8. CURRENT U.S. NAVAL MINE INVENTORY
The mines illustrated below represent the current inventory of mines that the U.S. Navy plants in the water for either Service or E&T requirements. The remaining pages in this section provide details for each mine such as use, delivery method, components, color, weight, accessories, explosive mixture (Service mines only), and target detection capabilities where appropriate.
MECHANICAL SWEEP MINE MK 6
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Mechanical Sweep Mines Mk 6 are surface-launched inert E&T shapes of their obsolete service mine counterparts. They are designed solely for training personnel in the techniques of mine countermeasures (moored mine neutralization).
The Mine Mk 6 consists of an 800-pound anchor connected by a mooring cable to a buoyant 500-pound mine case. The spherical mine case is inert-loaded. The extender and firing mechanism wells are empty and closed with watertight shipping covers. Four H-plugs are used to seal the horn holes in the mine case. The mine case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes. The anchor is painted black. There are three OAs for the Mechanical Sweep Mine Mk 6. OA-01 is the standard assembly used with the plummet and anchor functioning as designed. OA-02 has been modified by removing the parachute and pulling the cable out of the anchor equal to the desired case mooring depth (plummet not used). OA-03 is the same as OA-02, except that an arming wire is used to initiate case/anchor separation. There are two methods of planting Mechanical Sweep Mines Mk 6: OA-01 and OA-02 are planted using launching tracks mounted on the planting vessel, and OA-03 is planted using an overside crane. |
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HUNTING MINES MK 25 & 36
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The Hunting Mine Mk 25 is a recoverable, inert-loaded shape. It is planted in the water by surface craft solely to help mine countermeasures personnel develop their mine hunting skills and techniques.
The mine weighs approximately 2,000 pounds with its tail cover. The flight gear (shown above) is omitted when the mine is surface planted and is only shown to illustrate how a fully assembled Mine Mk 25 appeared when it was once dropped from aircraft. The mine does not contain explosives or target detecting/actuating mechanisms and, therefore, is ballasted internally with concrete to maintain its necessary negative buoyancy and bottom stability. The mine’s case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes. |
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The Hunting Mine Mk 36 is a recoverable, inert-loaded shape that is also planted by surface craft solely to help mine countermeasures personnel develop their mine hunting skills and techniques. In many ways, it is simply a smaller version of the Mine Mk 25.
The mine weighs approximately 1,000 pounds with its tail cover. The flight gear (shown above) is omitted when the mine is surface planted and is only shown to illustrate how a fully assembled Mine Mk 36 appeared when it was once dropped from aircraft. The mine does not contain explosives or target detecting/actuating mechanisms and, therefore, is ballasted internally with concrete to maintain its necessary negative buoyancy and bottom stability. The mine’s case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes. |
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LAYING/HUNTING MINES MK 52
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The Laying Mine Mk 52 is a recoverable, inert-loaded mine. It is designed solely for training aviation personnel flying B-52H Stratofortress, P-3C Orion, or F/A-18A/D Hornet aircraft in the techniques of carrying mines and planting minefields.
The mine weighs approximately 1,000 pounds, consisting of a ballasted mine case, tail cover, and flight gear. Three options are available for tail cover use: the standard tail cover may be used with or without a float, or a modified tail cover designed for MMS Mk 5 (sea lion) recovery may be used. The modified tail cover does not use a float. The mine’s case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes.
Three OAs exist for the Laying Mine Mk 52. For OA-03K, Fin Mk 10 is fitted. OA-04K calls for a Fin Mk 20. Finally, OA-05K requires a Fairing, Nose & Tail Mk 19. For all three of these OAs, a Parachute Pack Mk 35 is also used. |
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The Hunting Mine Mk 52 is also a recoverable, inert-loaded mine that is planted by surface craft. It is planted solely to help mine countermeasures personnel develop their mine hunting skills and techniques. The mine’s flight gear is not used for surface planting. This mine also weighs approximately 1,000 pounds, consisting of a ballasted mine case and tail cover. Two options are available for tail cover use: the standard tail cover may be used, or a modified tail cover designed for MMS Mk 5 recovery may be utilized. The modified tail cover does not use a float. The mine’s case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes. |
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ACTUATION MINE MK 52
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The Actuation Mine Mk 52 is a recoverable, inert-loaded mine. It is normally planted by B‑52H Stratofortress, P-3C Orion, or F/A-18A/D Hornet aircraft, but may also be planted minus its flight gear from surface craft. It is planted to help mine countermeasures personnel develop their mine sweeping skills and techniques. If air delivered, it also serves to enhance aircrew proficiency in carrying mines and planting minefields at sea.
