| HB 876 | |
|---|---|
 HB 876 bomblet casing (Retardation and self-righting systems omitted) | |
| Type | Air-dropped frag mine |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Production history | |
| Variants | see Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2.4 kg |
| Height | 150 mm |
| Diameter | 100 mm |
| Maximum firing range | 300 m |
| Filling | Composition B |
| Filling weight | 590 G |
TheHB 876 mine was an air droppedarea denial weapon. It was used as part of theJP233runway denial system and the 'Hades' variant of theBL755cluster bomb. As a result of theanti-personnel mine ban it was withdrawn from BritishRoyal Air Force service, and the last stockpiles of the mine were destroyed on 19 October 1999.[1]
The mine is a cylinder consisting of three sections. The top section contains the warhead, consisting of an upward facingMisznay-Schardin effect warhead that creates anexplosively formed penetrator capable of punching through heavybulldozer blades. The dimpled sides of the cylinder have ashotgun effect, generating a pattern of metal fragments capable of penetrating steel plate beyond 20 metres andaluminium plate beyond 50 meters. The middle section of the mine contains thefuze, comprising a battery, safety and arming mechanism and electronic sensors. The bottom contains the parachute and a spring-loaded self-righting mechanism which opens like the petals of asunflower after the device hits the ground.
After the mine is ejected from either the 'Hades' cluster bomb or JP233 dispenser adrogue parachute is deployed to slow the mine. The drogue parachute is quickly followed by the main parachute. After impact and a brief delay the mine self-rights and after another delay it arms itself.
The mine is then either triggered by a toppling movement or electronically self-destructs after a pre-set delay of a few minutes to more than 24 hours.
