DESCRIPTION. The Pappmine is an antitank mine made entirely of nonmetallic materials to prevent detection by electric mine detectors. (See fig. 224.) It derives its name from the material of the mine body, "pappe" or paper cardboard. The mine, which is black in color, consists of a container and lid, the lid covering the full depth of the container. The top and bottom edges are rounded and lid and container are held together by a band of cardboard.

In the center of the lid is a 2 3/4-inch pressure plate of thick green glass which resemb-les a threaded and knurled glass stopper. Inside the mine is a glass igniter set into about 11 pounds of pressed TNT.

Igniter Assembly. In the center of the top of the charge is a hole, approximately 1 inch across and 2 inches deep, which houses the igniter assembly. The igniter, which is en-tirely of glass, resembles the R.Mi.Z. 42 in shape, including the pin through the striker.

The body of the igniter is stated to taper toward the bottom and contains a central tube containing an ignition mixture of unknown reddish composition. The bottom of this tube is connected to a short chamber containing what appears to be a priming charge.

OPERATION. Pressure on the pressure plate forces its undersurface down on the head of the igniter. This crushes the internal glass tube, and the initiating flash passes to the priming charge at the base of the tube, thus exploding the main charge. A 3-second de-lay may be incorporated in the igniter. Pressure on the cardboard side of the mine will not set it off.

Figure 224 – Pappmine Antitank Mine