Tellermine 35

The Tellermine 35 (T.Mi.35) was a German metal cased anti-tank mine used extensively during the Second World War. The mine's case is made of sheet steel, and has a slightly convex pressure plate on the top surface with a central fuse well. Two secondary fuse wells are located on the side and bottom of the mine for anti-handling devices.

For use on beaches and underwater the mine could be deployed inside a specically designed earthenware or concrete pot, which acted as a waterproof jacket for the mine.

A later variant of the mine, the T.Mi.35 (S) was produced with a ribbed case and a fuse cover. The ribbed case stopped sand from blowing off the top of the mine when it was used in a desert or sandy environment.

Pressure of 400 pounds (180 kg) on the center of the mine or 200 pounds (90 kg) on the edge of the mine deforms the pressure plate compressing a spring, and shearing a retaining pin holding the striker. Once the striker is released it is driven into a percussion cap which ignites the detonator followed by the booster charge and main charge.

pecifications

* Height: 76 mm
* Diameter: 318 mm
* Weight: 9.1 kg
* Explosive content: 5.5 kg of TNT
* Trigger weight: 90 to 180 kg

References

* Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006
* TM 5-223, "Foreign Mine Warfare Equipment"
* TM-E 30-451, Handbook on German Military Forces, March 1945