TM-57 mine

A TM-57 with a tilt-rod fuze

The TM-57 mine is a large, circular Soviet metal-cased blast anti-tank mine. It can either be triggered by a pressure or a tilt-rod fuze. A development of the TM-46 mine, but with more explosive. ^[1] It is found in Africa (including Angola ^[2] and Ethiopia ^[3] ), the Middle East, and South East Asia.

Description

The TM-57 has a larger main charge and improved fuzing compared to the earlier TM-46. It is circular with a metal case and a central fuze well. A secondary pull-action fuze MUV-2 (Rus. МУВ-2) or VPF (Rus. ВПФ) pull and tilt fuze can be fitted on the side of the mine, which serves as an anti-handling device. The tilt rod fuze gives the mine improved resistance to blast; it is activated when it is forced to a deflection of 25 to 30 degrees. A training version of the mine that produces smoke is designated the TM-60.

Specifications

• Diameter:300 millimetres (12 in) ^[4]
• Height:100 millimetres (3.9 in) ^[4]
• Operating pressure:200–700 kilograms (440–1,540 lb) ^[4]
• Weight:9.5 kilograms (21 lb) ^[4]
• Explosive content:7 kilograms (15 lb) of TNT ^[4]

• Fuse:
  • MVZ-57 pressure.
  • MVSh-57 tilt with MD019 detonator.

See also

• Land mine

References

1. Infantry. U.S. Army Infantry School. 1991. p. 36.
2. Vines, Alex (1997). Still Killing: Landmines in Southern Africa. Human Rights Watch. p. 50. ISBN   978-1-56432-206-7.
3. Mines, International Campaign to Ban Land (1999). Landmine Monitor Report 1999: Toward a Mine-free World. Human Rights Watch. p. 147. ISBN   978-1-56432-231-9.
4. United States Department of the Army (1979). Engineer Combat Operations. [Department of Defense], Department of the Army, Headquarters. p. C-28.