Description
This rectangular plywood box mine is 18 3/4 inches long, 4 3/4 inches wide, and 9 inches high. It weighs about 22 pounds, including about 17 pounds of explosive when laid for antitank use. If laid for antipersonnel use, only 6 to 8 pounds of explosive are placed in the mine with the remaining space filled with shrapnel. The two end panels are removed by sliding them upward, exposing the actuating assembly at each end. Each actuating assembly consists of a plunger, a plunger spring, and a lever arm which is hinged at the bottom to a striker. The hinged lever arm is prevented from moving by a spring attached to the end of the support block and the lever arm. A safety pin passing through the support block and the plunger prevents the plunger from moving. The top of the mine contains a removable cover through which the two plungers project so that they rest Hush with the under side of the revolving lid. The revolving lid acts as a pressure plate and rotates on a wooden axle which is seated on the top of the mine.
This mine was designed primarily for use in winter as an antitank mine. However, since so little pressure is required to set it off, the mine is also effective against personnel.
A variation of the VMG seesaw winter mine is shown in cross section here. The dimensions and weight are about the same, but this mine is simpler in design in that it employs two MUV pull fuzes. Each of these is attached to the revolving lid by a wire fastened to the fuze striker-retaining pin. Access to the fuzes is provided through a hole at each end of the mine. The mine functions in the same manner as the VMG, except that pressure on one end of the revolving lid actuates the fuze at the opposite end. This mine may be neutralized by cutting the wires connecting the fuzes to the revolving lid and then pulling out the fuzes.
Functioning
Pressure on either end of the revolving lid forces the lid down on the plunger. This compresses the plunger spring. Downward pressure is transmitted through the plunger to the hinged lever arm. The arm rotates, extending the safety spring and forcing the striker against the percussion cap inside the detonator.
Hazardous Components
Main charge - TNT, 22 lbs. (10 kg) for antitank use. 6 - 8 lbs (2.7 - 3.6 kg) for antipersonnel use.
Physical Data
Length - 18.75 in. (476 mm)
Height - 9 in. (229 mm)
Width - 4.75 in. (121 mm)
See Also
Source(s)
