| Pignone mod.43 | |
| Caption: | Pignone mod.43 type 2 conserved at the Imperial War Museums |
| Type: | anti-tank mine |
| Wars: | World War II |
| Origin: | Kingdom of Italy |
| Detonation: | Pressure activated (of pressure) |
| Is Explosive: | yes |
| Filling: | TNT |
| Variants: | Type 1 and Type 2 |
| Service: | 1943-1945 |
| Used By: | Royal italian Army |
The Pignone mod.43 were bakelite cased Italian anti-tank blast mines used during the Second World War in North Africa and Italy.
The Pignone mines were the most modern Italian anti-tank mines of WWII, they were produced starting from 1943 in two versions: type 1 and type 2, which differed by the external shaping and the activating pressure which was respectively and . Although the mines had plastic cases, they had a number of metal components, rendering them detectable to mine detectors.[1]
The Pignone P-1 and Pignone P-2 were plastic cased Italian anti-tank blast mines.
The P-1 has circular plate like body 33.5 centimeters in diameter and 14 centimeters high with a central raised pressure plate. The P-1 uses a 15.4lb main charge of TNT.
The P-2 has a circular bowl like body 33 centimeters in diameter and 12.7 centimeters high. It uses a smaller 11lb TNT charge.
Pressure of between 242lb330lb on the pressure plate of either of the mines compresses a rubber collar, pushing down the head of the fuze. The downward movement of the fuze ruptures the shear pins freeing the head of the fuze. The fuze head continues downwards, compressing a rubber cylinder which presses down on the striker assembly until two retaining balls are released. The striker is then pushed by a spring into a percussion cap which triggers a booster followed by the main charge.