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.
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. Downward pressure on this small plate releases a single retaining ball bearing, freeing a striker which is held under tension by a coiled spring. The freed striker snaps upwards into the stab detonator, triggering the explosive charge.
The mine comprises two separate items; the body and charge. The body is fitted with a protective dust cap, which is removed in order to insert the charge. Around the shaft of the charge there is a restraining safety clip to prevent it moving downwards whilst in transit, accidentally triggering the mine. The safety clip is removed when the mine is emplaced, at which point the mine becomes armed and will detonate if someone steps on it. Elsie mines are supplied with an Aluminium detector ring fitted. However, the ring is designed to be easily removed, and without it the mine becomes a minimal metal 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 unusually small compared to most other anti-personnel mine designs, which generally contain a minimum of 30 grams of high explosives. 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 small, 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 (e.g. the PMN series), the Elsie is designed primarily to disable its victims, rather than kill them.
Due to the simplicity of the firing mechanism, the Elsie mine is not resistant to blast-clearing methods, unlike other designs such as the VS-MK2 mine.
The Elsie mine was formerly in service with the Canadian and British armed services, and was manufactured by both nations. However, all stocks of anti-personnel mines (and equipment related to their manufacture) have been destroyed by Canada and the UK, in order to comply with the Ottawa Treaty.
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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] See also
[edit] References
- Eddie Banks, Brassey's Essential Guide to Anti-Personnel Landmines
- Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006
