The most insidious mine: the danger of PFM-1 "Petal"

Soviet PFM-1 "Petal" anti-personnel mines have begun to reappear on the front lines. Experts call them insidious and treacherous weapons.

The mine injures the lower leg when it explodes. The explosion produces virtually no lethal fragments, with the exception of the metal parts of the mechanism in the central part of the mine.

The body of the PFM-1 "Petal" is made of a green or brown polyethylene composition, which makes it extremely difficult to detect. The explosion occurs when a foot steps on the target sensor. The target sensor is made in the form of a small wing of the body and is filled with a liquid high explosive.

The mines can be laid by dropping cluster blocks carrying shells of rocket artillery. The mine is especially dangerous for civilians, as its unusual shape makes it difficult to recognize. Also, "Petals" do not have a self-destruction mechanism and can lie for years until someone steps on them.

Technical characteristics of PFM-1 "Petal":

• Body — polyethylene

• Weight — 80 g

• Weight of liquid explosive (VS-6D) — 37 g

• Length — 11.9 cm

• Width — 6.4 cm

• Thickness — 2 cm

• Target sensor area — 34.1 cm²

• Sensitivity — 5-25 kg

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