What is this? WW2 Japanese

[Pete123]

For the life of me, I can't figure out what that thing is that the soldier in the top middle is carrying.  Anyone know, or have a good guess for that matter?

 

[MacGyver]

Those guys were intended to be sent to Saipan to destroy B-29s that were wreaking havoc.  That was a 4 lb charge on the end of a stick called a lunge mine - specially designed since magnetic mines wouldn't stick to the aluminum skin. 

[MacGyver]

Here's some brief reading on the Giretsu units with what looks like the source of that picture:

http://forlornhopesui.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-giretsu-airborne-unit-on-okinawa.html?m=1

[MacGyver]

Here's some more reading on the lunge mines:

http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/jp_tankhunters/

[Pete123]

Many thanks!

[RC3]

Good read, but so many spelling errors.

[Pete123]

Those three tines sticking out don't have a function within the mine.  The Japanese said they got better results with them though.  Maybe it's like one of those bombs that perform better by exploding above the ground.  

At first I though they had to do with detonation.  However, there is a shotgun shell looking detonator which is activated when the pole jams into it.

[monkeylizard]

1 hour ago, Pete123 said:

Those three tines sticking out don't have a function within the mine.  The Japanese said they got better results with them though.  Maybe it's like one of those bombs that perform better by exploding above the ground.  

At first I though they had to do with detonation.  However, there is a shotgun shell looking detonator which is activated when the pole jams into it.

 

You're correct. The tines were to keep the mine off the surface of the tank, increasing it's effectiveness.

They also allowed the mine to pull double duty as a Garden Weasel.

Edited June 6, 2016 by monkeylizard

[peejman]

Never heard of these... interesting stuff.