27. Lever Fuze 44 (Hebelzünder 44)

a. Description. The lever Fuze 44 (fig. 32) is an instantaneous, mechanical type contain-ing a spring-loaded striker with a striker-retaining-pin release. It consists of an L-shaped metal housing containing a spring-loaded striker held in a cocked position by a winged striker-retaining pin. An actuating lever is attached to the fuze housing by a pin which serves as a pivot. A safety pin keeps the actuating lever from being accidentally depres-sed. The fuzes is 2 3/8 inches long and 1 1/2 inches high.

b. Employment. This fuze is the standard German fuze for the glass mine 43 (par. 97). It may also be used with various improvised mines and booby traps.

c. Functioning.

(1)

A pressure of from 20 to 25 pounds on the actuating lever causes the actuating lever to pivot at the actuating-lever-pivot pin.

(2)

The lower end of the actuating lever engages the wings of the striker-retaining pin, pulling it out of the striker shaft.

(3)

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

d. Installing and Arming.

(1)

Insert a detonator in the base of the fuze.

(2)

Screw the fuze into the mine or charge.

(3)

Remove the safety pin.

Figure 32. Lever fuze 44.

e. Neutralizing.

(1)

Make sure that the striker-retaining pin is fully engaged in the striker.

(2)

Insert a nail or wire into the safety-pin hole.

(3)

Unscrew the fuze from the mine or charge and remove the detonator.