C3A1 mine
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The C3A1 and C3A2 (collectively known as the Elsie) are Canadian minimum metal anti-personnel mines. The differences between them are very minor and hard to distinguish visually. They come as standard with an Aluminium detector ring fitted. However, this ring is designed to be easily removed, and without it the mine becomes very difficult to detect. Additionally, a plastic restraining safety clip around the shaft of the pressure plate prevents it moving downwards in transit, accidentally triggering the mine. The safety clip is removed when the mine is emplaced.
An Elsie mine looks like a short, stubby, black carrot. It has a small raised pressure plate on the top surface of the mine covered with a pad of flock material designed to act as camouflage. Pressure on this small plate releases a single retaining ball, freeing a striker and allowing it to snap downwards and trigger the mine.
Interestingly, the Elsie mine is the only anti-personnel mine which uses a shaped charge. As can be seen from the specification below, the explosive filling is very small compared to most other anti-personnel mine designs. However, the shaped charge in the Elsie mine ensures that the full force of detonation is directed upwards, straight through the sole of the victim's boot and into their foot. A person who has been injured by an Elsie mine generally has a deep, circular penetration wound which extends all the way through their foot and out the other side. The wound is generally severe and debilitating, though rarely fatal. In contrast to other anti-personnel mines eg the PMN series, the Elsie is designed primarily to disable its victims, rather than kill them.
Unlike other designs (eg the VS-MK2 mine), the Elsie mine is not resistant to blast-clearing methods.
This mine was formerly in service with the Canadian and British armed services, though all stocks have now been destroyed by those nations.
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[edit] Specifications
- Diameter: 51 mm
- Height: 76 mm
- Weight: 80 grams
- Explosive content: 9.45 g of Composition A5 - (98.5% RDX mixed with 1.5% stearic acid)
- Operating pressure: 7.25 to 13.6 kg
[edit] Variants
[edit] References
- Eddie Banks, Brassey's Essential Guide to Anti-Personnel Landmines
- Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006
