Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely disassembling a failed high explosive ype mine. The apparatus is mounted on a mobile chassis and has a remote operator shelter for control of the apparatus. The apparatus has a stripper assembly to remove appendages from the body of the mine. A chuck assembly moves the stripped body of the mine to a cutter assembly and rotates the body of the mine so that the electronics assembly is severed from the body of the mine. A puller assembly extracts the safe and arming device from the high explosive filler in the body of the mine. In an alternate embodiment, a rammer assembly has a pressing cylinder to push the electronics assembly and the safe and arming device from the center of the body of the mine as the outer portion of the body of the mine is firmly retained on the frame of the rammer assembly. Video cameras on the apparatus are provided to permit remote control of the disassembly.

Abstract: A trip wire type mine has a plurality of trip wires, each trip wire being wound on a reel and ejected through an opening in a body of the mine by means of an ejection system. The ejection system may include a cutting device to cut a lid in a plate forming a plane wall of the hollow body of the mine, a movable system to displace the cutting device, and a pyrotechnic charge to drive the movable system. A projectile is attached to one end of each trip wire, and the charge is also used to eject the plurality of projectiles through the opening, thereby deploying the trip wires and placing the mine in an operational state.

Abstract: An anchoring system for anchoring a projectile launcher to the ground. The launcher includes a tubular body accommodating at least a projectile to be fired and a propellant charge. The system further includes least one anchoring element that penetrates the ground when the projectile is fired. The anchoring element can be moved between a first position in which it is at a distance from the ground and held by a body of the launcher by means of a temporary attachment device, and a second position in which it penetrates the ground. A control system causes the anchoring spike to move automatically from its first to its second position and is constituted by the pressure of the gases resulting from ignition of propellant charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weapon whose main object is to attack targets, such as armoured tanks, from above unexpectedly. The weapon includes an active part (1), a propulsion unit, such as a launching device (2), an anchorage attachment (4) which is intended to be firmly anchored in relation to the terrain, and a line (3) whose first end (5) is attached to the active part (1) and whose second end (6) is pivotally attached to the anchorage attachment (4). When used, the active part (1) is launched vertically upwards, with the line (3) held taut, whereafter the active part is guided by the line through the air in a circular arcuate path or trajectory (8) to a target (7), with the centre of the arcuate trajectory in the anchorage attachment (4).

Abstract: A directed-effect submunition moves in a substantially vertical direction V with a displacement velocity v parallel to V and a rotation velocity r about an axis parallel to V. The submunition includes a shaped charge with axis D forming an acute angle t with axis V and a detection device with axis d forming an angle u with axis D, a target detecting device, and a triggering device. The submunition also includes a displacement velocity v determining device, and a calculation device for calculating as a function of v a value u.sub.i for angle u that minimizes deviation (e) between the position (M) of a target detected, and impact point (M') of the penetrator of the shaped charge if the latter were triggered upon detection, as well as a device for imparting the value u.sub.i to angle u.

Abstract: In a broad-area defense mine, the inclination under which an active member can rise or can be fired from an ambush position can be varied with the aid of at least one adjusting member between the positioning frame and a mounting or support for the active member which, in turn, are connected by way of a universal joint. In this arrangement, the mine, in the same way and with equal reliability as heretofore, combats a target within a specific area, but it is possible by means of this device to defend a substantially larger zone: the mine is transported, within the larger zone, to the "correct" site.

Abstract: In known droppable mines it customarily becomes necessary, because of the consistency and slope of the ground, to right the mine into a position favorable for its action, with such a position being fixable, if possible, for the entire duration of deployment independently of extraneous influences.Since in the past such fixing was realized in the known mines only in a complicated and unsatisfactory manner, the mine (10) according to the invention includes a sack (18) which is arranged below a righting balloon (16) and is filled with a hardenable foam. In this way, the stability of the mine (10) is decisively improved. Due to the underside (22) of the sack (18) being kept permeable, the foam is also able to escape into a zone (34) between the ground (12) and the sack (18) and cause the mine (10) to adhere to the ground (12) in its position.

Abstract: By means of multi-member, spreadable righting assemblies, a supporting area can be enlarged in connection with a rightable drop unit, the torque required for righting can be reduced, and the stability can be enhanced. In order to provide that a base of each righting assembly does perform the desired, defined movement, at least one guide member (for example a parallel guide means) is included. The afore-mentioned improvements can be attained practically without an increase in the volume or in the weight of the drop unit.

