Mine Types

Question 1

Define “Naval Mine”

Answer 1

A self-contained explosive device placed in water to damage or destroy surface ships or submarines.

Question 2

Defensive vs. Offensive use

Answer 2

Defensive: safeguard key stretches of coast, forcing enemy to move into more easily defended areas or keep them away from sensitive ones.

Offensive: Place in enemy waters, with the aim of sinking vessels.

Question 3

How do we classify mines?

Answer 3

Position in the water column

Method of delivery

Method of activation

Question 4

What are the 3 broad types of mines (position in water column)

Answer 4

Drift

Moored

Bottom

Question 5

Drift Mines

Answer 5

At top of water column

Drift with the ocean, cannot be controlled.

Question 6

Oscillating mine

Answer 6

A type of drift mine that maintains a set depth below the surface.

Question 7

Moored mines

Answer 7

Fixed to the ocean floor by a tether. Can be at any depth

Mostly used as anti-submarine weapons.

Question 8

Bottom Mines

Answer 8

Rest on the bottom in relatively shallow water (<60m for surface, <200 for subs)

Usually influence activated.

May release a rising warhead or a torpedo.

Question 9

Answer 9

Question 10

Components of a mine (3)

Answer 10

Casing
Warhead
Fusing

Question 11

3 types of mine fusing

Answer 11

Contact Fusing
Influence Fusing
Remote Fusing

Question 12

Describe a Hertz Horn

Answer 12

Contains sulfuric acid and an inert battery. On contact, the acid vial breaks, acid runs into the battery and activates, which completes the firing circuit.

Question 13

Mine Laying

Answer 13

deploying mines IOT deny enemy access.

Ships typically used for defensive mines.

Aircraft typically used to employ mines offensively.

Submarines can lay mines as well.

Question 14

Passive MCM

Answer 14

Influence the ship’s capability to be sensed by a mine. Signature reduction.

Question 15

Active MCM

Answer 15

Minesweeping.

Question 16

Influence minesweeping

Answer 16

Uses acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signals to detonate emplaced mines.

Question 17

Mechanical minesweeping

Answer 17

uses a towed sled or other mechanical device to cut cables of moored mines. The mines then float and can be detonated by other means.

Question 18

Minehunting

Answer 18

can use electronic detection or dolphins to find mines.

Safest and most effective method.

Question 19

Mine Running

Answer 19

Sailing a ship through a minefield in order to prove a course is safe for other ships to follow. .