a. Description. The snap fuze 43/II (fig. 22) is an instantaneous, mechanical type about 35 inches long with the extension rot attached. The fuze case contains a spring-loaded striker and a percussion cap. The lower end of the fuze case is threaded so that the fuze can be screwed into a mine. The metal extension rod contains a long shear rod made of brittle plastic. A shear groove is located just above the fuze case around the extension rod. At each end of the plastic shear rod there are threaded holes. The upper hole accommodates the retaining screw which fixes the upper end of the plastic shear rod firmly to the extension rod. The upper end of the striker shaft is threaded into the lower hole in the plastic shear rod. The safety collar consists of a metal cylinder which slides down on the out-side of the metal extension rod and encloses that portion of the extension rod where the shear groove is located. This safty collar prevents accidental shearing of the plastic shear rod while the fuze is being installed in a mine.

b. Employment. This fuze is used in anti-tank mines buried in the ground or under snow.

c. Functioning.

(1)

After the safety collar has been removed, a sideward pressure on the extension rod breaks it at the shear groove, snapping the brittle plastic shear rod.

(2)

The released striker, driven by the striker spring, fires the percussion cap and the detonator.

d. Installing and Arming.

(1)

Carefully stake the mine down so that it will not tilt when pressure is applied to the extension rod.

(2)

Unscrew the percussion-cap assembly and replace it with a percussion-cap-and-detonator assembly (Zündersprengkapsel 43). if the entire percussion-cap assembly cannot be replaced, insert a detonator into the base.

(3)

Remove the shipping cap and screw the fuze into a mine.

(4)

Remove the safety collar by sliding it upward and off the extension rod.

d. Neutralizing.

(1)

A mine using this fuze should be detonated in place since the only safety device is the safety device is the safety collar, which will probably not be available. Improvi-sed safety devices are difficult to construct.

(2)

If necessary, this fuze may be unscrewed from the mine, providing extreme care us taken not to place any sideward pressure on the extension rod. When unscrewing the fuze from the mine, grasp the lower part of the fuze case.

Figure 22. Snap fuze 43/II