Abstract: An exercise mine has a ballast portion, a generally barrel-shaped body constituted by a single piece molded about the ballast portion and a plurality of U-shaped metal fitting members having terminal portions that form resilient tabs which project outside the periphery of the body. The fitting members are secured together in groups to permit, along with the single molded body, the mine to be readily formed from just a few parts while ensuring the mechanical strength and durability of the mine.

Abstract: In a mine capable of righting itself, laying devices for sensor lines are attached on the outside to the topside of a mine housing. During storage and during transport, the laying devices are, in their initial position, in close contact with the topside of the mine housing. Upon distribution of the mines over the terrain, the laying devices are spread away from the topside of the mine housing and transferred into their effective position so that the sensor lines can be ejected at an angle of about 45.degree. inclined with respect to the vertical.

Abstract: A mine, particularly an anti-tank mine, including a warhead which is arranged in a launching installation, and the latter of which is equipped with an aiming device. The mine is equipped with a range-finding device for the determination of the direction and for the measurement of the at least approximately horizontal distance between the mine which is in a lurking position and the target which is to be attacked, especially such as a tank or armored vehicle, and wherein the range-finding device is operatively connected with the aiming device for the setting of a specified launch angle or elevation for the launching installation for the warhead.

Abstract: A system for remotely programming a mine includes a programming device comprising a computer having a data memory storing functions required to control the mine once laid, a code word memory and a random number generator. Stored data is displayed on an output device. A random number generator generates random numbers corresponding to respective addresses in data memory under which selected displayed functions are stored. The random numbers are stored as code words, together with corresponding data memory addresses, in the code word memory. A transmitter connected to the computer transmits the contents of the code word memory. A programmable electronic unit in the mine includes a receiver and a second computer. The second computer has a second code word memory for storing the transmitted code word memory, and a second data memory corresponding to the data memory of the programming device storing identical data.

Abstract: An arrangement for positioning a mine includes a mine housing and an inflatable, balloon mounted on a lateral exterior side of the mine housing. A gas generator is disposed in the mine housing and connected to the balloon for providing a supply of gas for inflating the balloon. A position sensor is disposed in the mine housing for monitoring the upright position of the mine housing and connected to the gas generator for controlling the supply of gas to the balloon in dependence of the upright position of the mine. A plurality of fixing nails are mounted in the bottom of the mine housing for fixing the position of the mine housing on the ground.

Abstract: A two-stage release self-righting mechanism and method employ a pair of primary and secondary releasable holder assemblies which respective hold upper and middle portions of leaf spring arms in a stowed position against the side wall of a load such as a submunition launcher tube. The primary holder assembly is released first which permits release of a portion of the energy stored by the spring legs, causing them to partially extend from the stowed position to a partially deployed position and partially erect the submunition. Then, a short time later, the secondary holder assembly is released, permitting release of the remaining energy stored by the spring legs, causing them to fully extend to a fully deployed position and complete the erecting of the submunition.

Abstract: A system for powering and communicating with a mine or mine simulator, involving magnetic induction coupling between a powered search unit with a resonating primary inductance coil and a secondary inductance loop in the mine device. The current in the secondary loop is rectified in the mine device to provide dc power. The magnetic induction frequency can be in the range from 40 kHz to 1 MHz. The search unit can resonate sequentially or simultaneously at different frequencies, and rectification of the different frequencies in the mine device can provide information to the mine device. Feedback to the search unit can be by the mine device modulating the impedance of its secondary loop, for instance at an audio frequency 1/10th of the frequency of the induction coupling, and by detecting in the search unit the corresponding change in the reflected impedance. A mine device can be armed or disarmed, and report on its status when queried by the search unit coming sufficiently close to the mine device.

Abstract: A mine assembly comprises at least one charge module having a cylindrical shape, and an upper and lower circular surface end. An activating module for detonating the at least one charge module is operatively connected thereto. The activating module has at least a lower cylindrical end and interconnecting means provided at the upper circular end of the charge module. The interconnecting means includes a ring-shaped element having an inner diameter which corresponds to an outer diameter of the lower end of the activating module and to a diameter of other charge modules. The ring-shaped element forms an upwardly extending projection along the circular upper end surface of the charge module to provide a space thereon adapted for receiving a cylindrical end of one of the modules.

