Month: January 2010

Categories
German

S. Mi. 44 mit S. Mi. Z. 44: Antipersonnel Mine

German S. Mi. 44 mit S. Mi. Z. 44: Antipersonnel Mine

This anti-personnel mine is basically the same, both in construction and operation, as the S. Mi. 35 described on page 305. It consists of an outer casing and an inner cylinder which contains a T.N.T. charge surrounded by small shot. There are three threaded openings in the cover plate: one is used for pouring the charge into the mine; the second, which takes a S. Mi. Z. 44 igniter, opens into a tube containing a 4.5 second delay pellet and a propellant consisting of three grams of fast burning gun powder; the third which is closed by a wooden plug leads into a tube containing a detonator, a flash cap, and a pull igniter. The pull igniter, located at the base of the tube, contains a spring-loaded striker held in place by two steel balls which are prevented from moving by a pin in the base of the igniter. The pin is attached to the base of the outer case by approximately three feet of coiled wire.

The S. Mi. Z. 44 is a percussion igniter differing from the usual percussion type in that it has two small wings which, when forced outward by pressure from above or tension through trip wires from the side, release the spring-loaded striker to fire the cap. A pressure of 21 pounds or a tension of 14 pounds will actuate the igniter.

Operation of the igniter initiates the 4.5-second delay pellet which fires the propellant throwing the mine upwards. When the coiled wire is fully extended (about 2 1/2 feet above ground level) it pulls the pin from the igniter, enabling the retaining balls to move inward and release the striker to fire the flash cap, detonator, and bursting charge.

SPECIFICATIONS

Height        5 1/8 ins.
Height with igniter 8 7/8 ins.
Diameter 4 ins.
Weight 8.8 lb.
Color Camouflage yellow

German: p. 304.8

Categories
German

Glasmine 43 (f): Glass Mine (Antipersonnel)

Glasmine 43 (f): Glass Mine (Antipersonnel)

The mine consists of an outer glass casing, the upper portion of which is 1/4-inch thick and the lower portion 2/5-inch thick. The external diameter at the base is 4 1/2 inches and at the top, 6 inches at the widest part.

A grooved shoulder on the inside of the case, about 2 inches from the bottom, supports the igniter plate. The mine may employ either a Buck chemical igniter or a new mechanized igniter, the Schuko. When the latter is used, the igniter plate consists of a thin sheet metal plate, which has a central hole for the igniter. When the Buck igniter is used, however, an igniter plate having the same diameter and igniter hole but of stronger design is employed. Around the top of the case is a grooved ledge which supports a thin glass shear plate approximately 1/32-inch thick.

A moulded glass pressure plate of 3/4-inch extreme thickness and 4 1/2 inches in diameter rests on the shear plate. There are two parallel grooves on the underside of the pressure plate which are designed to accept a metal safety fork that will bridge the outer edge of the mine and support the pressure plate until such time as the mine is laid. The two prongs are then withdrawn through the two grooves arming the mine. This fork is not supplied with the mine but is improvised by units.

Four raised strips moulded in the bottom of the mine are spaced so as to take a standard 200 gm. charge (Sprengkorper 28). When sufficient pressure (40 lbs.) is applied to the glass pressure plate, the shear plate is broken and crushes the top of the Buck igniter or trips the actuating lever of the Schuko igniter, depending on which is employed.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight of standard charge        200 gm
External diameter at top        6 ins.
External diameter at base        4.5 ins.
Height to lip of container        4.2 ins.
Thickness of casing (upper)        .25 in.
Thickness of casing (lower)        .4 in.

German: p. 304.6 (March 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Haft-Hohlladung 3 Kg.: Magnetic Hollow Charge Antitank Mine

Haft-Hohlladung 3 Kg.: Magnetic Hollow Charge Antitank Mine

The German magnetic, hollow-charge, antitank mine, designed for use by tank-hunting squads, consists of a main filling of TNT in a pressed metal container of conical shape. The conical container has an elongated apex threaded externally at its upper end to receive a closing cap. The closing cap is fitted with a detonator well, and threaded internally to receive a standard (B.Z.E.) friction igniter which has a 4.5 second delay.

