PFM-1 mine - Wikipedia

PFM-1 (Russian: ПФМ-1 — Противопехотная Фугасная Мина-1 , lit. 'Anti-infantry high-explosive mine') is a scatterable high explosive anti-personnel land mine of Soviet and Russian production.[1] It is also known as a Green Parrot or Butterfly Mine.[1] The mines can be deployed from mortars, helicopters and aeroplanes in large numbers; they glide to the ground without exploding and will explode later upon contact.[2]

The mine consists of a polyethylene plastic container containing 37 g (1.3 oz) of VS-6D or VS-60D liquid explosive.[1][3] The two wings of the PFM-1 allow it to glide after being released in the air, then spin, stabilizing it and slowing its descent, similar to maple seeds.[4][1] The thick wing contains the liquid explosive.[4] The two wings together are 120 mm (4.7 in) long.[5] The plastic body can be produced in a variety of colours for best camouflage. As existing stocks were in European green rather than sand coloured, the first examples used in 1980s Afghanistan were green and easily visible. This led to their name 'green parrots'.[4]

The shape and bright colour is attractive to children, inspiring claims that they were deliberately designed to look like a toy.[6][7]

Leave a Comment