The Controversial Design of Soviet PFM-1 Mine: Was It Intended to Attract Children?
The Soviet PFM-1 mine, also known as the ldquo;TTXrdquo; antipersonnel mine, was designed in the second half of the 1970s and has been a subject of debate regarding its purpose and impact. Some argue that the distinctive design was intentional and deliberate, designed to attract the attention of children and civilians, while others believe it was a result of a purely functional aerodynamic requirement.
Design and Functionality
While the aerodynamic properties of the PFM-1 mine dictated its shape, providing effective airborne delivery, many experts argue that its design was not intentionally created to target children. The same design was used for the U.S. BLU-43 ldquo;Dragontoothrdquo; mine, used during the Vietnam War, which also did not have a child-attracting purpose. However, the PFM-1 was deployed much more liberally, particularly in residential areas, leading to significant civilian casualties.
PFM-1 Mine Details
The PFM-1 mine exists in two versions: the standard PFM-1 and the self-destruction version, PFM-1C. The PFM-1C has a 1-40 hour timer before self-destruction. The two versions are nearly identical, with the only difference being an self-destruct marking on the PFM-1C. The PFM-1 is deployed using the Soviet PCM-1 remote mine-laying mechanism.
The design of the PFM-1 is quite simple and ingeniously functional. The main body is made of light polyethylene, with metal parts in the fuse. The total weight of a single PFM-1 mine is 80 grams, of which 40 grams is the explosive substance. The distinctive ldquo;petalrdquo; shape is not just a design choice but provides the necessary aerodynamic stability, preventing the mine from exploding when it hits the ground during air-dropping.
Technical Specifications
Body: Polyethylene plastic Length: 11.9 cm Width: 6.4 cm Thickness: 2 cm Area of Target Sensor: 34.1 cm2 Sensitivity of Triggering: 5-25 kg Range of Fire Time: 1-10 minutes Time of Combat Operation: 1-40 hours (PFM-1C) Weight: 80 gr.Activation Mechanism
The PFM-1 mine is activated by a pressure force of 5-25 kg applied to the petals. When triggered, the explosive liquid rushes to the detonator, which then initiates the explosion. This mechanism ensures that the mine detonates only when a person steps on it, typically at the foot or just above it. There are virtually no fragments from the mine, with the damage inflicted directly on the person who disarms it.
Usage and Impact in Afghanistan
The PFM-1 mine was utilized extensively during the Soviet-Afghan war (1979-1989). Soviet troops deployed these mines in areas where they anticipated resistance, leading to numerous civilian casualties, including children, due to the unique and distinctive appearance of the mine. Experts argue that the design and deployment of the PFM-1, as well as the self-destructing PFM-1C, were not intentionally aimed at targeting children but were more a result of the need for effective aerodynamic properties and delivery methods.
Current Status
Currently, the production of PFM-1 and PFM-1C mines has ceased. Nations with these mines in their stockpiles are actively working to destroy their remaining stockpiles to mitigate the risk of accidental detonations and ensure the safety of civilians.