The A.P. Mine No. 5 was a British anti-personnel mine of World War II.[1][2]
| A.P. Mine No.5(mark I) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-personnel mine |
| Place of origin | Great Britain |
| Specifications | |
| Height | 3.625in(9.2cm) |
| Diameter | 2in(5.08cm) |
| Filling | 50/50 Pentolite or RDX/TNT |
| Filling weight | 6.75lb(3.06kg) |
Design
editParts
editThe mine itself is a cardboard cylinder to avoid detection by metal detectors.[1] The mine trigger is a hollow ebonite rod on top of the mine, which in later versions is replaced with a circular steel pressure plate to increase the trigger area.[1] Explosive filling is either 50/50 pentolite or RDX/TNT. To save the mine when not in use, a wooden plug is inserted in its fuse well.
Detonation process
editThe mine is activated by downward pressure on the top of the mine, for example by a soldier's foot.[1] This forces down the ebonite rod on top of the mine which goes through the mine collar below it.[1] This releases retaining balls that the collar was holding which in turn release the spring-loaded striker.[1] This then pierces the No. 99 MK I detonator which activates booster charges on either side of it, detonating the mine.[1]
Arming and disarming
editTo arm the mine, first off, if the wooden safety plug is still in the fuse well, remove it.[1] Then insert the No. 99 detonator, and then insert the ebonite rod containing the striker (among other things) in the fuse well above the detonator.[1] Make sure that no pressure is applied to the rod after insertion to avoid accidentally setting off the mine.[1] To disarm the mine do the opposite of arming: remove the striker and then the detonator.[1]