Description
The 1,000-pound Aircraft Mine AN-Mk 26 Mod 1 consists of a cylindrical steel case welded with hemispherical nose and tailored tail section. The tail is closed by a concave cover secured with cap screws. A ring for mounting the parachute assembly is welded around the after end of the case. The Tail Parachute Pack Mk 1, containing Parachute Mk 2, is fitted to the tail when the mine is installed in plane. This parachute slows the fall of the mine through the air to lessen the shock of water impact, and is released from the case on striking water by an impact release mechanism. Suspension is horizontal, two standard lugs being welded onto the body 14 inches apart and placed 90° from the side pockets.
There is a removable British single-suspension lug 180° removed.
Color: Black over all.
As ground, magnetic induction mine (Search Coil Firing Mechanism M-9-1). Aircraft-laid, with parachute (release altitude - 200 feet or higher). Laid offensively in depths of water from 16 feet to 120 feet against surface craft, and up to 500 feet against submarines. Extender and clock starter are caused to function by hydrostatic pressure at depths of 16 feet or greater. Clock delay runs off in 170 minutes to arm the mine.
This mine is poorly suited for use as a bomb, since accurate dropping by parachute is difficult; and if parachute is not used, the case tumbles. Fuzes require longer air travel to arm than usual, because of the shape of the mine and the manner of fall through the air.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
USNBD - Bombs and Fuzes, Pyrotechnics (1945)
