Riegel mine 43

A Riegelmine 43.

The Riegel mine 43 or (Sprengriegel/R.Mi. 43) is a German steel cased anti-tank bar mine used during the Second World War. The mine is a long thin rectangle. It consists of a lower and upper metal tray, and an internal metal-cased explosive block. It uses two ZZ42 fuzes inserted into either end of the internal block, although it can be used with an additional pressure fuze on the top. The mine is similar to the Italian B-2 mine. A variant, the Riegel mine 44 was also produced with a different fuze. Approximately 3,051,400 were produced between 1943 and 1945.

Riegelmines are almost impossible to disarm because wires in the fuze mechanisms become corroded, which makes them highly unstable. As a result, the mine becomes extremely sensitive to the smallest disturbance, and therefore can easily detonate simply by touching it. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Riegel mines can be fitted with up to three anti-handling devices. The recommended render-safe procedure for any Riegel mine is to destroy it in situ by detonating a small explosive charge next to it.

The mine is found in Egypt and Libya.

Specifications

Churchill Mk V tank destroyed by a Riegelmine in the Overloon War Museum, in addition to the visible mobility damage the mine penetrated the belly armour gutting the hull with blast and fire damage.

• Weight: 9.3 kg
• Explosive content: 4 kg of TNT
• Length: 800 mm
• Width: 95 mm
• Height: 120 mm
• Operating pressure: Variable - 360 kg at the centre, 180 kg at the ends.

References

• Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006
• TM-E 30-451