The base of the cone is attached to a plywood framework. Three horseshoe type magnets, sufficiently powerful to cause the mine to adhere to a vertical surface, are fixed to the bottom of the frame. During transit, the magnets are fitted with a keeper. A brass chain terminating in a hook is also attached to the frame.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight of live charge       7 lbs., 12 1/2 oz.
Weight of explosive (TNT) 1 lb., 15 1/2 oz.
Weight of booster (Pentrite) 3 oz.
Height of charge 10 3/4 ins.
Height of bursting charge container 7 3/4 ins.
Height of magnets 2 3/4 ins.
Height of apex of hollow cone 6 7/16 ins.
Diameter of base of hollow cone 4 3/16 ins.

German: p. 304.5 (March 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Panzerwurfmine (L): Hollow Charge Antitank Hand Grenade

Panzerwurfmine (L): Hollow Charge Antitank Hand Grenade

The Panzerwurfmine (L) consists of a metal body and a wooden handle to which four canvas fins are attached. The grenade is intended to be thrown by hand, and is armed by the removal of a metal cap at the base of the handle. This cap not only acts as a fuze cover, but also serves to hold the fins close against the handle of the grenade before throwing.

The body is made in two pieces crimped together and attached to the handle by a metal band. It contains an 18 1/2 oz. filling of 50/50 R.D.X./T.N.T. cast around a hollow charge liner made of pressed steel.

A sensitive impact fuze consisting of a striker, a creep spring, and two steel balls is located in the base of the handle. The two balls fit into a recess in the striker and are held outward by a safety pin fitting between them, causing them to bear against the top of the striker housing and preventing the striker from moving down onto the primer. Beneath the primer in the base of the handle is a detonator and a picric acid booster. A small length of tape is attached to the safety pin at one end, and is held in at the other end by the metal cap and a semicircular clip attached to one fin and fitting around the handle.

When the grenade is thrown, the fins which are attached to the handle by steel ribs open out umbrella fashion, and the clip attached to one fin is pulled away from the housing. This action releases the tape which unwinds and pulls the safety pin out of the striker. During flight, the two steel balls move in, freeing the striker which compresses the creep spring on impact, setting off the primer, detonator, booster, and main filling.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length          21 ins.
Length of body 9 ins.
Length of fins 11 ins.
Diameter of body 4 1/2 ins.
Weight (approx.) 3 lb.
Filling Cast R.D.X./T.N.T.
Color of body Grey

German: p. 304.4

Categories
German

Holzmine 42: Wooden Box Mine

Holzmine 42: Wooden Box Mine

The body of the German Holzmine 42 consists of a wooden box of 3/4-inch lumber divided into four compartments by removable partitions. The two side compartments contain the main explosive filling; the central compartment the 7-ounce primer charges; and the end compartment the operating mechanism.

The main filling consists of two charges of 50/50 Amatol covered with a bitumastic substance as a protection against water. While it is believed that several different types of primer charges are used, three Sprenngkorper 28 charges are presumed to be standard for the mine.

The end compartment contains a shearing flange secured to the outside wall by two 3/8-inch wooden dowels. It is provided with a central slot to receive the end of the striker. The igniter rest consists of a small block of wood with a U-shaped piece cut out at the top, and screwed to the base from the underside.

When the mine is armed, the feet of the pressure block rest on the shear flange, in which position the head of the pressure block projects about two inches above the lid. During transit, the pressure block is reversed so that the feet rest on blocks in the bottom of the box.

A pressure of approximately 200 pounds on the pressure block shears the dowels securing the shear flange to the outer wall of the mine and forces the flange down onto the igniter pin which is withdrawn freeing the spring-loaded striker. The fuze used is the standard German Z. Z. 42.

The Holzmine 42 has also been used as a booby trap by employing an anti-lifting device. This device which is fitted into a hole underneath the central compartment is believed to consist of a Z. Z. 35 fuze screwed into a 7-ounce charge.

SPECIFICATIONS

Internal dimensions      11.4 x 10.7 x 3.2 ins.
Size of lid 13 x 12 x 3/4 ins.
Size of aperture in lid6.4 x 2.5 ins.
Pressure block (without feet) 6 x 2.4 x 2.4 ins.
Size of compartments:
   Main charges 4.5 x 7.7 ins.
   Priming charges1.7 x 6.8 ins.
Thickness of partitions.19 in.
Size of shearing flange 7.6 x 1.25 x .5 ins.
Size of slot in shearing flange.27 x .67 in.
Size of wooden blocks 3.1 x .78 x .86 ins. deep
Main explosiveAmatol 50/50
Total weight of explosive 11.9 lb.
Total weight of mine 18 lb.

