DATA

DIAMETER

HEIGHT (with spider)

HEIGHT OF BODY

TOTAL WEIGHT

EXPLOSIVE WEIGTH (Cast TNT)

MATERIAL

FUZING

COMPONENTS:

The metallic anti-tank mine M1A1 has three main components: loaded body, fuze, and spider. The spider fits over the fuze to increase the effective size of its head.

(a) Mine Body: The steel body is a squat cylindrical container of light steel filled with high explosive. A carrying ring is attached to its side. The flanged rim around the top is notched for attaching the spider. In the center of the top is the fuze and booster ca-vity; the booster fits into the cavity and locks into place. The spider is a ring with two cross members pressed from a single sheet of metal. Hooks on the spider engage the flange on the mine body, and the center hub of the spider rests on the striker head of the fuze. When the mine is packed, the spider is placed over the bottom of the steel body to save space.

(b) Fuze M1A1: This fuze consists essentially of a striker assembly and a body with a primer. The head of the striker assembly protrude 3/8 of an inch beyond the body of the fuze. Pressure of 500 lbs. directly on the fuze head, or 250 lbs. on edge of spider depresses outer sleeve, cutting shear pins and sligning holes in outer sleeve with steel balls lodged in inner sleeve. The steel balls are forced into holes in the outer sleeve, re-leasing the striker. The striker thus freed, driven by striker spring, sets off percussion cap-detonator - booster - main charge. For safety of shipping and handling, a safety fork is fitted over the collar between the striker head and the top of the fuze body.

(c) Fuze M1A2: This fuze is identical in outward appearance to the M1A1. The deto-nator is more powerful to insure a high order explosion.

ASSEMBLY:

Remove spider from bottom of mine body. Check fuze cavity to see that it is clear of foreign matter and booster locked in place. If booster is received separately push it down into cavity until it latches. Thereafter it is not removable. Insert fuze. Upper sur-face of fuze body should be flush with upper surface of mine. Attach spider. To attach spider, align but do not engage two adjacent hooks, next press first in flange of mine body. Engage other two hocks under flange on body, next press first two through not-ches, then rotate spider approximately one eight turn on either direction, securing it to mine body.

ARMING:

The safety fork is not removed until after the mine is laid and after removal, the fork is left beside the mine attached to its cord, never between the body and the spider. Before the mine is taken up, the safety fork is replaced.

COLOR AND MARKING:

The bottom and 3/4 of an inch of the side are painted yellow, the balance of the mine is painted olive drab. Type, model, lot number, manufacturer's initials or symbol, and data of loading are printed on the head.

REMARKS:

(1) The anti-tank Mine M1, the original model, is no longer being manufactured or issued. The principal difference is that in the mine M1, the booster is an integral part of the fuze; in the mine M1A1 the booster is a separate part and issued assembled in the fuze cup of the mine.

(2) Protective bag covers made of moisture-resistant, mildewproof fabric are provi-ded with this mine to prevent dirt and other foreign matter from working between the mine body and the spider. The cover is cylindrical in shape, 8.75 inches in diameter, 9 inches high, and open at one end.