Original Italian Global War on Terror Era Inert VS-2.2 Plastic Cased Anti-Tank Mine – VS-N Fuzed Mine Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This example is totally inert and is unable to be used as a destructive device. It is completely void of any explosive content and is in direct compliance with the current BATF standards governing ownership of inert ordnance.

Not Available For Export.

The VS-2.2, VS-3.6 and SH-55 are Italian circular plastic cased anti-tank blast mines that use the VS-N series fuze. They have very few metal components and are resistant to overpressure and shock. The VS-2.2 and VS-3.6 can also be deployed from helicopters. It was produced by Valsella Meccanotecnica and Singapore, but production has ceased.

The VS-2.2 and VS-3.6 are essentially the same, the VS-3.6 being slightly larger, the SH-55 is larger still and has a more rounded appearance. A smaller mine, the VS-1.6 also uses the same fuse.

The mines are normally olive green or sand coloured like this one and are circular. The VS-2.2 and VS-3.6 consist of a ribbed main body containing the main charge and a large circular VS-N fuze which sits on top. The SH-55 is larger, and the circular main body is not as ribbed, it uses the same VS-N fuse as the other mines.

The VS-N fuze is air pressure driven with pressure on the top plate of the mine forcing air into a diaphragm which exerts pressure on the striker until a retaining ball is forced into a recess. Shocks from overpressure are too short to inflate the diaphragm, this requires gradual pressure giving even greater resistance to shock.

This mine has a secondary fuze well on the bottom (where it cannot be seen) which is slightly off-set from the center of the mine. This secondary fuze well can easily be fitted with a pull-fuze which functions as an anti-handling device.

The main charge of the VS-2.2 is relatively small for an anti-tank mine, so it would tend to disable rather than destroy vehicles, however the VS-3.6 and SH-55 may penetrate the hull of armored vehicles.

The VS-2.2 mine is found in Iraq and Kuwait, the SH-55 is found in Afghanistan.

This is a wonderful example that presents itself without any extensive damage.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.