Abstract: A mine, particularly a land mine, is equipped with at least one active (i.e. destructive) element which is accommodated in a housing of the mine and can be brought to the functional level by means of a rocket engine. For attaining a definite ascent of the active element, the rocket engine is mounted to this active element in such a way, and is designed in such a way, that its exhaust nozzles are located outside the mine housing and the propellant gases of the rocket engine effect extraction of the active element from the mine housing which is open at an upper end. The rocket engine furthermore exerts preferably a torque on the active element about the longitudinal axis of the element so that, in conjunction with an effective charge, the effective direction of which is inclined obliquely downwardly, the effective area on the ground continuously increases in a spiral fashion during ascent of the active element.

Abstract: A lane marker preferably for delivery by a CATFAE weapon, has a mechanical imed device which is positioned and rides in the rear section of the CATFAE weapon as it is launched to a specified position on the ground. At first contact of the CATFAE with the ground, the lane marker is ejected vertically a short distance away from the ground and then falls onto the ground. On the ground the lane marker attitude is controlled for effective employment. Spring-biased probes deploy the makers which typically comprise two flags and two chemiluminescent lights to mark the impact point of the CATFAE. The two chemiluminescent lights are activated mechanically by cloud detonation overpressure prior to deployment of the spring-biased probes.

Abstract: A system for sweeping acoustic and magnetic mines or a combination of both s disclosed as comprising a pair of spatially disposed magnetic pipes that are held in their respective spatial dispositions by front and rear straps, and an acoustical energy generating pipe suspended between said front and rear straps by hinges in such manner that it is also disposed between said pair of spatially disposed magnetic pipes. A tractor vehicle moves all of the aforesaid pipes and their associated elements as a unit along a course intended to be cleared of acoustic and/or magnetic mines.

Abstract: Droppable or air-delivered ammunition, especially ammunition which is adapted to lie in-wait or in a lurking condition, and which includes a parachute and with a device for clearing away the parachute subsequent to being deposited on the ground.

Abstract: A rotary cam load positioning apparatus has a base, a bottom cam rotatably mounted on the base, and a top cam rotatably mounted on the bottom cam. The rotary cams have cylindrical wedge-shaped configurations with respective upper and lower surfaces disposed in inclined relation to one another. Thus, rotation of the top cam relative to the bottom cam will produce a change in the elevation position of a load supported on the upper surface of the top cam relative to the base, whereas rotation of both top and bottom cams together will produce a change in the azimuth position of the load supported on the upper surface of the top cam relative to the base.

Abstract: Self-erecting mines are known in which unfoldable erecting elements are articulated to the lower end of the mine body. When the mine body has reached the ground in some position, the erecting elements are unfolded to erect the mine body. The purpose of the invention is to prevent the erected mine body from toppling over under the influence of laterally directed forces. According to the invention, the erecting elements are lockable in the unfolded state so that they cannot fold up again. As a result, the effective supporting surface of the mine body is increased.

Abstract: By replacing a round sensor wire capable of effecting, by the formation of a spiral spring, the righting of a sensor wire on a mine after laying by a wire having a rectangular cross section wherein the larger sides of the rectangle of the cross-sectional area of the sensor wire form essentially a right angle with a radius vector of the cylindrical supporting member, the righting force of the sensor wire is considerably enhanced as compared with a round wire although the wire still remains sufficiently elastic to be windable around the mine without permanent deformation.

Abstract: A directional mine for combatting armored vehicles includes a projectile having a propelling device and a warhead; a support structure positioning the projectile prior to launching the projectile therefrom and electric circuitry for serving the projectile. There is further provided an arming unit including a battery, and an igniter accommodated in a housing insertable into and removable from the support structure; an ejector for pushing the housing out of the support structure; a locking device for retaining the housing in the inserted position and for preventing the ejector from becoming effective; a timer for placing the locking device in a releasing state after a predetermined period for allowing the ejector to push the housing outwardly; and electrical contacts mounted in the support structure and on the housing. Respective contacts are in engagement with one another in the inserted position of the housing.

Abstract: A safety apparatus to safe or to arm and fire a munition, utilizes a rotor containing an aligned adjacent firing pin and detonator in holes extending completely through the rotor perpendicular to the axis. A first explosively powered piston actuator, when fired, will unlock the rotor and enable a second explosively powered piston actuator, when fired, to rotate the rotor to align the detonator with an explosive charge and to cause a firing pin to fire the detonator. The detonator will fire a transfer lead which, in turn, will fire the main charge. As assembled, a third explosively powered piston actuator is aligned with the detonator and, when fired, will cause the detonator to explode and translate the rotor with part of the axis extending out of the munition where it is held in this position to indicate a safe condition.