The mine weighs approximately 1,000 pounds, consisting of a mine case, instrument rack, tail cover, pyrotechnic (colored smoke) signal and a float inside a drill section, and flight gear (only if air delivered). It does not contain explosives and is ballasted with concrete to maintain its necessary negative buoyancy. The mine does contain magnetic (Mod 2) or acoustic/magnetic (Mod 5) firing mechanisms that, instead of exploding the mine, operate a pyrotechnic signal which surfaces to provide a visual indication of mine actuation. A search coil inside the mine’s case senses magnetic stimuli, while a hydrophone (Mod 5 only) responds to acoustic signals. After a preset time, the float is freed to rise to the water’s surface. This float pays out a 200-foot recovery line that is secured to the mine case, enabling mine recovery by surface craft without the use of divers. The float will operate in this delayed manner whether or not mine actuation (pyrotechnic signal release) has occurred. The mine’s case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes. Three OAs exist for the Actuation Mine Mk 52. For OA-03B, Fin Mk 10 or 20 is fitted. OA‑06B calls for a Fairing, Nose & Tail Mk 19. For both of these air-delivered OAs,
a Parachute Pack Mk 35 is also used. OA-05E is assembled minus any sort of flight gear for surface planting. |
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HUNTING MINE MK 55
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The Hunting Mine Mk 55 is a recoverable, inert-loaded shape planted by surface craft. It is planted solely to help mine countermeasures personnel develop their mine hunting skills and techniques.
The mine weighs approximately 2,000 pounds, consisting of a mine case and tail cover (flight gear is omitted). The flight gear is shown above only to illustrate how a fully assembled mine appeared when it was once dropped from aircraft. The mine does not contain explosives or target detecting/actuating mechanisms and, therefore, is ballasted with concrete to maintain its necessary negative buoyancy. Two options are available for tail cover use. The standard tail cover may be used, or a modified tail cover designed for MMS Mk 5 recovery may be used. The mine’s case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes. |
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SERVICE/LAYING MINES MK 56
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The Service Mine Mk 56 is an explosive-loaded (HBX-3 fill) moored mine operationally planted by personnel flying B-52H Stratofortress, F/A-18A/D Hornet, and P-3C Orion aircraft.
This 2,000-pound mine consists of an anchor, mechanism section, explosive section, and flight gear. Although intended primarily as an anti-submarine weapon, it can also be used effectively against surface craft. The mine employs a magnetic firing mechanism, which uses a total-field magnetometer as its influence detector. Unlike earlier search coils which responded to changes in only one component of a ship’s magnetic field, the Mine Mk 56’s magnetometer responds to changes in magnitude of the total background field. The mechanism/explosive sections are painted brick red and the anchor is painted black.
Six OAs exist for the Service Mine Mk 56: OAs 05, 06, 09, 10, 11, and 12. Minefield planners use these OAs to provide the characteristics necessary to meet a specific operational requirement such as the need to employ a particular flight gear option, the need for a special auxiliary device such as the gas generator used to free the mine from mud, etc. The possible assembly variations are too numerous to mention here. |
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The Laying Mine Mk 56 is a recoverable, inert-loaded mine identical in size and weight to its Service mine counterpart. It is designed solely for training aviation personnel flying B-52H, F/A-18A/D, and P-3C aircraft in the techniques of carrying mines and planting minefields.
This mine consists of a non-functional anchor since it does not separate and moor the mine’s mechanism section. It also has an inert-loaded explosive section, an arming device simulator, and functional flight gear. For MMS Mk 5 recovery, a marine mammal recovery attachment is installed on the arming device simulator. The mechanism and inert-loaded explosive sections are painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes and the anchor remains black.
Two OAs (05K and 06K) exist for the Laying Mine Mk 56. They differ only in that OA-06K calls for the installation of a Fairing Mk 21 consisting of an aerodynamic nose and nose piece. |
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QUICKSTRIKE SERVICE/LAYING MINES MK 62
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The QUICKSTRIKE Service Mine Mk 62 is an explosive-loaded (H-6 fill) bottom mine operationally planted by personnel flying B-52H Stratofortress, F/A-18A/D Hornet, F-14A/D Tomcat, B-1B Lancer, B-2A Spirit, or P-3C Orion aircraft. This mine is currently being flight tested on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with carriage approval expected in the near future.
