DATABASE/VISUAL ID/Visual Identification Profiles: Bombs, Mines, and Submunitions

Visual Identification Profiles: Bombs, Mines, and Submunitions

VISUAL IDvisual-id/bombs-mines-submunitionsREVIEWED 2026-03-28

Visual Identification Profiles: Bombs, Mines, and Submunitions

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED // OSINT Created: 2026-03-28 Purpose: Visual feature profiles for AI-assisted ordnance identification from field photos. Covers bombs, mines, and submunitions from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and Taiwan.

SAFETY WARNING: These profiles are for IDENTIFICATION ONLY. They do NOT replace official EOD technical publications (60-series pubs, NAVEODFLTDIV, JODIC). Always refer to current TMs for render-safe procedures. When in doubt, withdraw and call higher.

BOMBS

FAB-250 M-62

designation: "FAB-250 M-62"
alt_names: "Fugasnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba - High-Explosive Aviation Bomb, 250 kg class"
country: "Russia"
category: "general-purpose unguided bomb"

1. Shape

Cylindrical steel body with tapered/ogival nose section
Smooth body transitioning to a narrowing tail section
With UMPK glide kit: bolt-on wing assembly (pop-out swept wings) and rectangular guidance module visible on bomb body mid-section

2. Dimensions and Weight

Length: 1,924 mm (~1.9 m)
Diameter: 325 mm (body)
Weight: 227-266 kg total
Explosive fill: 99-137 kg TNT or TGA (TNT/RDX)

3. Color and Finish

Body: Olive drab or dark green painted steel
Surface: May show rust, weathering, or crystalline white/yellow deposits on old stock (SENSITIZED explosive exudation)
UMPK kit: Gray or olive guidance module; unpainted aluminum wing surfaces possible

4. Fuze Location and Type

Nose: AVUM-type contact fuze with propeller-like arming vanes (small rotating vane visible on nose tip)
Tail: TM-24B or AVU-E tail fuze, cylindrical, may be recessed in tail cavity
Optional: AV-1 proximity/air-burst fuze
Arming indicator: Nose fuze vanes -- if partially rotated, fuze is PARTIALLY ARMED

5. Fin/Drag Device

Box-type stabilizer fins at tail section -- four flat rectangular fins welded in cruciform pattern
UMPK variant: pop-out swept wings at mid-body (~1.5 m span estimated); guidance module fairing

6. Markings

Stenciling: Cyrillic text on body -- weight, lot number, explosive fill type, date of manufacture
Color bands: May have colored nose band indicating fuze type or fill
UMPK: Additional markings on guidance module

7. State When Found as UXO

Surface or shallow subsurface: Low-altitude drop duds with fuze vanes partially rotated
Buried 2-5 m: Soft soil burial; small funnel-shaped entry crater visible at surface
UMPK variant: Wing sections may detach on impact and be found separately from bomb body; guidance module may be cracked open

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Propeller-like arming vanes on nose are distinctive identifier for FAB-series
Box-type tail fins (vs cruciform tapered fins on other types)
Smaller than FAB-500 (325 mm vs 450 mm diameter)
UMPK wings are the clearest indicator of glide-kit version

9. Commonly Confused With

FAB-500 M-62: Larger version; 450 mm diameter vs 325 mm
OFAB-250-270: Nearly identical externally; OFAB may show casing surface scoring/grooves for pre-fragmentation
Chinese 250-3/250-4 GP bomb: Similar construction lineage; distinguished by Hanzi vs Cyrillic markings

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

FUZE STATE UNKNOWN: Vane-type nose fuze may be in ANY state between safe and armed
AVUM ANTI-DISTURBANCE: Some AVUM fuze variants have reported anti-disturbance features -- DO NOT MOVE
EXPLOSIVE SENSITIZATION: Crystalline deposits on bomb body = exuded explosive = SENSITIZED -- increased shock sensitivity
UMPK BATTERIES: Lithium batteries in guidance module may still be active; GLONASS receiver may be transmitting
DUAL FUZE: Both nose AND tail fuzes must be assessed

FAB-500 M-62

designation: "FAB-500 M-62 / FAB-500 ShN"
country: "Russia"
category: "general-purpose HE bomb / thermobaric variant"

1. Shape

Cylindrical steel body with ogival nose, identical profile to FAB-250 but larger
FAB-500 ShN (thermobaric): same external profile, different fill

