Description
The M2 is a "bounding" nnti-per- sonnel mine, usually activated by a combination firing device. The M2 has undergone several structural modifications to make it watertight. The mine consists of an explosive shell contained in an upright thin-walled steel tube which is riveted to the base plate. A cavity in the base plate contains the propelling charge, which consists of 20 grains of black powder in a small bag. The tube containing the shell is sealed at the top by a metal cap. A 1/4 inch pipe nipple threaded to the base plate serves as a connection for the firing mechanism. Attached to the pipe nipple is a coupling into which is fitted the primer and igniter assembly. The primer is protected during shipment by a hexagonal cap.
The Mine M2 has been modified in that the thin-walled steel tube is silver soldered to the base (M2A1), or stamped (M2A3), instead of being riveted (M2). The Mine M2A3B1 is a modification in which the tube, base, and nipple are cast in one piece. The mine was approved but not issued, being too heavy. The Mine M2A3B2 is a combination of the M2A3 and the M2A3B1, in that the base is cast but the tube and nipple are stamped to the base. In the M2A4, which has two propellant bags, the tube and nipple are welded to the base, while, in the M2A4B2, the tube and nipple are welded to a base which is cast. The M2A2 was a field modification thought to involve the use of a canvas bag.
These mines are usually fuzed with the Combination Fuze M2 or M2A1 consisting of the combination firing device M1 with an igniter cap attached, or with the combination Fuze M6.
The mine and firing device are dull olive drab in color except for the base flange, which is yellow.
Each mine is packed in a corrugated paper carton with firing device, attached igniter, and four spools of wire. Markings of “Olive Drab” or "Sand Color'* on outside of container refer to the color of the wire.
Functioning
The mine is similar to a small mortar. When the fuze is actuated, the primer sets off the igniter. The flash from the igniter sets off the propelling charge in the base plate. The propelling charge projects the shell into the air and at the same time ignites the delay fuse in the base of the shell. When the shell is at a height of approximately six feet above the base plate, the delay fuse fires a tetryl booster. which detonates the main charge. The effective lethal range of the shell is 60 feet,
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Fuze, Combination, M2, M2A1
Source(s)
Iraq Ordnance Identification Guide (2004)
TM 43-0001-36, Land Mines (chg 3, 2000)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
