Mk 5 mine

The Mk 5 or Mine G.S. Mk V was a cylindrical metal cased U.K. anti-tank blast mine that entered service in 1943, during the Second World War. It was replaced in British service with the Mk 7 mine.

Two versions of the mine were produced with the same external dimensions, differing only in the size of the main charge. The mine used a spider pressure plate that makes it resistant to blast overpressure. The spider rests on a central Mk 3 fuse (sometimes referred to as No.3 Mk I), which contains a spring-loaded striker held in place by a shear pin. The mine, being made largely of steel tended to rust making its activation unpredictable.

It is found in Angola, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Mozambique, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

Specifications

• Diameter: 203 mm
• Height: 127 mm
• Weight:
  • General service : 4.4 kg
  • Higher capacity : 5.7 kg
• Explosive content:
  • General service : 2.05 kg of TNT
  • Higher capacity : 3.75 kg of TNT
• Operating pressure: 350 lbs

Variants

• Mine G.S. Mk VC (general service version)
• Mine G.S. Mk V

References

• Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006
• NAVORD OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance, Naval Ordnance Systems Command (Updated 1970)