German: p. 304.3

Categories
German

Riegel Mine 43 (R.-Mi. 43), Sprengriegel 43 (Spr. R. 43): Antitank Mine

Riegel Mine 43 (R.-Mi. 43), Sprengriegel 43 (Spr. R. 43): Antitank 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

Overall length        31 1/2 ins.
Overall width 3 3/4 ins.
Height (laid) 3 1/2 ins.
Total weight (approx.) 20.5 lb.
Color Light khaki
Thickness of casing (approx.) .04 in.
Weight of charge 8.8 lb.
Main igniters Type Z. Z. 42
Firing pressure (ends) 440 lb.
Firing pressure (center) 880 lb.

German: p. 304.2

Categories
German

T. Mi. 29: Antitank Mine

T. Mi. 29: Antitank Mine

The German Mine, T. Mi. 29, is a light antitank mine having a total weight of 13 1/4 pounds. It is 10 inches in diameter, 2 3/4 inches high, and contains a 10 pound charge of cast T.N.T. Outside, the mine is painted olive green; all internal surfaces are shellacked.

The zinc casing comprises two sections: the top, 3/64-inch thick, slides into the base which is 1/32-inch thick, and is secured by eight tabs which pass through slots in the base and are then bent over and soft soldered. Two steel carrying handles shaped to fit close to the case when folded are held by brass strips.

The top is slightly domed and has three adapters sweated into shallow recesses. The adapters have sockets to take the standard German igniters, ZDZ 29. There are three additional sockets provided for fitting anti-lifting igniters: two are in the side of the casing, diametrically opposite one another and four inches to the right of the center of each handle; the other is in the center of the base. In addition to being sweated into the casing, each socket is secured by two brass pins which fit into slots on either side of the hole in the mine casing.

The ZDZ 29 can function as either a push or pull igniter. When it is used as a pressure igniter, there is a choice of two settings allowing the mine to fire under medium or heavy loads. The operation depends respectively on the shear of one or two pins acting as detents to a spring-loaded striker pellet. When in use as a pull igniter, the operation depends upon the withdrawal of one detent pin from the spring-loaded striker pellet.

The igniter is held in a “safe” position by the insertion of a safety key into a slot in the main body. The key slides under the striker pellet, preventing the striker from moving until the key is withdrawn.

German: p. 304.1

Categories
German

Deckungszielgerät für le. 34 u. 42 Dezetgerät: Undercover Aiming and Firing Apparatus

Deckungszielgerät für le. 34 u. 42 Dezetgerät: Undercover Aiming and Firing ApparatusThe apparatus shown attached to the 7.92 mm MG 42.

This device is an undercover aiming apparatus for firing the standard machine guns from foxholes, trenches, or depressions in the ground. It permits the user to aim the weapon without exposing himself to enemy fire.

Deckungszielgerät für le. 34 u. 42 Dezetgerät: Undercover Aiming and Firing Apparatus
The undercover aiming and firing apparatus not attached to gun.

Construction is of welded steel boxwork, and consists of a shaft with a shoulder stock at the lower end and a securing arm which extends from the upper part of the shaft to the receiver of the weapon. Three milled edge clamping screws secure the device to the weapon. Two mirrors through which the weapon is aimed are lined up so as to utilize the standard sights. One mirror is mounted on the shaft and the other on an extension of the securing arm above and to the rear of the buffer group.

The firing mechanism is a simple linkage that enables the machine gun to be fired from a trigger on the instrument. It is necessary to have a different linkage for the MG 34 than with the MG 42. These are obtained by positioning the connecting bar in the trigger linkage. A window on the connecting bar shows when the desired linkage is obtained. The trigger linkage may also be positioned to make use of the semiautomatic arrangement on the MG 34, if desired.

The field of vision at 1,000 meters (1,093 yards) is about 200 meters (218 yards) broad. This can be increased by 100 meters (109 yards) by moving the head to the left or right. In the same manner, vertical vision which is 100 meters at 1,000 meters can be increased.