2. Dimensions and Weight

Length: ~2,142 mm (~2.1 m)
Diameter: 450 mm
Weight: 477 kg (M-62); ~500 kg (ShN)
Explosive fill: 200-213 kg TNT/TGA (M-62); thermobaric fuel-air mix (ShN)

3. Color and Finish

Body: Olive drab or dark green
ShN variant: Same exterior color; identified by different fill designation stenciled in Cyrillic on body

4. Fuze Location and Type

Nose: AVUM-type with arming vanes (same family as FAB-250)
Tail: TM-24B tail fuze
Proximity option: AV-1

5. Fin/Drag Device

Box-type stabilizer assembly at tail -- larger than FAB-250 version
UMPK: Most common UMPK application; pop-out wings, INS + GLONASS guidance module

6. Markings

Cyrillic stenciling: weight, lot, fill type, manufacture date
ShN variant: different fill designation code in stenciling -- key discriminator

7. State When Found as UXO

Deep burial (3-8 m) in soft/agricultural ground is common -- heavier than FAB-250 = deeper penetration
Entry crater may be small funnel shape with no visible bomb at surface
UMPK wing sections found separated from body

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Larger than FAB-250 (450 mm vs 325 mm diameter); noticeably heavier/thicker
Same arming vane nose fuze system
UMPK is the most common guided variant in current conflict

9. Commonly Confused With

FAB-250 M-62: Smaller; 325 mm diameter
FAB-1500 M-54: Larger; 580 mm diameter
RBK-500: Same ~450 mm diameter; RBK has different body construction (may show seam where dispenser opens)
KAB-500: Has guidance seeker head (optical dome or GLONASS antenna) instead of vane fuze at nose

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

All FAB-250 warnings apply
FAB-500 ShN THERMOBARIC: If body is cracked/leaking -- fuel-air explosive mixture is FLAMMABLE AND TOXIC
NO open flame, spark-generating tools, or RF transmitters near suspected thermobaric fill
Vapor cloud from leaking thermobaric fill can ignite/detonate at distance
UMPK guidance failure may result in off-target impact -- bomb functions but in unpredictable location

FAB-1500 M-54

designation: "FAB-1500 M-54"
country: "Russia"
category: "large HE bomb"

1. Shape

Very large cylindrical steel body with ogival nose; same general FAB-series profile but scaled up significantly
Older design (M-54 = 1954 era); body may show significant age/corrosion/pitting

2. Dimensions and Weight

Length: ~2,400 mm (~2.4 m)
Diameter: ~580 mm
Weight: ~1,550 kg total
Explosive fill: ~675 kg TNT

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab or dark green; may be heavily weathered/corroded on older stockpile items
Surface rust is common on aged specimens

4. Fuze Location and Type

Nose: Contact fuze (similar family to FAB-500)
Tail: Tail fuze
May use AV-1 or improved electronic fuze

5. Fin/Drag Device

Large box-type tail fins
UMPK confirmed from 2024: pop-out wing assembly scaled for heavier bomb

6. Markings

Cyrillic stenciling; may be faded/illegible on old stock
Date codes from 1950s-era production common

7. State When Found as UXO

Deep burial virtually certain due to mass + velocity
Requires specialized geophysical survey to locate buried dud
Surface crater may be very large even without detonation (kinetic energy)

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Size: 580 mm diameter is significantly larger than FAB-500 (450 mm)
Aged appearance (1950s-era manufacture) with surface corrosion
UMPK wings on this bomb are proportionally large

9. Commonly Confused With

FAB-500: Smaller diameter (450 mm vs 580 mm)
FAB-3000: Even larger (820 mm diameter)
KAB-1500: Has guidance seeker; different nose profile

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

675 kg explosive fill = CATASTROPHIC detonation potential
BIP disposal requires 1,000+ meter minimum evacuation
Requires senior EOD authority for disposition decision
Locating buried dud requires specialized geophysical equipment
Coordinate with local authorities for evacuation

FAB-3000 M-54

designation: "FAB-3000 M-54 / FAB-3000 M-46"
country: "Russia"
category: "very large HE bomb -- MAXIMUM HAZARD"

1. Shape

Largest conventional bomb in active Russian inventory
Cylindrical steel body with ogival nose; massive proportions
Older M-46 variant dates to 1946

2. Dimensions and Weight

Length: ~3,067 mm (~3.1 m)
Diameter: ~820 mm
Weight: ~3,067 kg
Explosive fill: 1,200-1,400 kg TNT

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab/dark green; likely aged and corroded on stockpile items

