C3A1 mine

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 is constructed mainly from plastic, and resembles a short, stubby carrot in appearance. Generally, Elsie mines are either coloured black or alternatively khaki for use in desert environments. In any case Elsie mines can easily be spray painted to blend in with an arctic or jungle scenario. Regardless of colour an Elsie mine has a small raised pressure plate on the top surface of the mine which is covered with a small pad of flock material. The flocking material is designed to act as camouflage. Sustained downward pressure on the small pressure 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, thereby detonating 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, which could accidentally trigger detonation. 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 most of the 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.

pecifications

* 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

Variants

* C3A1
* C3A2
* M25 - A US copy of the mine
* Type 67 - A Japanese copy of the mine

ee also

* M14 anti-personnel mine

References

* Eddie Banks, "Brassey's Essential Guide to Anti-Personnel Landmines"
* "Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006"

External links

* [http://ordatamines.maic.jmu.edu/displaydata.aspx?OrDataId=6991 Photos and additional information re. the Elsie mine]
* [http://www.fototime.com/4FA91B2152EB268/standard.jpgCross-sectional view of the Elsie mine]