Abstract: A treadle assembly for throwing armor piercing shaped charges or squash charges against the underside of armored vehicles has a tripping batten connected at an angle or cant to a lever arm or leg which leg holds an armor-penetrating munition on its far end. The batten and lever arm structure is such so that the munition is oriented in the correct direction when the assembly is deployed on the surface of the ground, such as a field or roadway. The munition has a firing pin which, when armed, extends upwardly to contact the underside of the armored vehicle when the vehicle wheel or tread pushes over the treadle plate thereby pivoting the lever arm and raising the munition.

Abstract: A mechanism assembly for a practice mine, comprising a mine body (1) being mounted thereon a housing (3) which incorporates an axially movable and axially rotatable arming plunger (4) which can be manually depressed from outside the mine in a manner to produce an arming movement which simulates a desired arming function of the mine. The mechanism assembly incorporates a release plunger (13) which can be depressed manually from outside the mine and which is arranged for operative co-action via a catch plate (7) and a locking device (16) with the arming plunger in a manner to influence the arming movement of the arming plunger.

Abstract: A guided missile is directed to railroad tracks, is buried a particular distance, such as five (5) feet, below the tracks upon reaching the tracks and is covered by rocks in the railroad bed as it moves the particular distance below the tracks. The guided missile detonates when the train approaches on the tracks within a particular distance from the guided missile on the tracks. The train then becomes derailed. The guided missile has a housing which is made from a strong metal and which is relatively thick. Preferably the metal is steel and has a thickness of about 0.2". A nose cone having a blunt configuration is disposed on the housing at the front end of the housing and is made from a material which passes signals into and out of the housing. The material is compressible (e.g. fiberglass, a ceramic or a glass) to become flattened when the missile strikes the ground.

Abstract: This buried system (1), which comprises a signalization device (2) constituted by a telescopic arrangement (3) of coaxial tubes (4,5,6,7) by means (8) for increasing the internal pressure in order to develop the telescopic arrangement (3) and by means (9) for controlling the increase of the internal pressure at a given instant, is characterized in that it moreover has means (12) for obtaining the tightness of the telescopic arrangement (3) at the level of the coaxial tubes (4,5,6,7) and a means (13) for ensuring the maintenance of the tightness during the development of the telescopic arrangement (3). The means (12 and 13) cooperate advantageously to impose the development of the coaxial tubes (4,5,6,7) in a determined order of succession, which improves the rigidity of the device and permits of obtaining a systematic emergence of a part of the latter into the open air.

Abstract: An align at fire safe and arm and electrical power supply module 10 for an electronically fuzed land mine 12. The module 10 is removably mounted into the land mine 12. Reserve batteries 16 are contained in the module 10 and are energized when a safety pin 25 is removed during mine emplacement. A slider 30 is located in the module housing 14. When the slider 30 is in its safe position, the firing train 57 of the warhead 65 of the mine 12 is interrupted. When the slider 30 is driven into its armed position by a piston actuator 32 in response to an align signal being produced by the fuzing subsystem 87 of the mine 12, the firing train 57 is completed through a transfer lead 60 located in the slider 30. The firing train detonator 44 may then be functioned by an electrical firing signal produced by the fuzing subsystem which will event the warhead 65. Detonating the firing train detonator 44 before the slider 30 is driven into its armed position, self-neutralizes the mine 12.

Abstract: A re-securable mine including a triggering or ignition circuit which is actuatable through the intermediary of a trigger securing arrangement. A re-securing block with a comparator is provided for a pregiven information or code and for an introduceable information or code, so as to reset the securing arrangement into the secured position at a pregivable relationship between the two informations or codes.

Abstract: An arrangement in a mine which is capable of being neutralized, comprising detecting means (33) operative to detect a neutralization of the mine, and initiator means (3) adapted to initiate detonation of a spotter charge (5) incorporated in the mine in response to the detection of a neutralization, and a spotter (1) which is arranged to be propelled from the mine by said detonator charge to the surface of the ground, in order to disclose the location of the mine. A penetrator (4), which is intended to drive a pathway through the ground to facilitate passage of the spotter (1), is arranged forwardly of the spotter in the mine, as seen in its direction of travel. The spotter (1) is capable of forwardly driving the penetrator (4) during a first phase of the spotter firing sequence; and the arrangement further includes a separating device (9) which is intended to separate the spotter from the penetrator during a second phase of the firing sequence.

