• Home
  • Download PDF
  • Order CD-ROM
  • Order in Print
MINE COMPONENTS - 14023_156
Firing Components - 14023_158

Aviation Ordinanceman 2 & 3 - Aviation theories and other practices
Page Navigation
  140    141    142    143    144  145  146    147    148    149    150  
Mine Case The mine case is the main element of the mine. It contains or carries all other components. The mine case is normally made of sheet steel, but aluminum, spun glass, or various plastics are used in some types of mine cases. The case is watertight and strong to resist water pressure. Mine case openings are carefully sealed with suitable gaskets. Explosive Components The explosive system of a mine includes the main charge, the booster, the initiating system, and auxiliary explosive devices. MAIN CHARGE.— The main charge is the mine’s payload. It is a high explosive cast directly into the mine case, or into an explosive section attached to the mine case when the mine is assembled. The amount of explosives used in air-laid mines ranges from 160 pounds to 1,300 pounds. Types of explosives used include Comp B, TNT, H6, or HBX mixtures. The HBX mixtures are commonly used explosives. BOOSTER.— The booster varies from a few ounces to several pounds of explosive. Generally, the smaller boosters contain tetryl, and the larger boosters contain granular grade A TNT. The intermediate size booster contains Comp B. In some cases, the booster consists of a subbooster. The booster is housed in either a brass, terneplate, plastic, or fiber container. When assembled in the mine case, the booster is in intimate contact with the main charge explosive, INITIATING SYSTEM.— An electric primer in an explosive fitting is used to set off a flash detonator. This initiates the leads to the booster or subbooster, causing the mine to detonate. Explosive fittings may contain a primer or a detonator, depending on their design function. AUXILIARY EXPLOSIVE DEVICES.— Auxiliary devices are usually small explosives that blow or open a hole in the mine case to sink it. A small explosive device, such as the explosive driver, is used during the mine planting or operating sequence. For example, it is used to close or open electrical switches, unlock mechanical linkages, open gas bottles, and jam cables from further payout. Other types of auxiliary explosive devices are used to cut cables and to release pyrotechnic signals from exercise and training mines. Arming Components An arming device (fig. 5-10) is a combination of a hydrostatic switch piston and an explosive aligning piston. They are internally mounted in a single Figure 5-10.—Arming device. 5-9







Western Governors University

Privacy Statement
Press Release
Contact

© Copyright Integrated Publishing, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Design by Strategico.