

The mine body consists of a cardboard cylinder and ends, containing the explosive main charge. A central well is provided for the insertion of the fuze. A 5-dram perforated C.E. pellet booster is placed around the lower portion of the central well.

The special fuze uses w waterproof igniter unit, the Detonator No. 89 Mk I, which consists of a 1.7-grain igniter cap spun into the open end of a Detonator No. 8 or No. 27. A hollow ebonite rod containing a spring-loaded striker comprises the striker unit. The striker is retained by two retaining balls, which are held engaged in a groove in the striker by a collar fitting over the outside of the rod. The fuze functions when sufficient pressure is exerted on top of the igniter to force the rod down through the collar and re-lease the retaining balls. This fuze unit is packed separately from – but in the same crate as – the mines in which it is to be used. During normal shipment and storage the mines have a wooden plug in the fuze well.

Functioning: Sufficient pressure on the fuze forces the rod down through the collar and releases the retaining balls. The spring-loaded striker is freed to initiate the explosive train.

Use: This mine is a non-metallic anti-personnel mine, designed to prevent detection by means of mine detectors. The only metallic parts used in its construction are the de-tonator, spring, balls, and striker.

Assembly and Arming: Place the mine in the ground. Remove the wooden plug from the fuze well and insert the Detonator No. 89 provided. Check the striker unit to make certain that it is properly assembled, and insert the striker unit in the fuze well above the igniter unit. Be careful to exert no pressure on the striker unit once it has been inserted in the mine.

Neutralization: To neutralize this mine, carefully remove the striker unit, lift mine, and remove detonator-igniter unit.

Remark: Due to the non-metallic construction of this mine and the small area, it will be very difficult to detect this mine either with detector or by probing.

Because of the small effective pressure area of the striker unit, it is recommended that this area be increased by placing a small piece of wood, etc., above the striker after laying. A circular steel pressure plate is provided with the later issues of this mine. The pressure plate has a small bush on its under surface, which fits over the top of the ebonite striker housing. The use of this pressure plate will eliminate the non-detectable feature of the mine, but will increase the operating efficiency by increasing the pressure area.