This 500-pound mine consists of a thick-walled general purpose (GP) Bomb Mk 82 incorporating an Arming Device Mk 32, and a Fin Mk 15, Fin BSU-86/B, or Tail Section Mk 16. The mine uses a Target Detection Device (TDD) Mk 57 (magnetic and seismic sensors) to detect stimuli generated by enemy vessels. The mine case is painted either olive drab or gray (new color).
Six OAs exist for the QS Service Mine Mk 62. For OAs 02 and 03, a Fin Mk 15 is fitted. A Fin BSU-86/B is used for OA-09. A Tail Section Mk 16 is used for OA-06 (F/A-18), OA-12 (B-1B), or OA-13 (B-2A). |
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The QUICKSTRIKE Laying Mine Mk 62 is a recoverable, inert-loaded mine identical in size and weight to its Service mine counterpart. It is designed solely for training aviation personnel flying B-52H, F/A-18A/D, B-1B, B-2A, or P-3C aircraft in the techniques of carrying mines and planting minefields.
This mine consists of an inert-loaded GP Bomb Mk 82 incorporating an inert‑loaded Arming Device Mk 32 and an operational Fin Mk 15, Fin BSU-86/B, or Tail Section Mk 16. For MMS Mk 5 recovery with either fin, a marine mammal recovery attachment and spacer is installed in the rear fuse well. For Tail Sections Mk 16, a special grabber mechanism mates with the tail’s access holes when MMS Mk 5 recovery is used. The mine case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes. Six OAs exist for the QS Laying Mine Mk 62. For OAs 02K and 03K, a Fin Mk 15 is fitted. A Fin BSU-86/B is used for OA-09K. A Tail Section Mk 16 is used for OA-06K (F/A-18), OA‑12K (B-1B), or OA-13K (B-2A). |
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QUICKSTRIKE SERVICE/LAYING MINES MK 63
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The QUICKSTRIKE Service Mine Mk 63 is an explosive-loaded (H-6 fill) bottom mine operationally planted by personnel flying B-52H Stratofortress, F/A-18A/D Hornet, or P-3C Orion aircraft. This mine is currently being flight tested on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with carriage approval expected in the near future.
This 1,000-pound mine consists of a thick-walled general purpose (GP) Bomb Mk 83 incorporating an Arming Device Mk 32 and a Fin MAU-91A/B or Tail Section Mk 12. The mine uses a Target Detection Device (TDD) Mk 57 (magnetic and seismic sensors) to detect stimuli generated by enemy vessels. The mine case is painted either olive drab or gray (new color).
Three OAs exist for the QS Service Mine Mk 63. For OAs 02 and 03, a Fin MAU-91A/B
is fitted. A Tail Section Mk 12 is used for OA-06. |
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The QS Laying Mine Mk 63 is a recoverable, inert-loaded mine identical in size and weight to its service mine counterpart. It is designed solely for training aviation personnel flying B‑52H, F/A-18A/D, or P-3C aircraft in the techniques of carrying mines and planting minefields.
This mine consists of an inert loaded GP Bomb Mk 83 incorporating an inert‑loaded Arming Device Mk 32 and an operational Fin MAU‑91A/B or Tail Section Mk 12. For MMS Mk 5 recovery with a fin, a marine mammal recovery attachment and spacer is installed in the rear fuse well. For MMS Mk 5 recovery with a tail, the tail is fitted with two steel bail weldments (inside the tail’s access holes) painted white. The mine case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes.
Four OAs exist for the QS Laying Mine Mk 63. For OAs 02K and 03K, a Fin MAU-91A/B is fitted. A Tail Section Mk 12 is used for OA-06K. Finally, OA-06KQ signifies a Tail Section Mk 12 fitted with the two bail weldments. |
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QUICKSTRIKE SERVICE/LAYING MINES MK 65
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The QUICKSTRIKE Service Mine Mk 65 is an explosive-loaded mine for operational planting by aviation personnel flying B-52H Stratofortress, F/A-18A/D Hornet, B-1B Lancer, and P-3C Orion aircraft. This mine is currently being flight tested on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with carriage approval expected in the near future. It was designed as a mine from the outset, using a thin-walled mine-type case filled with a PBXN-103 explosive mix vice the thicker bomb-type cases used by QUICKSTRIKE Mines Mk 62 and 63 filled with explosive mix H-6. The mine uses either a Target Detection Device (TDD) Mk 57 (magnetic and seismic sensors) or a TDD Mk 58 (magnetic, seismic, and pressure sensors) to detect stimuli generated by enemy vessels.
