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Infantry Small Arms / The Warfighter


PFM-1


Anti-Personnel Mine [ 1970 ]



The Soviet PFM-1 is an utterly lethal Anti-Personnel Mine development of the Cold War period - still encountered today.



Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 03/29/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]
Warfare inherently has many ugly sides with one of the ugliest being measures that do not discriminate between friend or foe, military or civilian targets. The anti-personnel mine falls under this description, designed to maim or outright kill through its detonation, the blast effect or fragments proven utterly lethal against those unfortunate enough to be within its zone. Despite an international effort to ban such battlefield measures since 1997, the anti-personnel mine continues to see widespread use in warfare today (2023).

During the Cold War between East and West, the Soviets developed a new generation of anti-personnel mine which became the "PFM-1" - no doubt influenced by the American Army's BLU-43 "Dragontooth" anti-personnel mine series used in Laos during Operation Igloo White as part of the Vietnam War (1965-1975). This winged, plastic-bodied device was designed as a cost-effective solution that could be set by ground forces or air-dropped via aircraft / helicopter through cassette containers - the "winged" design of the mine helping to retard the mine's fall.

The mine's design is wholly utilitarian by nature, intended to be produced in quantity as cheaply as possible while promoting the most "value" as an anti-personnel solution. Arming is by way of safety pin removal to which a spring in actuated until contacting the detonator component - detonation being handled by any external changes to the exterior plastic body of the mine making it extremely sensitive even for trained handlers. Disarming is impossible.

PFM-1 marked the original production models which arrived in a very identifiable green coloring - the coloring meant for better concealment on the expected European battlefields of the Cold War period. The PFM-1S followed as a variant. Initial use was in the Soviet-Afghan War where the mine's green bodies were easily noticeable against the dry, desert environment of the Afghan battlefield.

The sheer quantity of mines produced has ensured their place even in the modern Russian inventory - where forces have taken to its use (alongside other design types) in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-Present).©MilitaryFactory.com
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications



State Factories - Soviet Union
Manufacturer(s)
Afghanistan; Russia; Soviet Union; Ukraine
Operators National flag of Afghanistan National flag of Russia National flag of the Soviet Union National flag of Ukraine
1970
Service Year
Soviet Union
National Origin


SPECIAL FORCES
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.
SPECIAL PURPOSE
Special purpose weapon for a specially defined battlefield role.
ASYMMETRIC WARFARE
Design is highly variable / low-cost based on battlefield requirement and available materials; general use is in urban settings against an organized foe for high casualty count.


COMPACT NATURE
Compact nature allows for relatively easy concealment.
MAN-PORTABLE
Despite its size / weight, the product can be transported by foot infantry.
GUERILLA WARFARE
Ease-of-use coupled with relative simplicity of combined components makes this entry a cost-effective solution for unconventional elements / fighting forces.
IMPACT DETONATION
Detonation of this entry is reliant on impact at target / target area; typical quality seen in direct-fire weapons (rocket / missile launchers).
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Entry has an inherent psychological effect on participants of the battlefield due to potential damage / casualties.


120 mm
(4.72 inches)
Overall Length
0.26 lb
(0.12 kg)
Empty Weight
Impact (Body Deformation) or Fuse Detonation.
Action
FUSE DETONATION
Design relies on timed / fuse detonation.
IMPACT DETONATION
Design relies on impact on target for detonation.
Not Applicable.
Caliber(s)
May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.
Single-Use, Expendable Body.
Rounds
Not Applicable.
Sights


Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

PFM-1 - Base Series Designation; initial green production models.
PFM-1S - "Self-Liquidation" capability; under 2 hour activation life.


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