DATA

M2A1

OVERALL HEIGHT

CASE DIAMETER

BASE DIAMETER

WEIGHT OF SHELL

WEIGHT OF EXPLOSIVE

MATERIAL

LETHAL RANGE

GENERAL:

The M2 is a 'bounding' anti-personnel mine, usually activated by a combination firing device. The M2 has undergone several structural modifications in an effort to make the mine watertight.

DESCRIPTION:

The M2 mine consists of an explosive shell contained in an upright thin-walled steel tube which is riveted to the base plate. A cavity in the base plate contains the propel-ling charge which conists of 20 grains of black powder in a small bag. The tube con-taining the shell is sealed at the top by a metal cap. A 1/4 inch pipe nipple threaded to the base plate serves as a connection for the firing mechanism. Attached to the pipe nipple is a coupling into which is fitted the primer and igniter assembly. The primer is protected during shippment by a hexagonal cap.

Modifactions: The M2 mine has been modified in that the thin-walled steel tube in silver soldered to the base (M2A1), or stamped (M2A3), instead of being riveted (M2). The M2A3B1 mine is a modification in which the tube, base, and nipple are cast in one piece. (The mine was approvided, but not issued as too heavy). The M2A3B2 mine is a combination of the M2A3 and the M2A3B1 in that the base is cast but the tube and nipple are stamped to the base. In the M2A4, the tube and nipple are welded to the base while in the M2A4B2, the tube and nipple are welded to a base which is cast. The M2A2 is a field modification thought to involve the use of a canvas bag.

FUZING:

These mines are usually fuzed with the M2 or M2A1 combination fuze consisting of the combination firing device M1 with an igniter cap attached, see page 217, or with the combination fuze M6, see page 219.

OPERATION:

The mine is similar to a small mortar. When the fuze is actuated, the primer sets off the igniter. The flash from the igniter sets off the propelling charge in the base plate. The propelling charge projects the shell into the air and the same time ignites delay fuze in the base of the shell. When the shell is at a height of approximately 6 feet above the base plate, the delay fuze fires a tetryl booster which detonates the main charge. The effective lethal range of the shell is 60 feet.

COLOR AND MARKINGS:

The mine and firing device are dull olive drab in color except for the base flange, which is yellow. Stencilled on the flange is the type and model of the mine, the lot number, manufacturer's symbol, and date of loading.

REMARKS:

Each mine is packed in a corrugated paper carton with firing device, attached ignit-er, and four spools of wire. Markings of 'Olive Drab' or 'Sand Color' on outside of con-tainer refer to color of wire.