Tag: riegel mine

The Sprengriegel 43 or “high-explosive bar mine” is used in open country, on roads, and in minefields. It consists of three main parts: a metal encased charge of TNT, a sheet steel tray, and a lid which acts as a pressure plate on the charge.

The charge is provided with five igniter sockets: two for the main igniters (Type Z. Z. 42) are located in the ends of the charge and are recessed so that only the ends of the igniters show when they are fitted and laid; the other three are for the new tilt igniter 43 (Ki. Z. 43) or other antilifting or trip-wire igniters. One of the latter three sockets is located in the top center of the charge; the other two are in one side five inches from the ends. By reversing one of the main igniters with its wings below the end pressure plate, it will function as an antilifting device. The mine may also be fired electrically by remote control.

The tray is equipped with shear wires which are threaded through reinforcing strips welded to the inner sides of the tray. The ends of the tray are folded over on top to form slotted pressure plates to actuate the Z. Z. 42 igniters fitted to each end of the charge. Near each end are holes through which safety bars are threaded to keep the charge clear of the shear wires in the unarmed position. A thin red line painted along the sides of the tray one-half inch from the bottom indicates the correct position of the lid when the mine is armed.

The lid of spot welded sheet steel construction is equipped with a handle at one end. It, too, is fitted with holes to correspond with the sockets, shear wires, and safety bars.

A pressure of about 440 pounds at either end, or 880 pounds in the center of the mine forces the lid and charge down, shearing the wires and actuating the igniters which set off the main charge.

SPECIFICATIONS

German: p. 304.2