M1 Anti-Tank Mine

M1 Anti-Tank Mine history

The M1 anti-tank mine consists of a circular base containing the explosive (2.75 kg of TNT) surmounted by a cruciform pressure plate. The detonator reacts to different pressures: a lateral pressure must reach 120 kg while a central pressure must reach 250 kg.

Several versions of the M1 mine have been created: the M1A1 (different detonator), the M1B1 (smoke drive) and the M4 (with two primers and allowing the installation of an anti-lift system). When the pressure is sufficient (the plate can be oriented indifferently towards the surface or the opposite), the primer releases a spring which causes the explosion of the detonator and the mine.

This American anti-tank mine was used throughout the Second World War. It is copied by Argentina, China, Chad and Tunisia which continue to use it nowadays.

M1 Anti-Tank Mine specification

Creator/User: United States of America
Denomination: M1 Anti-Tank Mine

Type of mine: anti-tank

Operating system: pressure plate (reaction from 120 kg at the edge or 250 kg at the center of the plate)

Explosive: 2,75 kg of TNT

Total weight: 4,9 kg
Height: 75 mm
Diameter: 204 mm