This mine weighs approximately 2,260 pounds, consisting of a mine case, nose fairing, and a Tail Section Mk 7. Its case is a steel cylinder 93 inches long and 21 inches in diameter at its largest point. A 16‑inch portion of the aft end of the case tapers from 21 inches to 17.5 inches in diameter, at which point the tail is attached. The mine’s case is painted olive drab. |
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The QUICKSTRIKE Laying Mine Mk 65 is a recoverable, inert-loaded mine identical in size and weight to its Service mine counterpart. It is designed solely for training aviation personnel flying the same airborne platforms identified above for the Service mine variant.
The mine consists of a mine case, nose fairing, and an operational Tail Section Mk 7. The mine case is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes to enhance its visibility in the water and to help expedite recovery efforts.
Although this mine contains no explosives and does not explode as do Service mines, the Tail Section Mk 7 contains a low-level explosive device that is used to deploy the parachute once the mine is released from the aircraft. After release from the aircraft, impact with the water shears off the tail which uncovers a float assembly housed in the rear of the mine case. This float rises to the water’s surface to mark the mine’s underwater location. |
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SUBMARINE LAUNCHED MOBILE MINE (SLMM) MK 67
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A SLMM Mk 67 weighs approximately 1,790 pounds and is launched from submerged submarines. The SLMM propels itself to the planting site where it shuts down and plants itself until recovery. Approximately twenty seconds after the end of the run, all propulsion and control functions are shut down and the fuse ejector disconnects the main motor fuse disconnect. This action prevents the motor from restarting after planting.
The Service SLMM is a self‑propelled bottom mine with a capability that permits it to be covertly placed in a predetermined bottom planting location. It uses a Target Detection Device (TDD) Mk 57 that utilizes magnetic and seismic sensors to detect stimuli generated by enemy vessels. The SLMM’s purpose is to restrict ship and submarine traffic in an operational role. The Service SLMM employs a modified Torpedo Mk 37 as the propulsion vehicle, designated the Body, Mine Main Assembly Mk 4. Forward of this main body is the Explosive Section Mk 13/Nose Section Subassembly (Loaded) which contains the PBXN‑103 explosive mixture, Exploder Mechanism Mk 19, Arming Device Mk 2, and TDD Mk 57 with its Battery Mk 131.
The Body, Mine Main Assembly Mk 4 is painted green, while the Explosive Section Mk 13 retains its galvanized finish. |
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The Laying SLMM is used to provide a means for submarine personnel to develop the proficiency required to plant the mine in a minefield. The Laying SLMM also uses the Body, Mine Main Assembly Mk 4 for propulsion, modified so it does not flood at end of run and so the energized training battery does not run the propulsion motor when first mated to the main body. The SLMM training “nose” depends on the OA it is to be configured in:
· OA-05 consists of an Inert Loaded Explosive Section Mk 13/Nose Section Subassembly. The inert fill material is used in this section to simulate the weight and CG of its explosive counterpart. A weight simulator is also used in place of the TDD.
· OA-06 consists of an Exercise Head Assembly Mk 91/Nose Section Subassembly that contains an anchor, weight simulator, Control Box Mk 59, Gel-Cell Battery Mk 140, Float/Flare Launcher Mk 27, and Signal Mk 115/116 (optional, not used in several years).
The Body, Mine Main Assembly Mk 4 is painted green, while the Inert Loaded Explosive Section Mk 13 or Exercise Head Assembly Mk 91 is painted either white with orange stripes or orange with white stripes. |
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VERSATILE EXERCISE MINE (VEM) MK 74
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The VEM Mk 74 is a specially constructed interactive mine simulator training device that represents a typical bottom mine. Cylindrical in shape, it is 9 feet long, 21 inches in diameter, and weighs a little over 1,200 pounds. It is used to assess the effectiveness of mine countermeasures (MCM) operations as well as providing realistic training for MCM forces. The VEM Mk 74 is designed to be representative of foreign threat mines and does not possess a U.S. Navy Service mine counterpart.
