Scatterable Mines. These mines are designed for accurate dispersion over a designated area by rotary or
fixed-wing aircraft, by artillery projectile, and by ground dispenser. The two mines deployed by ground dispenser
have already been discussed. This portion of the lesson will cover only those mines delivered by aircraft or
artillery. These are shown in Figure 2-10.
The only aircraft-delivered mine currently in the supply system is part of the M56 mine dispensing system
designed for use with the UH-1H helicopter. Each dispenser contains 80 AT/AV mines. These mines use an
internal fuze that arms itself through ejection and impact with the ground. The fuze will function if disturbed,
tampered with, or run over by a vehicle. These mines also contain a self-destruct mechanism. Whenever these
mines are found out of the dispenser, they should be considered armed and functioning. The DODIC for the M56
dispensing system is K020.
Artillery-delivered mines are contained in M718-series and M741-series projectiles. These projectiles are used to
deliver AT mines in front of enemy armored forces to deny or delay access to a particular area for a specific
length of time.
The difference between the M718-series and M741-series rounds is that the M718 series carries long-delay
mines, and the M741 series carries short-delay mines. The mines contained in both projectiles are otherwise
identical. Whenever these mines are found out of the projectile, they should be considered armed and
functioning. The color code for the projectile is an olive-drab body with yellow markings. The DODIC for the
M718 is D503, and the DODIC for the M718A1 is D515. The DODIC for the M741 is D509, and the DODIC for
the M741A1 is D514.
PROJECTED MUNITIONS
Projected munitions are weapon-delivered ammunition. They include small arms ammunition, grenades, mortars,
40-millimeter cartridges, munitions for tank guns and howitzers, recoilless rifle ammunition, small rockets, and
guided missiles.
Types of Projected Munitions
For ease of handling and loading, projected munitions are classified according to the complete-round principle. A
complete round of service ammunition includes all components used in firing a weapon one time-the projectile,
cartridge case, propelling charge, primer, and fuze. The three types of round are fixed, semi-fixed, and separate-
loading. An example of each type is shown in Figure 2-11.
The first type of projected munition we will address is the fixed round. In this type of ammunition, the complete
round is issued with the cartridge case (which contains a nonadjustable propelling charge and a primer)
permanently crimped or otherwise attached to the projectile. The round is loaded into the weapon as a unit.
Fixed rounds are used in guns, cannons, and in recoilless rifles.
The second type of projected munition we will discuss is the semi-fixed round. Semi-fixed ammunition is used in
howitzers and mortars. In this type of ammunition, the configuration in which the complete round is issued
depends on the weapon system it is used with. In howitzer ammunition, the cartridge case is loosely fitted over
the base of the projectile. The propelling charge, bagged inside the cartridge case, is in increments and can be
adjusted. In mortar ammunition, an adjustable propelling charge is attached to the mortar fins. The complete
round is loaded into the weapon as a unit (in the same way a fixed round is loaded).
MM0145
2-12
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