4. Fuze Location and Type

Nose and tail: Contact fuze with delay options

5. Fin/Drag Device

Large box-type tail fins proportional to massive body
UMPK-equipped variant reported from late 2024

6. Markings

Cyrillic stenciling; Soviet-era date codes

7. State When Found as UXO

Dud recovery probability is low (most will function)
If dud: extreme deep burial; major crater even without detonation
Entry crater will be very large

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Unmistakable size: 820 mm diameter, over 3 m long, weighs 3+ metric tons
Dwarfs all other tactical bombs in inventory
Only deliverable by larger aircraft (Su-34 at limit; Tu-22M3 more suitable)

9. Commonly Confused With

FAB-1500: Smaller (580 mm vs 820 mm diameter)
At this size, confusion is unlikely -- nothing else is this large

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

MAXIMUM HAZARD ITEM -- blast radius equivalent to small tactical weapon
1,500+ meter minimum evacuation radius
Requires senior EOD authority for disposition decision
1,200-1,400 kg explosive fill -- controlled BIP required
Immediate area denial upon identification

OFAB-250-270

designation: "OFAB-250-270 / OFAB-100-120"
alt_names: "Oskolochno-Fugasnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba - Fragmentation-HE Bomb"
country: "Russia"
category: "fragmentation/HE bomb"

1. Shape

Cylindrical body with ogival nose; externally very similar to FAB-250
Key visual difference: Casing may show surface scoring, grooves, or diamond-pattern etching for pre-fragmentation

2. Dimensions and Weight

OFAB-250-270: Weight ~266 kg; explosive fill ~97 kg
OFAB-100-120: Smaller variant
Diameter similar to FAB-250 (~325 mm)

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab or dark green -- same as FAB series
Casing surface may appear textured/scored vs smooth FAB body

4. Fuze Location and Type

Same fuze family as FAB series (AVUM nose, TM-24B tail)

5. Fin/Drag Device

Box-type tail stabilizer fins (same pattern as FAB)

6. Markings

Cyrillic stenciling with OFAB designation
Different designation code distinguishes from FAB

7. State When Found as UXO

Same as FAB-250 (surface, shallow/deep burial)

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Casing surface scoring/grooves for enhanced fragmentation -- key discriminator from FAB
Higher fragmentation-to-blast ratio means greater fragment hazard at range

9. Commonly Confused With

FAB-250 M-62: Nearly identical externally; look for casing scoring pattern on OFAB
Read stenciling for designation if visible

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Same as FAB-250
Pre-fragmented casing produces higher number of high-velocity fragments at greater range than FAB -- wider danger zone
Larger evacuation radius recommended vs equivalent FAB

BETAB-500

designation: "BETAB-500 / BETAB-500ShP"
alt_names: "Betonoboinaya - Concrete-Piercing Bomb"
country: "Russia"
category: "anti-runway / hardened target penetration bomb"

1. Shape

Cylindrical body with distinctively hardened/blunt steel penetrator nose (heavier, more robust nose than FAB series)
BETAB-500ShP: retarded variant with parachute pack at tail

2. Dimensions and Weight

Weight: ~424-477 kg
Explosive fill: ~77 kg (lower fill-to-weight ratio than FAB -- heavier casing for penetration)

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab/dark green body
Penetrator nose may appear darker/different finish due to hardened steel alloy

4. Fuze Location and Type

Delay fuze: Mechanical delay clock -- penetrates target THEN detonates
CRITICAL: A "dud" BETAB may actually be a delayed-action bomb waiting to function

5. Fin/Drag Device

Standard box fins (unretarded variant)
BETAB-500ShP: Retarding parachute at tail + rocket booster for near-vertical terminal impact
Parachute pack or deployed parachute fabric may be visible

6. Markings

Cyrillic stenciling with BETAB designation
ShP variant has additional markings for parachute/booster components

7. State When Found as UXO

Penetrator nose buries bomb deep with minimal surface indication
ShP variant: parachute fabric on surface above buried bomb
Entry hole may be surprisingly small relative to bomb size

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Blunt/reinforced penetrator nose -- heavier and more robust than FAB ogival nose
Parachute remnants (ShP variant) at or near impact point
Lower explosive fill ratio (heavier casing = thicker walls)

9. Commonly Confused With

FAB-500: Similar size but FAB has thinner-walled casing and ogival (not blunt penetrator) nose
KAB-1500LG: Also a penetrator, but KAB has laser guidance seeker

