Description
This mine is a 1941 modification of the TM-35 and resembles an elongated TM-38 antitank mine. It is about 9 inches long, 8 5/8 inches wide, and 4 1/2 inches high. The pressure lid contains two pressure bolts, one at each end of the lid, each positioned over a fuze-actuating lever. The mine contains ten 400-gram blocks of TNT, or a total of 8.8 pounds of explosive, and employs two MUV pull fuzes, one at each end of the mine. A sliding door at each end of the mine provides access to the fuze wells. This mine functions and is employed, armed, and neutralized the same as the TM-38, except that in arming or neutralizing, the sliding doors in the TM 35(M) are lifted to expose the fuze. It does not have pivoted fuze-well covers as does the TM-38.
The Soviets produced an elongated plywood version of the TM-35(M) which is 19 3/4 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 1/8 inches high. The mine weighs a total of between 16 and 18 pounds, depending upon the wood used, and contains 11.4 pounds of powdered explosives or TNT blocks, usually thirteen 400-gram TNT blocks. A wooden pressure board, 16 3/4 inches long, 3 7/8 inches wide, and 7/8 inches thick is nailed on the lid.
These mines are laid in minefields and road blocks against tanks and transport vehicles.
As this mine is easily boobytrapped, it is recommended that it be destroyed in place by counter charging on the top close to the fuze.
Functioning
Pressure on either or both pressure bolts in both mines presses them down upon the actuating lever, which pulls the retaining pin out of the striker and releases it to fire the mine.
Hazardous Components
Filler - TNT, 8.8 lb (4 kg)
Physical Data
Length - 9 in. (228 mm)
Width - 8.62 in (219 mm)
Height - 4.5 in. (114 mm)
See Also
Source(s)
