Pignone anti-tank mines

Diagrams of the P-1 and P-2 mines (not to scale).

The Pignone P-1 and Pignone P-2 were plastic cased Italian anti-tank blast mines produced and used during the Second World War in North Africa and Italy. Although the mines had plastic cases, they had a number of metal components, rendering them detectable to mine detectors.

The P-1 has circular plate like body 33.5 centimeters in diameter and 14 centimeters high with a central raised pressure plate. The P-1 uses a 7.0 kilograms (15.4 lb) main charge of TNT.

The P-2 has a circular bowl like body 33 centimeters in diameter and 12.7 centimeters high. It uses a smaller 5.0 kilograms (11 lb) TNT charge.

Pressure of between 110 and 150 kilograms (242 and 330 lb) on the pressure plate of either of the mines compresses a rubber collar, pushing down the head of the fuze. The downward movement of the fuze ruptures the sheer pins freeing the head of the fuze. The fuze head continues downwards, compressing a rubber cylinder which presses down on the striker assembly until two retaining balls are released. The striker is then pushed by a spring into a percussion cap which triggers a booster followed by the main charge.

References

• Landmine and Countermine Warfare, North Africa, 1940-1943