Chapter 5 - Aircraft Mines - SVK: The LM MinesChapter 5 - Aircraft Mines - SVK; The LM Mines: The LMB Mine
GERMAN UNDERWATERS ORDNANCE MINES
Chapter 5 - AIRCRAFT MINES - SVK
THE LM MINES

The LMA Mine. The LMA mine was developed between 1928 and 1934, and was the first German aircraft-laid mine. Because of its relatively small (for ground mines) weight of charge, it was not used as extensively during the war as its larger counterpart the LMB. Manufacture was discontinued early in the war, and existing stocks were used up.

The LMA mine existed in three models, representing progressive development. Origin-ally the mine was known as LMA, but, as the German nomenclature became more syste-matized, the earlier two models were considered LMA I and LMA II, and the most recent development was designed LMA III. These models were nearly identical, the differences lying primarily in methods of manufacture, small improvements designed to strengthen the mine case, and modification of the parachute assembly.

The LMA mine could be modified easily to be suitable for surface-aircraft laying, in which case the modified assembly was designated LMA/S.

The LMA mineis known to have been used with the following units:

1. E-BIK

2. M1 (SE-BIK)

3. M3

The following units, although not definitely known to have been used in LMA, could have been.

1. M 1r

6. MA 1, MA 1a

2. M 1s

MA 1r, M 1ar

3. M 4

7. MA 2, MA 3

4. A 1

8. AT 1, AT 2

5. A 4

9. DM 1

Figure 51 – LMA Mine

Description of case:

Shape

Cylindrical, with hemispherical nose and tapered tail

Material

Aluminum (KSS)

Diameter

26 in.

Length

 

Over-all

6 ft. 9-1/2 in.

Case

5 ft. 4-1/2 in.

Parachute

2 ft. 7-1/2 in.

housing

 

Tail door

13 in.

Parachute cap

13-1/2 in.

Charge

660 lb. cast hexanite

Description of External Fittings.

Suspension lug

On top center line, 24 in. abaft the nose

Parachute lug

Inside parachute housing, on center of tail door

Booster release mechanism

4 in. diameter, 270° from top center line 13-1/2 in abaft the nose, secured by keep ring

Detonator cover
plate

4-1/2 in. diameter, 90° from top center line, 15-1/2 in. abaft the nose, secured by keep ring.

Filling-hole
covers

Three, 6-in. diameter, one in center of nose; two, 135° and 225° respectively from top center line, 19 in. abaft the nose, each secured by four screws

Inspection hole
covers

Two, 7 in. by 9 in. on top center line and 180° from top center line respectively, 12-1/2 in. from after end; each secured by four screws

Parachute release
latch

1/2 in. diameter on top center line, 22 in. from after end

Ejecting plungers

Six, 1/2 in. diameter equally spaced on after end

Chapter 5 - Aircraft Mines - SVK: The LM MinesChapter 5 - Aircraft Mines - SVK; The LM Mines: The LMB Mine