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| ITALIAN AND FRENCH EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE |
| Chapter 10 |
| FRENCH MINES AND TRAPS |
| Heavy Anti-Tank Mine |
| Data |
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French designation |
Mine allongee lourde |
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Over-all length |
16.2 in. |
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Over-all width |
9.85 in. |
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Over-all height |
4.75 in. |
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Weight of filling |
3.25 lb. |
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Total weight |
27 lb. |
| Description |
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The mine consists of a rectangular pressed-steel base plate, to which is welded the ex-plosive container, and a thin pressed-steel cover. In the top of the explosive container is a single socket for igniter, detonator, and primer. The lid is hinged to the base plate along one side, while two wing nuts are provided on the opposite side to hold the lid shut. The igniter is similar to that fitted in the French light A.T. mine. Igniters of either type may there-fore be fitted as follow: |
| Model 1935 |
| Material ob body and striker – steel |
| Material of cap and detonator assembly – brass |
| Diameter of shear pin – 0.36 in. |
| Model 1936 |
| Material of body and striker – aluminum |
| Material of cap and detonator assembly – aluminum |
| Diameter of shear pin – 0.28 in. |
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In arming the mine, the plug protecting the igniter socket is removed and the primer is place in position; this latter consists of a small circular metal container with a central hole to receive the detonator. The igniter, with detonator, is then screwed in place. |
| Operation |
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The igniter functions when a load on the mine crushes the cover and, desending onto the striker head, shears the igniter pin. A strong steel spring then forces the striker onto the cap, thus firing the detonator, primer, and mine. The igniter is normally supplied with a loose metal safety collar. This collar is placed in position on the head of the igniter body during transportation to prevent any load falling on the striker head. |
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Figure 279 |
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