23. Impact Fuze PX-32 (Schlagzünder PX-32)

a. Description. The impact fuze PX-32 (fig. 26) is an instantaneous, mechanical type approximately 2 1/4 inches long. It has a striker bolt held in place by a shear pin. The upper end of the striker shaft is attached to the impact head by an adjusting vane which is screwed down to compress the pressure spring between the impact head and the stri-ker housing. A safety pin passes through the gap between the top of the striker housing and the impact head. The lower end of the safety pin fits in a hole in one end of the wing-shaped safety toggle, thereby providing a shield between the striker and the per-cussion cap. A safety-toggle spring forces against the safety toggle and, when the safe-ty pin is removed, the safety-toggle spring pushes the safety toggle clear of the percus-sion cap.

b. Employment. This fuze is employed as an impact fuze for assault demolition charges.

c. Functioning.

(1)

A sudden impact on the impact head compresses the pressure spring, shears the shear pin, and forces the striker against the percussion cap.

(2)

The percussion cap sets off the detonator.

Figure 26. Impact fuze PX-32.

d. Installing and Arming.

(1)

The fuze comes with the percussion cap and detonator attached, but if the per-cussion-cap-and-detonator have been removed, a standard German percussion-cap-and-detonator can be inserted. Remove the collar at the base, insert the per-cussion cap and the detonator, and replace the collar to hold the percussion cap and the detonator in place.

(2)

Insert the fuze in the charge.

(3)

Remove the safety pin.

e. Neutralizing.

(1)

Remove the fuze and the attached detonator from the charge.

(2)

Unscrew the collar and remove the percussion cap and detonator.