Technical and Tactical Characteristics of the PDM-2 Mine
- Mine type
- anti-landing bottom-laid high-explosive
- Body
- steel
- Weight, high support frame
- 135 kg
- Weight, low support frame
- 100 kg
- Explosive charge weight
- 15 kg
- Type of explosive
- TNT
- Overall dimensions of support frame
- 2 by 2 m
- Height with target sensor, high support frame
- 2.1-2.7 m
- Height with target sensor, low support frame
- 1.4 m
- Actuation force
- 40-50 kg at an inclination angle of 10°-15°
- Submergence depth of target sensor below water surface, high support frame
- 0.3-1.7 m
- Submergence depth of target sensor below water surface, low support frame
- 0.1-1 m
- Operating temperature range
- 0 to +30 °C
The mine is emplaced on the bottom of a body of water at a depth of 1.5-3.8 meters, manually from the shore or from a watercraft. It functions when pressure is applied to the target sensor with a force of 40-50 kg, according to the same principle as the PDM-1M mine (deflection of the rod in any direction by 10°-15°). When the mine detonates, a breach is formed in the hull of the enemy vehicle, and the hydraulic shock disables the vehicle’s engine and transmission.
The mine’s service life in combat is not limited. The mine is not fitted with a self-destruct device. It has no anti-removal or anti-neutralization elements, but mine clearance is prohibited.
Emplacement of these mines is possible only in advance, in the absence of the enemy on the opposite bank, because installation requires a significant amount of work and the involvement of a large number of personnel, which compromises concealment of the operation.
In addition, a great deal of grass, debris, logs, branches, and other objects is always carried by the current, which often leads to false actuations. However, the less sensitive fuze compared with the fuze of the PDM-1M mine (50 kg versus 26 kg) increases the mine’s resistance to such effects.
During the Vietnam War, mining the Mekong River against U.S. patrol boats produced a positive effect, although under fairly clean current conditions. Good results were achieved when mines were used to mine bays where there was no current. Mining the coastal strip of the Suez Canal produced no result. The sand under the ballast plates was quickly washed out; the mines overturned and detonated, or they were carried away by the current.
Coloring
Green.
Marking
Standard marking, applied in black paint on the spherical body, and includes:
- PDM-2 - mine designation.
- 80-1-88 - manufacturer plant code - lot number - year of manufacture.
- T - filling code.