OPERATIONAL AIRCRAFT MINES

Air-laid mines currently in operational use are discussed briefly in the following paragraphs.

Mk 55 Mine

The Mk 55 service mine and the Mk 55 exercise mine (fig. 5-11 ) are air-laid bottom mines. Each mine is fitted with a nose fairing and box fins for drop stability. Each is suspended from the aircraft by two

Figure 5-11.-Mk 55 service and Mk 55 exercise mine. 5-11

Figure 5-12.-Mk 60 captor mine.

suspension lugs spaced 30 inches apart. Both mines use a parapak designed to slow descent and reduce impact when the mine enters the water. A control unit, activated by a single arming wire, opens the parapak. Each mine is equipped with an arming device and a double arming wire used on the extender and hydrostatic switch. The Mk 55 mine is equipped with a firing system that is responsive, either singly or in combination, to the acoustic, magnetic, and/or pressure influence of a passing ship. The Mk 55 exercise mine is an inert service mine equipped with exercise components.

Mk 60 Captor Mine

The Mk 60 captor mine (fig. 5-12) is an air-laid antisubmarine mine. This mine, when triggered by the influence of a submarine, launches a homing torpedo. A strongback assembly is used to attach the mine to aircraft bomb racks. Two Mk 3 suspension lugs threaded into the strongback provide a 30-inch suspension. The mine uses a parachute pack to slow descent and reduce impact when the mine enters the water. An explosive fitting actuated by a single arming wire opens the parachute. After entering the water, the parachute pack and strongback separate from the mine, and the stabilizer deploys. The mine is armed by a hydrostatic initiator, which is held in the safe position by a single arming wire. The Mk 60 configuration requires arming wire installation prior to aircraft loading.

Mk 62,63, and 64 Quickstrike Mines

The Mk 62, 63, and 64 (fig. 5-13) mines are air-laid, all modular, influence-actuated bottom mines. They are used against submarines and surface targets. The mines are upgraded by installation of the Mk 130 conversion kit, Mk 130 battery, and flight gear.

Mk 65 Quickstrike Mine

The Mk 65 quickstrike mine (fig. 5-14) is a 2,000 pound, air-laid, all modular, influence-actuated, bottom mine. The Mk 65 is used against submarines and surface targets. The Mk 65 consists of a Mk 65 mine case, a Mk 45 safety device arming group with a Mk 2 arming device, a Mk 57 target detecting device and a Mk 7 tail assembly.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the safety precautions for handling mines and torpedoes.

Handling mines is a specialized job. If you aren't qualified, don't disassemble the mines or their components. You should follow the same safety precautions for mines as you follow when handling bombs.

To conform with safety and ammunition stowage requirements, mines are normally received aboard ship in assembly configurations C or D. Aviation Ordnancemen are not required to assemble mines, but they are required to be qualified and certified in mine handling and aircraft loading procedures.

A Mobile Mine Assembly Group (MOMAG), composed of personnel from the Mineman rate, is responsible for the proper assembly of all mines. It is the responsibility of the mine planting activity to notify the MOMAGs of scheduled mine operations and the exact dates their assistance will be required.

When a mine is jettisoned safe, the wires remain in the clock starter and booster extender. This prevents them from operating after the mine submerges. However, when the mine strikes the water, the arming wires may pull free. Hydrostatic pressure or countermining shock can cause the wires to shear. Also, after a mine is submerged for a long period, the wires can corrode and break. No mine is jettisoned safe in water that is less than 800 feet (243.8 meters) deep with positive assurance that it isn't a hazard. Depths greater than 800 feet will crush or flood the mine case, making the mine inoperative.

When handling mines during preflight operations, follow the same general handling techniques you use for bombs or torpedoes.

Figure 5-13.-Mk 62, 63, and 64 quickstrike mines.

Figure 5-14.-Mk 65 quickstrike mine.