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PMA-3
Antipersonnel Mine

Description
The PMA-3 is a small antipersonnel mine, which consists of a flat cylandrical body and the base-mounted UPMAH-3 chemical action pressure fuze. The PMA-3 is designed to function only when the upper pressure plate rotates within the lower assembly containing the UPMAH-3 fuze. The emplacement directions recommend a protective cover of from 2.0 to 2.0 cm andd horizontal placement of the pressure plate to take advantage of the pressure hardened or blast resistant design. Additionally, the design for a non-axial load means that the necessary pressure to function the mine decreases as the load is placed closer to the edge. The normal pressure necessary to function the mine is described as a range of from 8.0 to 20.0 kg. However, it is possible that, when applied at the very edge, as little as 3 kg could function the mine. The UPMAH-3 pressure fuze with chemical friction ignitor (containing potassium chlorate, red phosphorus and binder, and glass) begins the firing train which consists of a M-17 P2 detonator (containing tetryl, lead azide, and lead styphnate), and a pressed TNT main explosive charge. The sole metallic content in the PMA-3 mine and UPMAH-3 fuze is the aluminum covering on the M-17 P2 detonator cap. This minimal metallic content does render the PMA-3 rather difficult to detect. Due to the low operating threshold of the PMA-3, probing for this mine in very hazardous.

Manufacturing Country
Former Yugoslavia

General Information
Cylindrical
36 mm in Height
103 mm in Diameter
0.183 kg total weight
Plastic & rubber case
OD green and black
Limited amout of metal content
Explosive type - Pressed TNT
Main explosive weight - 0.0345 kg