DESCRIPTION. Both types of this igniter have a cap holder and transit cover at the lower end. They are fo standard thread and can be screwed into the igniter sockets of any mine or prepared demolition charges. (See fig. 282.) The type I igniter consists of two main parts, the main body and the extension. The exten-sion is composed of five tubular sections, placed end to end, enclosed in a thin metal sheath, and is houses five interconnected tension hoocks. The main body houses a hollow striker to the head of which is riveted a striker needle. The striker body is transversely drilled to accommodate the cross pin to which is assembled the snapping piece. The upper end of the snapping piece in turn engages the lower tension hook. The striker spring is housed within the stri-ker and is compressed between the head of the striker and the base of the striker stop. The main body is drilled transversely and a thin bushing is passed through the body and the snapping piece to form a guide for the assembly of the safety pin. The ends of the safety pin are drilled to accept an arming cord and a retaining wire respectively.

The type II igniter consists of a main body and an extension, which houses the striker, a striker extension piece, and a striker spring. The extension is waisted just above the main body of the igniter. This weakened portion is protected during transit and installa-tion by a safety collar in the form of an outer removable collar. The striker is screwed into the brittle, plastic striker extension piece. A female socket in the other end of the extension piece, strengthened by a ferrule, accommodates a retaining stud. The striker is retained in a cocked position by a retaining pin which passes through the retaining stud.

OPERATION. Both types of igniter are armed by removal of their respective safety devi-ces. Lateral pressure on the extensions will causes the igniters to function.

The extension in the type I igniter will bend and tend to snap at the junctions of the tu-bular sections. The tension hooks will, in consequence, exert a pull on the snapping pie-ces and the striker. The striker spring will be compressed until the striker bears against the shoulder of the striker stop when further tension will cause the snapping piece to break at its weak link. The striker, thus released, is forced forward under the influence of its spring to hit the cap and explode the mine.

Lateral pressure on the type II igniter will cause the extension to snap at its weakened point, and will also break the plastic striker extension piece, thus releasing the striker to impinge upon the cap and so explode the mine.

EMPLOYMENT. These snap igniters were designed to insure the functioning of antitank mines lying between two tracks of enemy mines. In addition, they are suitable for use under thick snow layers which prevent the functioning of the usual type of antitank igni-ter. When used with Reigel mines, or Tellermines, on the surface, the mines are secured with four supporting stakes and held down by tension wires or hooked pickets. An addi-tional charge of 10 pounds of H.E. is laid with these mines. Tellermines are laid upside down with the snap igniter screwed into the bottom igniter pocket.

Figure 282 – Knickzunder 43, Types I and II, Snap Type