Abstract: A firing train function indicator 10 for a self neutralizing recoverable land mine 16. An explosive bolt 20 is used to hold a helical spring 44 in a compressed state. The upper portion 30 of the bolt 20 is attached to one end of the spring 44 and the other end 32 of the explosive bolt 20 is attached to base 38 of indicator 10. A highly visible inverted cup-shaped flag 48 is also attached to the upper portion 30 of the explosive bolt 20. The detonator 18 of the explosive bolt 20 is fired when the mine 16 self neutralizes to separate the upper portion 30 of the bolt 20 from its lower portion 32. The spring 44 is then free to expand raising the flag 48 above the self neutralized mine 16. A flag 48 so deployed, identifies the location of a self neutralized mine 16 and is a reliable indicator to recovery personnel that the mine 16 is in fact safe to approach and recover.

Abstract: A weapon for use in a simulated war game which has the characteristics of a land mine and therefore does not require the user to be in proximity to a target when the weapon is activated. The weapon includes a housing having a first chamber adapted to contain a slurry of a marking agent and dispersing agent. A second chamber, communicating with the first chamber, is adapted to contain a propelling agent such as a cylinder of compressed gas for example. A trigger mechanism is operatively associated with an activator for the propelling agent to actuate the activator when the trigger mechanism is tripped. When the activator is actuated, the propellant is released into the first chamber to drive the slurry from such chamber through an opening into an exterior receptacle, which in turn directs the slurry in a desired pattern exteriorly of the housing.

Abstract: A hybrid explosive unit which is intended for artillery shells or anti-tank mines has a casing, an explosive charge in the casing defining an upwardly-facing hollow, a dished element lining the hollow, a metal cylinder embedded in the charge and extending through a center of the dished element, a sheath of inert material surrounding the cylinder, the cylinder and sheath together forming a first projectile of high penetrating power, and, a plate of inert material embedded in the charge across the lower ends of the cylinder and of the sheath, the plate being adapted, upon firing of the unit, to act as an attenuator and diffractor of the detonation wave, and the plate and dished element together forming a second projectile of high penetrating power which travels behind the first projectile when the unit is fired.

Abstract: A scatterable type of mine in accordance with the invention, comprises: a mine body (100) including an explosive charge enclosed in a generally flat casing including a bearing face (120) and an exposed face (110), the bearing face being in contact with the ground and the exposed face being turned upwardly when the mine is resting on the ground in the active position; a cover (200) having a contour similar to that of the mine body and placed on top of the mine body when in the closed position, the exposed face of the mine being under the cover and the cover being hinged to the mine body at a peripheral point thereof; locking means for keeping the cover closed; and opening means for unlocking the cover and exerting a pivoting torque thereon to move it from the closed position to a open position in which, after a relative rotation of about half a turn, the cover rests to one side of the mine body, the top face of the cover then being turned downwards and bearing on the ground; the pivoting torque being at equal

Abstract: The munition comprises a munition body (100) which may enclose an anti-tank mine; a cover (200) for the munition body and constituting a support for a plurality of ejectable charges (300-305), e.g. anti-personnel mines. The munition is placed or scattered on the ground while it is in the closed position. Thereafter it opens, the anti-tank mine is activated, and the anti-personnel mines are ejected in a cluster around the anti-tank mine, whereby a plurality of identical munitions may be laid to set up a combined anti-tank and anti-personnel barrage.

Abstract: A cap-shaped cover for hollow-charge mines is adapted to form a hollow cavity adjacent to a portion of the mine. The cover, in its initial position, is in a folded, collapsed, introverted or the like closed condition and in its operational position, the cover is extended by a compression spring to assume a shell-like, hemispherical, or open configuration that defines the cavity. The cover includes at least one ventilating device for venting of the closed cover, a flexible body portion and the compression spring. The spring is formed of at least two separate, identical parts. These parts are arranged in the cover in such a way that the compression spring is symmetrical in all vertical section planes. The lead angle of a central turn section of each individual part of the compression spring, in the operational position of the compression spring, is 15.degree.-45.degree., at least in the zone adjoining an outer turn section.

Abstract: Arrangement for a land mine which is provided with at least one magnetic field sensing device which is arranged to initiate detonation of the mine when a change in the magnetic field is sensed. A magnetic body is laid out loosely underneath the mine so that when the mine is raised from the ground this results in the mine being removed from the magnetic body, so that a change in the magnetic field which initiates detonation of the mine is sensed by the magnetic field sensing device.

