Description
The antitank mine M24 is a remotely operated horizontal effects device, used to defend against tracked and wheeled vehicles. It supplements standard, vertical effects mines, in that off-route emplacement of the rocket permits mine of locations that could not otherwise be effectively mined.
The M24 mine has six basic components, plus auxiliary equipment, as follows:
Discriminator Assembly, Antitank Mine M2. This assembly consists of a 22 meter length of wire connected to an 11 meter plastic-covered pressure actuated switch. The switch is composed of four 2.6 meter segments with spacing between them. To assure operation with tracked or wheeled vehicles, pressure is required on two of the adjacent segments to close the electrical circuit.
Rocket, HE, 3.5-inch Antitank, M28A2. This rocket has been modified by the addition of the folding fin assembly and by splicing the leads of the rocket connecting cable to the rocket motor. The 15 meter rocket connecting cable terminates in a connector for attachment to the M61 firing device.
Launcher, Rocket, M143. The launcher is a 24 inch long plastic tube housing the rocket.
Elevation and Azimuth Sighting Assembly. The sighting and aiming equipment consists of a tube containing a peepsight and crosshairs, and a pair of self centering legs for positioning of the launcher tube.
Firing Device, Demolition, M61. This assembly consists of an arm/safe toggle switch together with an indicator light mounted in a box which has provision for batteries. The box is equipped with a safety cover, connectors for the discriminator assembly, and the rocket cable assembly and a transistorized firing circuit. Batteries are issued separately and are not installed until mine is being employed.
Bipod Assembly. This accessory provides an adjustable base for the launcher. It consists of a two pronged base, a short vertical rod with a knurled nut which provides adjustment in elevation, and a yoke which grips the launcher tube near one end. Either forward or aft end may be chosen, depending on type of aiming correction desired. The auxiliary equipment consists of a discriminator spool and accessory pouches. The discriminator assembly is wound on the outside of the spool and the core of the spool forms an accessory compartment in which the bipod assembly, the sighting assembly, and the firing device are carried. The entire M24 mine is carried in two green nylon pouches and when strapped together they form the M190 antitank mines case. One pouch contains the rocket launcher and the other contains the discriminator spool.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Rocket, 3.5 inch HEAT, M28, M28A2
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-36, Land Mines (chg 3, 2000)
TM 9-1385-51, Ammunition (Conventional) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (1967)
