PM-79 mine

The PM-79 is a small, circular Bulgarian blast-resistant anti-personnel mine, superficially similar to the Russian PMN. The mine uses a unique trigger design; on the top of the mine, beneath a thin rubber cover is a dish shaped pressure plate. Pressure on the outer rim of the dish shaped plate levers up a central post, which triggers the mine. The mine also incorporates a mechanical arming delay using a pin cutting through a thin lead strip. The mine arms in between two minutes and four hours depending on the temperature.

A cutaway of a PM-79 mine.

The mine has been withdrawn from Bulgarian service, although it is sometimes found in parts of Asia.

Specifications

• Diameter: 88.2 to 100 mm (3.47 to 3.94 in)
• Height: 55 mm (2.2 in)
• Weight: 255 g (9.0 oz)
• Explosive content: 78.3 g (2.76 oz) TNT
• Operating pressure: 5 kg (11 lb) or more

References

• Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006
• PM-79 mine at ORDATA