Abstract: A mine, especially an antitank mine, that can be laid on the ground surface by being dropped from the air and that impinges on the ground in a preferred impact direction includes a detonator and an explosive charge located in a housing. The housing is subdivided into an operational part containing the detonator and into an active part containing the explosive. Both the active and operational parts are coupled together by a shape-mating connection. The shape-mating connection is severed when a predetermined impact load on said mine has been exceeded and at this time the active part is separated from the operational part by the impact shock.

Abstract: An anti-tank mine with a wide area of action comprising means for detecting a target of the tracked-vehicle type and a mine body incorporating a pyrotechnic charge, means for controlling the triggering of the mine in response to a signal given by the target detection means, means for firing the charge and means for propelling the mine body triggered by the control means. The target detection means are associated with reinforcement means to constitute at least one flexible guide-detection cable serving as a guide when the mine body moves under the action of the propelling means in response to the detection of a target. Preferably a plurality of guide-detection cables spreadable in several different directions around the mine body are used.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shaped-charge mine the effect of which is directed along either of two opposite directions and which is capable of operating whatever the manner of laying it.This mine comprises a charge contained within a substantially cylindrical housing to the ends of which two coverings are fastened. An impact-damping means is arranged around the housing. It is formed either of a layer of damping material on which there are fastened deployable tongues or of two disks tied together by tie rods embedded in a layer of damping material and deployable tongues fastened to the disks, or finally a single layer of damping material applied directly to the housing. The damping means is such that the ratio of the height h of the mine to the diameter d formed by said means is less than 0.5.

Abstract: A dome-shaped molded component or device for use with an operative element, e.g. a hollow-charge mine, is adapted to be connected at a continuous rim with the operative element. The device comprises a flexible body formed of an elastic material and at least one venting means for venting a cavity defined by the body when the device is placed in its functional or operative position. The device also has a rib arranged on the body for causing the body to deploy from a collapsed introverted inoperative initial position to an extended extroverted, operative position. The body part of the device is compressed under elastic deformation and is held in this position by a retaining unit for applying an external force to the device so that the device is collapsed within the operative element. Upon release of the externally effective force, the rib effects the deployment of the body into its functional or operative position.

Abstract: My invention consists of a method of using the overpressure shock from a large number of air bursts, i.e., small explosives placed on the ground, to destroy aerial targets. The destruction of said aerial targets is effected by placing the explosive charges on a surface, all points of which are equidistant from the target. Alternately, the explosives are detonated on a surface which is NOT equidistant to the target at all points, but the explosives are delayed in such a manner that the shock wave from all of the explosive packages reach the target at the same time, they constructively interfere to cause a region of high overpressure which destroys the target.

Abstract: A cavity-forming shaped device for use with articles, especially hollow-charge mines, that forms, in an operative position, a cavity tightly sealed all around preferably with a portion of the article. The shaped device has a flexible body portion, at least one ventilating means and means for effecting deployment of the body portion from a collapsed inoperative starting position to an extended operative position. The body portion is folded up, compressed, inverted, or the like in its starting position, and is deployed and ventilated to provide the closed and sealed cavity, in order to place the device into its functional or operative position.

Abstract: A rotor mounting a sensor to be inserted into the earth is rotatably mounted within and locked to a cylindrical housing. The latter may be dropped to the earth and may come to rest in any orientation. When at rest, the rotor is unlocked and a drive mechanism rotates the rotor with respect to the housing. Gravity causes a ball in a tortuous path in the rotor to traverse the path and to drop into one of a plurality of annularly spaced recesses in the housing when the rotor reaches a desired orientation. With the ball in place in a recess, a wedge surface on the rotor wedges against a portion of the ball extending from the recess and this stops the rotor--in the desired orientation.

Abstract: An anti-aircraft mine which ejects fragment(s) upwardly from an upright ption in a selected ground area. The mine includes a warhead subassembly having walls forming a chamber for an explosive and having a frontplate which forms and ejects fragments upon an explosion, and includes a stabilization subassembly using a fin for controlling the trajectory of descent and its position of landing, after its ejection from an artillery projectile, and includes a target sensing subassembly having an antenna and signal processor and computer for tracking a low flying object, such as a plane, helicopter, drone, or missile, and for upwardly ejecting its fragments when the object enters a lethal zone of the mine.