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

DELAY FUZE: Dud may actually be a delayed-action bomb -- EXTREME CAUTION; do not assume it has malfunctioned
Mechanical delay clock may be ticking -- evacuate and wait; consult senior EOD
BETAB-500ShP: Solid propellant rocket motor in tail section -- fire/explosion hazard
Penetrates 1.2 m concrete + 3 m earth -- may be very deeply buried

RBK-500 Cluster Bomb

designation: "RBK-500 (multiple subtypes) / RBK-250"
alt_names: "Razovaya Bombovaya Kasseta - Single-Use Bomb Cassette"
country: "Russia"
category: "cluster bomb dispenser"

1. Shape

Cylindrical body similar to FAB-500 in diameter (~450 mm)
Key structural difference: Body is designed to split open along longitudinal seam to release submunitions
May show visible seam line, hinges, or separation points along body

2. Dimensions and Weight

RBK-500: Length ~2,100-2,500 mm; diameter ~450 mm; weight 275-504 kg (varies by submunition fill)
RBK-250: Smaller class

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab/dark green
Body panels may show different finish where dispenser opens

4. Fuze Location and Type

Dispenser fuze: Time fuze or altitude sensor (radar/barometric) for opening at preset height
Individual submunitions have their own fuzing (see submunition profiles below)
Dispenser opens in flight; does not use nose/tail contact fuzes like FAB

5. Fin/Drag Device

Tail fin assembly similar to FAB series
May have additional aerodynamic surfaces related to dispenser mechanism

6. Markings

Cyrillic stenciling indicating specific submunition fill type:
- RBK-500 AO-2.5RT = 108x anti-personnel frag
- RBK-500 ShOAB-0.5 = 565x ball-bearing AP
- RBK-500 PTAB-1M = ~268x anti-armor shaped charge
- RBK-500U SPBE-D = sensor-fuzed anti-armor
Subtype markings are critical for hazard assessment

7. State When Found as UXO

Failed dispenser (intact): One large UXO containing dozens to hundreds of armed submunitions inside -- EXTREME HAZARD
Successful dispenser: Empty casing halves on ground; submunitions scattered across 300 x 150 m area
Casing halves may be found split open, partially open, or intact

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Longitudinal seam/split line on body -- key discriminator from solid-fill FAB bombs
Body panels that appear to hinge open
If opened: hollow interior visible, submunition retention mechanisms
If intact: same diameter as FAB-500 but lighter weight for its size

9. Commonly Confused With

FAB-500 M-62: Same ~450 mm diameter; FAB has solid body without split seam; heavier
Check for seam line on body; read subtype designation in stenciling

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

FAILED DISPENSER = EXTREME HAZARD: Contains dozens to hundreds of individual armed submunitions in a single body
ANY disturbance could trigger dispenser mechanism release or individual submunition detonation
If dispenser FUNCTIONED: search surrounding 300 x 150 m area for dud submunitions before approaching casing
Dud rates of 10-30% for individual submunitions -- expect significant numbers of UXO on ground
Identify subtype to determine submunition type and specific hazards

KAB-500 Series

designation: "KAB-500Kr / KAB-500S / KAB-500L / KAB-500OD"
alt_names: "Korrektiruyemaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba - Guided Aviation Bomb"
country: "Russia"
manufacturer: "GNPP Region (Moscow)"
category: "guided bomb"

1. Shape

Cylindrical body with distinctive guidance seeker head at nose:
- KAB-500Kr (TV): Electro-optical window/dome at nose (glass or transparent optical dome); canard control fins near nose
- KAB-500S (GLONASS): Antenna fairing at nose instead of optical dome; more streamlined nose
- KAB-500L (Laser): Laser seeker dome at nose (dark semi-transparent window); canard fins
- KAB-500OD (Thermobaric): TV or laser seeker; same external guidance profiles
Larger cruciform control fins (canards) near seeker section vs simple vane fuze on FAB

2. Dimensions and Weight

Length: ~3,000 mm (~3.0 m) -- longer than FAB-500 due to guidance section
Diameter: ~350 mm (narrower than FAB-500)
Weight: 534-560 kg
Warhead: 195 kg HE-penetrating (Kr/L/S); 250 kg fuel-air (OD)

3. Color and Finish

Body: Gray or dark gray overall (different from olive drab FAB series)
Seeker dome: Darker gray, black, or semi-transparent depending on variant
Fins: May be unpainted metal

4. Fuze Location and Type

Electronic, programmable: Contact/delay/airburst modes
Battery-powered: Electronic fuze with internal battery
NOT vane-armed like FAB series

