Description
The T-IV antitank mine is merely another modification of the TM-35 and TM-38 antitank mines. The T-IV mine differs from the TM-35 and TM-38 only in the lid and pressure piece. The pressure lid of the T-IV mine is a flat, wooden board secured to the steel hinged lid by four bolts, one at each corner. A round wooden pressure piece is attached to the underside of the wooden lid by a screw and projects through a hole in the top of the metal lid into the mine case where it is positioned just above the fuze actuating lever. (Some models contain a round wooden shear pin projecting through the pressure piece flush with the top of the metal lid.) The total weight of the mine is about 9.2 pounds, including 6.2 pounds of explosive. The employment, functioning, installing, arming, and neutralizing are the same as for the TM-38.
This mine was employed as an antitank or anti transport mine in mine fields and road blocks. Occasionally the Germans, during World War II, found this mine laid on a supplementary charge containing an MUV pull fuze, with a cord running from the striker-retaining pin of the fuze to the handle of the mine.
Some models of the T-IV antitank mine have been found made entirely of wood. These mines operate in the same manner as the metal-bodied mines but are a little heavier and larger in dimensions because of the increased thickness of the mine body. The explosive content is the same.
Functioning
Pressure on the steel pressure lid forces the pressure bolt down on the fuze actuating lever, pulling out the retaining pin. This forces the spring-driven striker to fire the percussion cap and detonate the mine.
Hazardous Components
Filler - 6.2 lb (2.82 kg)
Physical Data
Length - 9 in. (228 mm)
Width - 8.62 in (219 mm)
Height - 4.5 in. (114 mm)
See Also
Source(s)
TM 5-280, Foreign Mine Warfare Equipment (1963)
TM 5-223A, Soviet Mine Warfare Equipment (1951)
