Anti-Tank Mines

Anti-tank mines were developed during World War I shortly after the invention of the armored tank. These mines are similar to Anti-Personnel Mines (APM's), but are much larger in size. Anti-tank mines are pressure activated but usually do not respond to the weight of an average person. Typical anti-tank mines require 348 pounds (158 kg) in order to detonate.

All anti-tank mines are blast mines since the goal of an anti-tank mine is to decimate the tank's tracks and as much of the body as possible. Bounding or fragmentation is ineffective against the metal armor of a tank.

A tank is being decimated by an anti-tank mine. The tank's treads are destroyed after the explosion, rendering it ineffective in combat.

M15 Pressure-operated Blast Mine

The M15 is a circular, steel mine that contains a 22.86 pound (10.35 kg) main charge of Composition B explosive. Composition B consists of TNT and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX).

The mine is armed by rotating the arming switch. As a tank rolls over the mine, the pressure plate pushes down on the Belleville spring, which has a firing pin attached to its underside. The firing pin is driven into the detonator, which fires and ignites the M120 booster charge, which in turn sets off the main Composition B charge.