TMA (anti-tank mines)

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The anti- tank mines of the TMA series ( T enkovska M ina A ntimagnetna, German: non-magnetic anti-tank mine) were developed in the former Yugoslavia and used extensively during the Yugoslav wars.

General

They are available in five different models, all made of plastic and in a round or rectangular shape. The standard basic color is olive or green; the trigger is activated by pressure. They work solely through the explosive effect of their TNT charge, which is between 5.4 and 6.5 kg.

The mines of the TMA series were the most frequently used anti-tank mines during the Yugoslav wars and even many years to decades after the end of the war they still represent a considerable danger to the civilian population and ordnance disposal teams. Since they are made of plastic and even the detonators are made of aluminum they are difficult to detect with metal detectors. Weather conditions can also make the mines brittle and porous, which drastically reduces the release pressure. According to the NATO definition, the TMAs are 1st generation anti- tank mines (pressure mines with explosive effect, unlimited effective time).

The models 1 to 4 could be provided with so-called recovery locks to secure them from manual evacuation. This could e.g. B. be pressure relief detonators or draft detonators, which detonated the mines whenever they were out of position. In addition, the models 1, 2 and 5 could be equipped with detonator removal locks, e.g. B. react to movement, noise or light, which should prevent manual disarming.

function

The mines detonate using chemical (UTMAH) or mechanical (UANU) detonators.

With the UTMAH detonators, the ignition needle is pressed into an initial charge (chemical friction paste) by pressure from above. The pressure or friction in this initial charge creates a chemical reaction that generates heat; this heat initiates the detonator, which in turn initiates the explosive charge.

With the UANU detonators, a preloaded firing pin is released by pressure from above, which strikes a primer and ignites the explosive charge.

Versions

TMA-1 anti-tank mine (A)

TMA-1 (A)

Has a round plastic lead body. The screw plug for the mine detonator is located in the middle of the pressure cover. The TMA-1 model has an octagonal, the TMA-1A model has a round, serrated locking screw. On the underside of the mine there is a secondary ignition channel to accommodate a recovery lock and an extendable plastic handle.

  • Diameter: 315 mm
  • Height: 100mm
  • Explosives: 5.4 kg TNT
  • Trigger pressure: from approx. 100 kg
  • Detonators: UTMAH-1 (TMA-1), UANU-1 (TMA-1A), as well as an optional resume protection
TMA-2 (A)

TMA-2 (A)

The mine has a rectangular plastic mine body. In the middle of the pressure cover there are two locking screws for the mine detonators. The lead can have octagonal (TMA-2) or round toothed locking screws (TMA-2A). On the underside of the mine there is a secondary ignition channel to accommodate a recovery lock and an extendable plastic handle.

  • Length: 260 mm
  • Width: 200mm
  • Height: 100mm
  • Explosives: 6.5 kg TNT
  • Trigger pressure: from approx. 120 kg
  • Detonator: UTMAH-1 (TMA-2), UANU-1 (TMA-2A), as well as an optional resume protection
TMA-3

TMA-3

The mine has a round body made of plastic. On the top there are three main ignition channels offset by 120 degrees to accommodate the detonators. On the underside of the mine there is a secondary ignition channel in the middle to accommodate a recovery fuse. On the side of the mine body there is a recessed carrying loop made of textile tape.

  • Diameter: 265 mm
  • Height: 80 mm
  • Explosives: 6.5 kg TNT
  • Trigger pressure: from approx. 180 kg
  • Detonators: Three detonators of the UTMAH-3 type, as well as an optional safety device
TMA-4 anti-tank mine

TMA-4

The mine has a round body made of plastic. On the top there are three main ignition channels offset by 120 degrees to accommodate the detonators. The lead body has a vertical, continuous hole on the edge through which a hemp cord loop is passed. The hole can also be used to attach a recovery lock.

  • Diameter: 285 mm
  • Height: 70mm
  • Explosives: 5.5 kg TNT
  • Trigger pressure: from approx. 120 kg
  • Detonators: Three detonators of the UTMAH-4 type, as well as an optional safety device
TMA-5 anti-tank mine (A)

TMA-5 (A)

Has a rectangular plastic lead body. On the top of the mine there is a raised rectangle (predetermined breaking point), in the middle of which there is a bulge for the screw plug. At each of the four corners there is a right-angled attachment for stacking the mine, on one of the long sides the transport case for the detonator. The TMA-5A has separate explosives chambers (visible on the bottom of the mine). The loop is made of hemp rope and attached to the bottom of the mine.

  • Length: 312 mm
  • Width: 275 mm
  • Height: 113 mm
  • Explosives: 5.5 kg TNT
  • Trigger pressure: from approx. 100 kg
  • Detonator: UTMAH-1 (TMA-5), UANU-1 (TMA-5A)

See also

Web links