| The T12 Mine Exploder was an experiment in exploding mines by launching a 105 pound explosive charge to detonate above ground, setting off the mines. It comprised a set
of spigot launchers, built by the York Safe & Lock Company, designed to be rapidly mounted on tanks of the M4 Sherman series.
The spigots, each 60mm in diameter, were mounted at elevations from 45 to 80 degrees on the vehicle. The front spigot launchers were angled at about 55° and used for
clearing obstacles. The launchers in the turret ring were mounted on an adjustable table with 23 spigot launchers, the front row were mounted at 55° with progressively
increasing angles on the launchers behind them and ending with the rear launchers at 80°. This created a long impact pattern of about 20-foot wide and 250-foot long
starting about 150-foot in front of the vehicle.
Official development began in March 1944 and was finished by December of the same year. Results were promising, but the project was suspended in favor of a rocket propelled
charge system.
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VARIANTS OF THE SERIES
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T12 Model 1 - Version based on M4A6 hull.
T12 Model 2 - Version based on M4A6 hull using improved rockets.
T12 Model 3 - Version based on M4A6 hull with additional armour.
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GENERAL RECOGNITION POINTS
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- Banks of rod-type launchers.
- Munition resembles rocket with ling nose fuze.
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WEBSITES
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DOCUMENTS
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DISCUSSION FORUM
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