The VEM Mk 74 contains multiple sensors and programmable electronics housed in a mine case that presents a realistic sonar profile of a bottom mine. Each VEM Mk 74 can be programmed to emulate the target detection capabilities of various known bottom mines by emulating their mine-fire logic. In addition to emulating the logic, each VEM Mk 74 collects data from its sensors and provides it to exercise participants in either real-time or as stored data for later analysis. By exercising against such a device, mine hunting and sweeping forces can obtain a quantitative assessment of their effectiveness and vulnerability.
The VEM Mk 74 comprises two subassemblies: a three-foot buoy section is connected in line with a six-foot ballast section. The buoy section is watertight and houses the VEM’s sensors and microprocessor-based electronics. The sensors include three passive acoustic sensors located along the buoy section’s circumference at the 4, 8, and 12 O’clock positions. A triple‑axis magnetometer, a seismic sensor, and a pressure sensor are also permanently installed. The buoy section is painted orange and the ballast section is painted white.
Other buoy section components include three active communication transducers interspersed between the passive sensors for the acoustic link. An inclinometer determines the VEM’s roll angle on the bottom. A pressure transducer measures the depth and adjusts the communication transducer’s output power accordingly. Two depth switches awaken the VEM upon water entry and also activate safety and security features that (1) prevent inadvertent release of the buoy assembly near the surface when an unseparated VEM Mk 74 is being recovered, and (2) erase the emulation programming (but not the recorded data) during recovery to prevent unauthorized access to classified mine emulations.
The ballast section anchors the VEM Mk 74 via a free-flooding case weighted with lead along its bottom to orient the VEM upright as it lands and to stabilize itself on the seabed. A release mechanism in the ballast section uses a cable cutter driven by pressurized air stored in a tank. Upon command via acoustic link or at a preprogrammed time, the cutter severs an internal wire rope, freeing the buoy section to surface. |
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VERSATILE EXERCISE MINE (VEM) MK 75
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The VEM Mk 75 is a specially constructed interactive mine simulator training device that represents a stealth type of shallow water mine. Shaped like a truncated cone, it is 18 inches tall, 38 inches in diameter, and weighs a little over 800 pounds. It is used to assess the effectiveness of mine countermeasures (MCM) operations as well as providing realistic training for MCM forces. The shape, in combination with an anechoic coating, results in a low target strength and a realistically small sonar shadow. The VEM Mk 75 is designed to be representative of foreign threat mines and does not possess a U.S. Navy Service mine counterpart.
The VEM Mk 75 contains multiple sensors and programmable electronics. Each VEM Mk 75 can be programmed to emulate the target detection capabilities of various known bottom mines by emulating their mine-fire logic. In addition to emulating the logic, each VEM Mk 75 collects data from its sensors and provides it to exercise participants in either real-time or as stored data for later analysis. By exercising against such a device, mine hunting and sweeping forces can obtain a quantitative assessment of their effectiveness and vulnerability.
The VEM Mk 75 comprises two subassemblies: a buoy assembly (with the truncated cone shape) sits atop a flat sinker assembly. The buoy assembly is watertight and houses the VEM’s sensors and microprocessor-based electronics. Both of these subassemblies are painted orange. The sensors include a passive acoustic sensor located atop the buoy assembly and a triple-axis magnetometer housed within it.
Other buoy assembly components include an active communication transducer, also facing upward atop the VEM. An inclinometer determines the VEM’s roll angle on the bottom. A pressure transducer measures depth and adjusts the communication transducer’s output power accordingly. Two depth switches awaken the VEM upon water entry and also activate safety and security features that (1) prevent inadvertent release of the buoy assembly near the surface when an unseparated VEM Mk 75 is being recovered, and (2) erase the emulation programming (but not the recorded data) during recovery to prevent unauthorized access to classified mine emulations.
The buoy assembly also houses a pair of spring-loaded release mechanisms. Upon command by acoustic link or at a preprogrammed time, they release their grip on a corresponding pair of sinker assembly attachments, freeing the buoy assembly to surface. The lead-weighted sinker assembly attaches underneath the buoy assembly to orient the VEM Mk 75 upright as it lands. It has a flat bottom to stabilize itself on the seabed. |
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