38. Tilt Fuze 43A (Kippzünder 43A; Ki.Z. 43A)

a. Description. The tilt fuze 43A (fig. 41) is an instantaneous, mechanical type containing a spring-loaded striker held by two steel striker-retaining balls, a pressure piece, a pres- sure spring, and a striker guide which also holds the percussion cap. The tilt rod projects from the tilt-rod base which rests on the top of the pressure piece. The tilt rod and tilt-rod base are kept from moving by a safety pin which passes through them just above the top of the fuze case. A 2-foot tilt-rod extension and a metal retaining sleeve are provi-ded for use in deep snow or high grass. The overall height of the fuze with the tilt-rod extension is approximately 28 inches.

b. Employment. Like the snap fuzes (par. 17), tilt fuzes were designed primarily for use with antitank mines buried in grassy or bushy areas or in snow. They are also used in some antipersonnale mines and booby traps.

c. Functioning.

(1)

A lateral pressure or pull of 15.5 to 24 pounds on the tilt rod, or 1.5 pounds at the end of the tilt rod extension, tilts the tilt-rod base. When tilted, the tilt-rod base depresses the pressure piece until the recess in the pressure piece is opposite the two striker-retaining balls.

(2)

The two steel striker-retaining balls move outwards into the recess, releasing the spring-loaded striker.

(3)

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

Figure 41. Tilt fuze 43A.

d. Installing and Arming.

(1)

Stake the mine down carefully so that it will not tilt when pressure is applied to the tilt-rod.

(2)

Screw a percussion-cap-and-detonator assembly into the fuze.

(3)

Screw the fuze in the mine. If a very low functioning pressure is desired, screw the retaining sleeve onto the tilt-rod extension and place the tilt-rod extension on the tilt rod.

(4)

Unscrew the retaining nut from the safety pin and remove the safety pin from the fuze at a distance by unsing wire or cord.

e. Neutralizing.

(1)

Replace the safety pin or insert some other suitable object, such as a nail or heavy wire, in the safety-pin hole.

(2)

Unscrew the fuze from the mine.

(3)

Unscrew the percussion-cap-and-detonator assembly from the fuze.

Caution: Never touch the tilt rod. If the safety pin is difficult to insert, destroy the mine in place.

f. Packing.

(1)

These fuzes are shipped in wooden cases containing 40 cardboard boxes, each of which contains 6 tilt fuzes. The wooden case also contains 240 extension rods and retaining sleeves.

(2)

Detonator assemblies are packed 15 to a box and are not shipped with the fuzes.

Note. Before using, see that the fuze is cocked. Fired fuzes can be recocked with a punch or similar object. If the fuze is prepared for underwater usw with a water-proof seal, it should not be test-fired. Firing will break the waterproof seal.