M23 chemical mine

An image from a video showing a VX filled M23 mine.

The M23 is a United States steel cased chemical landmine. The mine was developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and approximately 100,000 units were produced. The U.S. has begun disposal of its stockpile of these mines, and although several large stores have been eliminated,[1] work was still ongoing as recently as 2008.[2]

The mine is broadly similar to the M15 anti-tank mine in appearance, with the addition of four pairs of small ridges along the top surface. The mine has two secondary fuse wells in addition to the primary fuse well and can be set to operate either for anti-vehicle or anti-personnel purposes. It is normally fitted with either an M603 or M608 fuse. Upon activation, the bursting charge breaks open a thin steel casing, heating and spraying VX nerve agent to form an aerosol.

Specifications

  • Diameter: 13 inches (0.33 m)
  • Height: 5 inches (0.13 m)
  • Weight unfuzed: 22 3⁄4 pounds (10.3 kg)
  • Content: 10 1⁄2 pounds (4.8 kg) of VX nerve agent and 13 ounces (0.37 kilograms) Composition B4 bursting charge.

References

  1. ↑ Army Completes Destruction of VX Landmines on Johnston Atoll
  2. ↑ http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/last_nerve_gas_landmine_destro.html
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