SPECIFICATIONS

Height       24 ins.
Maximum width9 ins.
Weight7 1/2 lbs.

German: p. 214.1 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

7.92 mm Karabiner 43 (Kar. 43): Semiautomatic Rifle

7.92 mm Karabiner 43 (Kar. 43): Semiautomatic Rifle

The Karabiner 43, a gas-operated, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, air-cooled shoulder weapon, is basically the same in design as the Gewehr 41 (W) described on page 208. Two notable changes found in the later weapon are a modified gas operation and a change in manufacturing policy.

This weapon utilizes a gas vent and gas piston, a method used for the first time in German small arms weapons in the Fallschirmjäger Gewehr 42. The improved gas operation insures more positive operation, and malfunctions due to carbonization are less likely to occur.

A great deal of effort was put into an attempt to reduce the time and expense in the manufacture of this weapon. In order to accomplish this, forgings and stampings were used in as many parts as was practical. Machined or ground surfaces are found only where necessary to insure proper operation. The bolt, bolt channel, and contacting surfaces of the trigger group are included in these. Such surfaces as the outside of the receiver, the top of the retractor slide, and the non-contacting surfaces of the trigger group are left untouched.

Several other slight changes were made, the most notable being the use of a ten-round, detachable box-type magazine; the addition of a threaded section on the muzzle making it possible to attach a flash hider or an adapter which is used with blank ammunition; the omission of the bayonet stud; and the addition of a telescopic sight base indicating that the Kar. 43 is intended for use as a special weapon. The weapon is lighter and better balanced than the Gewehr 41 (W) due to the elimination of the gas trap assembly at the muzzle and the long piston rod.

SPECIFICATIONS


Caliber       7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight 8 lb., 9 oz.
Length 44 1/4 ins.
Principle of operationGas
Feeding deviceDetachable box-type magazine
Capacity of feeding device10 rounds
Cooling systemAir
Ammunition usedAll 7.92 mm Mauser types
Type of sightParallel sided, flat top blade type front sight. Tangent leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 1,200 meters. Telescopic sight base at rear of right side of receiver.
Length of barrel22 ins.
Rifling
   Twist Uniform R.H.
   Form
   No. of grooves4
   Depth of grooves
   Width of grooves
Chamber pressure
Muzzle velocity
Muzzle energy
Maximum range
Effective range

German: p. 208.2

Categories
German

7.92 mm Gewehr 41 (M): Semiautomatic Rifle

7.92 mm Gewehr 41 (M): Semiautomatic Rifle

The Gewehr 41 (M) is a self-loading, gas-operated, clip-fed, air-cooled shoulder weapon. It is basically the same as the Gewehr 41 (W) except for several changes that have been made in the manufacture and appearance.

Most of the parts of the Gewehr 41 (M) are machined pieces with the exception of the magazine well, follower, piston rod and butt plate. The majority of the machined pieces have had no further finishing, but are of a very high quality. The upper band, lower band, magazine well, magazine follower, trigger guard, piston rod, dust cover and butt plate of the Gewehr 41 (M) are stamped pieces.

The differences between the Gewehr 41 (M) and the Gewehr 41 (W) are as follows: the piston rod of the G. 41 (M) terminates in a yoke, the two arms of which extend rearward and contact the bolt head. The piston rod of the G. 41 (W) is one piece and is in direct contact with the bolt retractor slide. The handguard of the G. 41 (M) is made of wood unlike that of the G. 41 (W) which is plastic.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight 10 lb., 13 oz.
Length without bayonet 46 1/8 ins.
Principle of operation Gas
Feeding device Vertical box-type magazine
Capacity of feeding device 10 rounds
Cooling system Air
Ammunition used All 7.92 mm Mauser types
Type of sight Inverted V blade type front sight; tangent leaf rear sight; graduated 200 to 1,200 meters.
Length of barrel 21 1/2 ins.
Rifling
   Twist Uniform R.H. twist
   Form
   No. of grooves 4
   Depth of grooves
   Width of grooves
Chamber pressure
Muzzle velocity
Muzzle energy
Maximum range
Effective range

German: p. 208.1