USNBD, British Landmines, Fuzes and firing Devices; Section I - A/Tk Mines & Fuzes: E.P. (Practice) No. 3 und E.P. (Practice) No. 2

U.S.N.B.D. - BRITISH LAND MINES AND FIRING DEVICES

A/Tk MINES & FUZES


DIAMETER	8 in.	BRITISH MINE
HEIGHT	2-1/2 in.	PRACTICE
WEIGHT		E.P. NO. 3
EXPLOSIVE WEIGHT	120 grains.
EXPLOSIVE	G-20 gunpowder.
MATERIAL	Sheet Metal.	(ANTI-TANK)
COLOR
FUZE	Exploder E.P. No. 1	(OBSOLESCENT)
PRESSURE REQURED	250-350 lbs.
		(For Practice E.P. No. 2, see
		REMARKS below)

USE:

Practice minefields.

COMPONENTS:

This mine has four pricipal components: the mine body, the mine cover, the exploder mechanism, and the "Thunderflash" gunpowder charge. The mine cover is fastened to the body by three pins which engage slots provided in three retaining straps attached to the mine body.

(a) Mine Body: The mine body is mushroom-shaped and contains a central well for the insertion of the special exploder. A hole is drilled in the side of this well near the bottom to allow passage of a short length of instantaneous fuse. Three 1 inch holes, equi-spaced, are drilled in the top of the mine body to provide gas escape vents.

(b) Exploder, Practice, E.P. No. 1: This fuze functions on the shear wire principle. It consists of a fuze body with an off-center well in the top of the insertion of a plunger, which is retained by a shear wire. In the side of the exploder body, near the base, is a channel for the insertion of the ampoule cartridge and instantaneous fuse. The fuze functions when pressure on the mine cover forces the plunger through the shear pin and down on the ampoule cartridge. The ampoule is crushed, causing a chemical react-ion which fires the instantaneous RED fuse, which in turn sets off the "Thunderflash".

(c) "Thunderflash": The thunderflash is merely a container filled with 120 grains of G-20 gunpowder. It is connected to the exploder by 6 inches of RED instantaneous fuse. The explosion of the fuse and "Thunderflash" provide a realistic effect for practice pur-poses.

ASSEMBLY & ARMING:

Lay the mine in the ground and remove the cover. Inspect the plunger to make cer-tain that the shear wire is intact and in position, and insert plunger in hole provided in top of exploder. Replace mine cover.

NEUTRALIZATION:

Remove mine cover and plunger.

REMARKS:

1. Although this mine is not anti-personnel, the charge is by no means harmless, and due precautions should be taken in disarming, especially if the mine has been subjected to blast.

2. Mine, Practice, E.P. No. 2 (Anti-Tank): This mine is exactly similar to the No. 3 Mine, described above, except that a three foot length of instantaneous RED fuse is substituted for the "Thunderflash".