suspension lugs spaced 30 inches apart. Both mines use a parapak designed to slow descent and reduce impact when the mine enters the water. A control unit, activated by a single arming wire, opens the parapak. Each mine is equipped with an arming device and a double arming wire used on the extender and hydrostatic switch. The Mk 55 mine is equipped with a firing system that is responsive,  either  singly  or  in  combination,  to  the acoustic,  magnetic,  and/or  pressure  influence  of  a passing  ship.  The  Mk  55  exercise  mine  is  an  inert service  mine  equipped  with  exercise  components. Mk 60 Captor Mine The Mk 60 captor mine (fig. 5-12) is an air-laid antisubmarine mine. This mine, when triggered by the influence  of  a  submarine,  launches  a  homing  torpedo. A strongback assembly is used to attach the mine to aircraft  bomb  racks.  Two  Mk  3  suspension  lugs threaded   into   the   strongback   provide   a   30-inch suspension. The mine uses a parachute pack to slow descent and reduce impact when the mine enters the water. An explosive fitting actuated by a single arming wire  opens  the  parachute.  After  entering  the  water,  the parachute pack and strongback separate from the mine, and the stabilizer deploys. The mine is armed by a hydrostatic initiator, which is held in the safe position by a single arming wire.    The Mk 60 configuration requires  arming  wire  installation  prior  to  aircraft loading. Mk 62,63, and 64 Quickstrike Mines The Mk 62, 63, and 64 (fig. 5-13) mines are air-laid, all  modular,  influence-actuated  bottom  mines.  They  are used against submarines and surface targets. The mines are upgraded by installation of the Mk 130 conversion kit, Mk 130 battery, and flight gear. Mk 65 Quickstrike Mine The Mk 65 quickstrike mine (fig. 5-14) is a 2,000 pound,  air-laid,  all  modular,  influence-actuated,  bottom mine.  The  Mk  65  is  used  against  submarines  and surface targets. The Mk 65 consists of a Mk 65 mine case, a Mk 45 safety device arming group with a Mk 2 arming device, a Mk 57 target detecting device and a Mk 7 tail assembly. Q1. Q2. Q3. REVIEW NUMBER 4 What components are used on the Mk 55 mine for  drop  stability? What is the suspension of the Mk 55 mine? What suspension is used with the Mk 60 mine ? Q4. In what mine should you install the arming wire before the aircraft is loaded? SAFETY  PRECAUTIONS LEARNING   OBJECTIVE:   Recognize   the safety  precautions  for  handling  mines  and torpedoes. Handling mines is a specialized job. If you aren’t qualified,  don’t  disassemble  the  mines  or  their components.   You   should   follow   the   same   safety precautions for mines as you follow when handling bombs. To  conform  with  safety  and  ammunition  stowage requirements,  mines  are  normally  received  aboard  ship in   assembly   configurations   C   or   D.   Aviation Ordnancemen are not required to assemble mines, but they are required to be qualified and certified in mine handling  and  aircraft  loading  procedures. A  Mobile  Mine  Assembly  Group  (MOMAG), composed  of  personnel  from  the  Mineman  rate,  is responsible  for  the  proper  assembly  of  all  mines.  It  is the  responsibility  of  the  mine  planting  activity  to  notify the MOMAGs of scheduled mine operations and the exact dates their assistance will be required. When a mine is jettisoned safe, the wires remain in the  clock  starter  and  booster  extender.  This  prevents them   from   operating   after   the   mine   submerges. However, when the mine strikes the water, the arming wires   may   pull   free. Hydrostatic   pressure   or countermining shock can cause the wires to shear. Also, after a mine is submerged for a long period, the wires can corrode and break. No mine is jettisoned safe in water that is less than 800 feet (243.8 meters) deep with positive assurance that it isn’t a hazard. Depths greater than 800 feet will crush or flood the mine case, making the  mine  inoperative. When handling mines during preflight operations, follow the same general handling techniques you use for bombs  or  torpedoes. Q1. Q2. Q3. REVIEW NUMBER 5 In   what   configuration   are   mines   normally received aboard ship? The  assembly  of  mines  is  the  responsibility of . To  what  minimum  depth  must  a  mine  be jettisoned to be considered jettison safe and not constitute  a  hazard? 5-13