Today, the existence of landmines is known to every student. Shells of the corresponding type are present in many computer games devoted to military subjects. However, few can explain what a land mine is and what are its distinguishing features. To answer this question, it is necessary to study the classification of shells according to various criteria, to take into account the nuances of their application and design. The article discusses their varieties that are most commonly used today.
High-explosive shell features
In order to understand the specifics of a particular munition, you need to pay attention to its classification and definition. So what is a land mine? This is an explosive charge that can be buried in the ground or under water. Used to inflict sudden damage to an adversary. Ignition occurs in the following ways:
- With the help of fire. In this case, detonators, incendiary tubes and other similar auxiliary devices are used.
- With the use of electricity. With this technique, the optimum temperature for ignition is achieved through heat energy. To isolate it in sufficient quantities, special electric generators are used.
- Mechanically.
People without special training confuse a land mine and a mine. Meanwhile, these are completely different concepts that should be clearly distinguished. If it is a question of the type of ammunition hidden in enemy territory, then this is a mine. A land mine is a type of ammunition that is used to create an appropriate subversive projectile. A mine explodes after a certain period of time or during a physical impact.
Features of incendiary projectile
The type of ammunition largely depends on what actions it is intended for. Incendiary shells are mainly used to create a fire source. The reagents contained in them are highly resistant to quenching. In addition, they are endowed with high incendiary properties and can burn for a very long time.
Features armor-piercing shell
Some ammunition was created specifically in order to overcome the defense, which are equipped with enemy fortifications. Such shells are called armor-piercing. When undermined, their fragments damage the protective devices. Armor-piercing shell can cause considerable damage to fortifications. It is often used to destroy defensive structures.
Features of the fragmentation shell
This type of ammunition is intended primarily for the destruction of living targets. It is used in guns whose calibers are small or medium. The fragmentation shell may have a ready-made additional striking element. In its quality, cubes, balls, needles and other objects are usually used, causing additional damage to the enemy. This type of shells is most often used precisely for the destruction of manpower. The main requirement for such ammunition is the effectiveness of the damaging power of the fragments contained in them. In addition to their number, the range to which they can fly during an explosion is also taken into account. This type of projectile significantly loses high explosive in terms of filling ratio and explosive charge.
Mixed types of ammunition
Today, the amount of ammunition has significantly decreased, with the charge of which only a landmine is used. The mixed type projectile has much higher striking characteristics and better efficiency. Due to this, such ammunition is widespread. Speaking about what is a land mine, it should be borne in mind that there are several types of shells that are used to create this type of charge. Some of them are mixed. Such, for example, are high-explosive fragmentation and high-explosive armor-piercing.
The first are the most universal and often used. High explosive, fragmentation, and delayed types of action are provided for them. The advantages of such shells include a relatively low cost. They are often used in the army when organizing military exercises. However, due to its versatility, such ammunition is significantly inferior to shells that are designed for only one type of target destruction, in destructive force. As for high-explosive armor-piercing shells, their purpose is to defeat various fortifications and armored vehicles. They were widely used in the UK, where they were invented. Currently, interest in them has declined markedly due to a small damaging force.
A few words about shrapnel
When a standard high-explosive fragmentation shell breaks, it is difficult to guarantee an even distribution of fragments. To solve this problem, the British military Henry Shrapnel invented a special type of this ammunition, which was later named after him. This type of high-explosive fragmentation projectile is additionally equipped with a ready-made set of damaging elements and compounds. Shrapnel is most effective at a low height. In modern versions, the striking element is given the shape of a feathered pyramid. In this form, shrapnel successfully affects even targets that are protected by light armor.
High explosive projectile fuses
Initially, a conventional wick was used to power the ammunition. They set it on fire with a shot from a gun. However, when rifled guns came into fashion and cone-shaped shells began to be produced, shock fuses were invented. They provided a significant advantage in battle, since the projectile was activated immediately after a sharp contact with any obstacle. Thus, he found himself on the territory of the enemy, which greatly contributed to increasing the effectiveness of the use of such attacks. If, in addition, a land mine with a similar hull is equipped with high-thickness walls, then even concrete can be pierced with such a shell.
The most popular modern type of fuse is remote. The use of this type of detonator allows firing at almost any object with equal success.
Use of high-explosive shells in battle conditions
The considered type of ammunition is the most used in the army. High-explosive fragmentation shells are widely used for a wide variety of purposes. With their help, the fortifications are destroyed, the equipment is seriously damaged, the manpower available to the enemy is destroyed. They can also help in creating a passage in a minefield or engineering defensive structure. It was the use of such shells that made it possible to destroy many units of German technology during the final stage of the Great Patriotic War. To some extent, this munition contributed to the victory over the Nazis. The basis of the most powerful modern weapon, in which nuclear technology is lacking, is landmines. Volley fire by such shells is equivalent to the use of weapons of mass destruction.
You can fully understand what a landmine is only in a real battle. I would like to have as much knowledge as few people around the world as possible.