106. Ration-Can Mine

a. Description. The improvised antipersonnel ration-can mine (fig. 129) consists of an empty ration can with a hole punched in the lid for insertion of a pull or pressure fuze. A 100-gram (0.22 pound) cylindrical demolition charge is used as the main charge. This charge is surrounded by broken glass, scrap metal, and other fragments which act as shrapnel when the explodes. The lid of the ration can is held in place by a wire or cord wrapped a number of times lengthwise around the can.

b. Employment. This mine is laid as either a pressure or trip-wire actuated anti-personnel mine or booby trap.

c. Functioning. Actuation of the fuze sets off the detonator, exploding the 100-gram (0.22 pound) main charge which scatters the shrapnel.

d. Installing and Arming.

(1)

Pierce a hole in the center of the lid of an empty ration can which still has the lid attached.

(2)

Insert a 100-gram (0.22 pound) cylindrical main charge into the can, with the fuze well up.

(3)

Fill the can with rocks, scraps of metal, or glass fragments.

(4)

Close the lid and screw a pressure or pull fuze with detonator attached into the fuze well of the main charge, through the hole in the lid of the can.

(5)

Wrap wire or cord lengthwise around the can to keep the lid in place.

(6)

Lay the mine in a hole and arm the fuze according to the procedure outlined in chapter 5.

e. Neutralizing.

(1)

Neutralize the fuze.

(2)

Unscrew the fuze from the main charge.

(3)

Remove the detonator.

Figure 129. Improvised antipersonnel ration-can mine.