Helkir mine
| Helkir mine | |
|---|---|
| Type | Directional mine, anti-helicopter |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 43 kg |
|
| |
| Maximum firing range | 500 m |
| Filling weight | 20 kg |
Detonation mechanism | Acoustic & IR sensors |
The Helkir is an anti-helicopter mine developed by the Austrian company Hirtenberger.[1] It uses an IR sensor and an acoustic sensor to detect airborne targets. Once the mine is armed and ready to engage, the acoustic sensor listens for a valid noise input. This enables the IR sensor which is located coaxially to the warhead. When the IR sensor detects a hot signature, the mine blasts off fragments that can penetrate up to 6 mm of armored steel at 50 meters and 2 mm of mild steel at 150 meters. The mine is active for a period of 1 to 120 days, after which it returns to a safe mode.
Helkir, as well as other mines developed by Hirtenberger, like the APM-1 and the APM-2 anti-personnel directional mines (discontinued in 1994),[2] do not appear on the company's current website.[3]