suspension lugs spaced 30 inches apart. Both mines use
a parapak designed to slow descent and reduce impact
when the mine enters the water. A control unit, activated
by a single arming wire, opens the parapak. Each mine
is equipped with an arming device and a double arming
wire used on the extender and hydrostatic switch. The
Mk 55 mine is equipped with a firing system that is
responsive, either singly or in combination, to the
acoustic, magnetic, and/or pressure influence of a
passing ship. The Mk 55 exercise mine is an inert
service mine equipped with exercise components.
Mk 60 Captor Mine
The Mk 60 captor mine (fig. 5-12) is an air-laid
antisubmarine mine. This mine, when triggered by the
influence of a submarine, launches a homing torpedo.
A strongback assembly is used to attach the mine to
aircraft bomb racks. Two Mk 3 suspension lugs
threaded into the strongback provide a 30-inch
suspension. The mine uses a parachute pack to slow
descent and reduce impact when the mine enters the
water. An explosive fitting actuated by a single arming
wire opens the parachute. After entering the water, the
parachute pack and strongback separate from the mine,
and the stabilizer deploys. The mine is armed by a
hydrostatic initiator, which is held in the safe position
by a single arming wire. The Mk 60 configuration
requires arming wire installation prior to aircraft
loading.
Mk 62,63, and 64 Quickstrike Mines
The Mk 62, 63, and 64 (fig. 5-13) mines are air-laid,
all modular, influence-actuated bottom mines. They are
used against submarines and surface targets. The mines
are upgraded by installation of the Mk 130 conversion
kit, Mk 130 battery, and flight gear.
Mk 65 Quickstrike Mine
The Mk 65 quickstrike mine (fig. 5-14) is a 2,000
pound, air-laid, all modular, influence-actuated, bottom
mine. The Mk 65 is used against submarines and
surface targets. The Mk 65 consists of a Mk 65 mine
case, a Mk 45 safety device arming group with a Mk 2
arming device, a Mk 57 target detecting device and a
Mk 7 tail assembly.
Q1.
Q2.
Q3.
REVIEW NUMBER 4
What components are used on the Mk 55 mine
for drop stability?
What is the suspension of the Mk 55 mine?
What suspension is used with the Mk 60 mine ?
Q4. In what mine should you install the arming wire
before the aircraft is loaded?
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the
safety precautions for handling mines and
torpedoes.
Handling mines is a specialized job. If you aren’t
qualified, don’t disassemble the mines or their
components. You should follow the same safety
precautions for mines as you follow when handling
bombs.
To conform with safety and ammunition stowage
requirements, mines are normally received aboard ship
in assembly configurations C or D. Aviation
Ordnancemen are not required to assemble mines, but
they are required to be qualified and certified in mine
handling and aircraft loading procedures.
A Mobile Mine Assembly Group (MOMAG),
composed of personnel from the Mineman rate, is
responsible for the proper assembly of all mines. It is
the responsibility of the mine planting activity to notify
the MOMAGs of scheduled mine operations and the
exact dates their assistance will be required.
When a mine is jettisoned safe, the wires remain in
the clock starter and booster extender. This prevents
them from operating after the mine submerges.
However, when the mine strikes the water, the arming
wires may pull free.
Hydrostatic pressure or
countermining shock can cause the wires to shear. Also,
after a mine is submerged for a long period, the wires
can corrode and break. No mine is jettisoned safe in
water that is less than 800 feet (243.8 meters) deep with
positive assurance that it isn’t a hazard. Depths greater
than 800 feet will crush or flood the mine case, making
the mine inoperative.
When handling mines during preflight operations,
follow the same general handling techniques you use for
bombs or torpedoes.
Q1.
Q2.
Q3.
REVIEW NUMBER 5
In what configuration are mines normally
received aboard ship?
The assembly of mines is the responsibility
of
.
To what minimum depth must a mine be
jettisoned to be considered jettison safe and not
constitute a hazard?
5-13
