LPZ mine

The L.P.Z. mine or Leichte Panzermine (Light tank-mine) was a circular, metal-cased German anti-tank mine produced during the Second World War. The mine was accepted into service in 1941,^[1] and were intended for use by Paratroops. Production of the mine ended in 1942 with only 31,700 mines produced.^[2] The mines were first used during Operation Merkur, the airborne invasion of Crete and were still in use at the end of the war.

The mine is circular and has a very rounded appearance, with a central metal cap that covers the mine's safety device, a large screw. The mine is unusual in that it uses five igniter/fuzes linked to a central detonator by a series of flame tubes. Sufficient pressure on the top surface of the mine causes it to press down on one or more of the igniters, compressing a spring and allowing two steel striker retaining balls to escape, releasing the striker, which is forced upwards by a second spring. The striker hits a percussion cap at the top of the igniter, the flash from which travels along a flame tube to a metal chamber in the centre of the mine. If the safety screw is removed then the flash is free to ignite the detonator, which in turn detonates the main charge.

• Diameter: Reported as either 263 mm or 300 mm
• Height: Reported as either 125 mm or 90 mm (not including fuze)
• Weight: 4.1 kg
• Explosive content: 2.3 kg of TNT
• Operating pressure: 250 kg approx

• LPZ mine at ORDATA
• TM 5-325,Enemy Land Mines and Booby Traps, April 19, 1943

This article relating to landmines is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

• v
• t
• e