39. Tilt Fuze 43B (Kippzünder 43B; Ki.Z. 43B)

a. Description. The tilt fuze 43B (fig. 42) is an instantaneous, mechanical type containing a spring-loaded striker with a ball release. It is similar to the tilt fuze 43A (par. 38) ex-cept for the method of arming and the safety device. A tilt rod projects out of the tilt-rod base, which rests on top of a pressure piece. A four-piece collar, fitted just above the tilt-rod base and held in position by the collar-retaining spring, allows the tilt rod to be moved in any direction. A safety nut located at the base of the tilt rod can be screw-ed down tightly against the four-piece collar to prevent movement of the tilt rod. There is also a safety bolt, housed on the side of the fuze case, which fits under one side of the tilt-rod base. There is a curved indentation in the safety bold. In the armed position, the curved inden tation is positioned directly under the tilt rod, allowing the base to mo-ve. There are three positions of the safety bolt controlled by the recesses into which the spring-loaded ball fits. Figure 42 shows the bolt in the middle recess or the normal carry-ing position. The other two recesses are for the armed position and the safe position. Movement of the safety bolt is controlled by two detachable chains connected to each end of the bolt by scarfed joints. A small identifying tag is fastened to the end of each chain. One tag is marked SICHER (safe) and the other SCHARF (armed). The safety bolt cannot be placed in the safe position until the arming chain has been detached from the safety bolt since the diameter of the metal connector is larger than that of the safety bolt. The fuze without the tilt rod extension is approximately 5 inches high and 1 inch diameter.

b. Employment. This fuze is used in grassy or bushy areas or in snow. It can be used in some antipersonnel mines and booby traps.

c. Functioning.

(1)

10 to 20 pounds pull or pressure against the tilt rod or 2 to 5 pounds pull or pressu-re on the tilt rod extension depress the tilt rod base.

(2)

The pressure from the tilt rod base is exerted on the pressure piece causing it to side downward until the open space in the pressure piece is opposite the striker-retaining ball.

(3)

The striker-retaining ball escape into the open space and releases the spring-loa-ded striker.

(4)

The striker fires the percussion cap and the detonator.

Figure 42. Tilt fuze 43B.

d. Installing and Arming.

(1)

Screw the percussion cap into the base of the fuze.

(2)

Screw the detonator adapter onto the base of the fuze and insert a detonator in the adapter.

(3)

Screw the fuze into the fuze well of a mine or charge.

(4)

If a trip wire is to be used, attach it to the tilt rod. (A 2-foot extension may be at-tached to the rod to increase the chanche to detonation).

(5)

Unscrew the safety nut at the base of the tilt rod.

(6)

Pull out the arming chain (marked SCHARF). This positions the safety bolt is it will allow the pressure piece to be depressed when the tilt rod is tilted.

e. Neutralizing.

(1)

Screw the safety nut down tightly against the four-piece collar held in place by the spring clip. If the safety nut is missing, pull the chain marked SICHER. This action brings the safety bolt through the housing, and the bolt rides under the side of the sliding pressure piece, preventing its movement. If the chains are missing, insert a nail into the end of the safety-bolt housing marked SCHARF, and push the safety bolt to the safe position.

(2)

Unscrew the fuze from the mine and remove the detonator.