parachute release gear consists of a metal ring that
attaches the parachute to the mine during air travel. It is
released from the mine upon water impact by inertia
weights, wipe-off plates, or hydrostatic mechanisms.
The control device opens the parachute during the
mine's descent. An adjustable fixed-delay device
usually controls it. Since firing an explosive fitting
deploys the parachute, parachute pack control devices
contain explosive components.
REVIEW NUMBER 3
Q1.
What element of a mine carries all other
components?
Q2.
List the explosive components of a mine.
Q3.
What amount of explosives is used in air-laid
mines?
Q4.
After a mine is planted, what device prevents
the mine from firing until it has been
submerged for a predetermined time?
Q5.
What is the range of the delay time in planted
air-laid mines?
Q6.
List
the
influence-actuated
firing
mechanisms.
Q7.
What type of mine is detonated by the sound
waves generated by nearby ships' rotating
screws?
Q8.
What force actuates the pressure mine?
Q9.
What actuates the magnetic type of mine?
OPERATIONAL AIRCRAFT MINES
Air-laid mines currently in operational use are
discussed briefly in the following paragraphs.
Mk 55 Mine
The Mk 55 service mine and the Mk 55 exercise
mine (fig. 5-11) are air-laid bottom mines. Each mine is
fitted with a nose fairing and box fins for drop stability.
Each is suspended from the aircraft by two 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
5-11
WEIGHT:
FAIRED:
UNFAIRED:
2273 LB.
2132 LB.
LENGTH:
FAIRED:
UNFAIRED:
DIAMETER:
SUSPENSION PROVISIONS:
114.6 IN.
90 IN.
23.6 IN.
30 IN.
SUSPENSION LUGS
PARAPAK
(TYPICAL)
FIN (TYPICAL)
RELEASE MECHANISM
ARMING DEVICE
MK 20 FAIRING
NOSE
FAIRING
A0f05011
Figure 5-11.—Mk 55 service and Mk 55 exercise mine.