5. Fin/Drag Device

Canard control fins near nose (movable, for guidance corrections)
Cruciform tail fins for stabilization
More aerodynamically refined than FAB box fins

6. Markings

Variant designation stenciled on body
GNPP Region manufacturer markings
Serial numbers for guidance section tracking

7. State When Found as UXO

May impact at target area with warhead intact (guidance functioned, fuze failed)
Electronic fuze failure leaves bomb with full explosive content
Less deep burial than FAB (narrower body, sometimes lower terminal velocity)

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Optical seeker dome at nose (Kr/L variants) -- glass/transparent window is unmistakable
Canard fins near nose -- FAB bombs do not have movable canard surfaces
Gray color scheme vs olive drab FAB
Narrower and longer than equivalent FAB (350 mm vs 450 mm diameter)

9. Commonly Confused With

FAB-500 with UMPK: UMPK has bolt-on wings at mid-body but retains vane fuze at nose; KAB has integrated seeker head
Western PGMs (Paveway, JDAM): Different seeker geometry and fin configuration; markings in Cyrillic

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

ELECTRONIC FUZE WITH BATTERY: Active electronics -- DO NOT apply RF energy near dud
No radio/phone/transmitter within 100 m minimum
Guidance section contains EO/IR sensor or GLONASS receiver (intelligence value -- coordinate with intel)
KAB-500OD THERMOBARIC: EXTREME SENSITIVITY -- fuel-air mixture may disperse without detonating; toxic/flammable cloud hazard; same thermobaric warnings as FAB-500 ShN

KAB-1500 Series

designation: "KAB-1500Kr / KAB-1500L / KAB-1500LG"
country: "Russia"
category: "heavy guided bomb"

1. Shape

Large cylindrical body with seeker head at nose:
- KAB-1500Kr (TV): Electro-optical dome at nose with canard fins
- KAB-1500L/LG (Laser): Laser seeker dome; LG is penetrating variant with reinforced penetrator nose section behind seeker

2. Dimensions and Weight

Weight: ~1,525 kg
Warhead: 440 kg HE-penetrating (Kr); 240 kg HE behind concrete-piercing penetrator (LG)
CEP: 4-7 m (TV); 3-5 m (laser)

3. Color and Finish

Gray body coloring
Seeker dome at nose

4. Fuze Location and Type

Electronic, programmable
LG variant: delay fuze is integral feature (designed to penetrate 2+ m reinforced concrete before detonating) -- delay fuze is NOT a malfunction

5. Fin/Drag Device

Canard control fins + cruciform tail fins

6. Markings

Variant designation stenciled; manufacturer data

7. State When Found as UXO

LG penetrator variant may be deeply buried (designed for deep penetration)
Dud LG may be nearly impossible to locate without geophysical survey

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Larger than KAB-500 with same seeker head arrangement
LG variant: reinforced penetrator section visible behind seeker dome
Massive bomb body with precision guidance package

9. Commonly Confused With

KAB-500 series: Smaller; similar configuration
FAB-1500: Similar weight but no seeker head; olive drab vs gray

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

All KAB-500 electronic warnings apply
LG penetrator: Designed to bury deeply before detonation; dud penetrator is extremely difficult to locate
440 kg warhead -- large evacuation radius required
Electronic fuze with battery -- RF exclusion zone

Chinese LS-6 Series

designation: "LS-6-500 / LS-6-250 / LS-6-100 / LS-6-50"
alt_names: "Lei Shi / Thunder Stone -- GPS/INS Guided Glide Bomb"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "LOTDC (Luoyang Optoelectro Technology Development Center), AVIC subsidiary"
category: "satellite-guided glide bomb kit"

1. Shape

Standard Chinese GP bomb body (cylindrical, ogival nose) with strap-on guidance module and deployable wing kit
Guidance module in nose or mid-body section
Pop-out/deployable wings give standoff glide range -- wings spring out after release

2. Dimensions and Weight

LS-6-500: 500 kg class; 60 km glide range from 11 km altitude
LS-6-250: 250 kg class; ~40 km range
LS-6-100: 100 kg class; ~25 km range (small-diameter bomb equivalent)
LS-6-50: 50 kg class; ~15 km range

3. Color and Finish

Base bomb body: olive drab or dark green (standard Chinese GP bomb paint)
Guidance kit: may be different shade (lighter gray or olive)
Wing kit: unpainted aluminum or olive painted

4. Fuze Location and Type

Nose and/or tail fuze wells (standard Chinese bomb fuze threading)
Base bomb retains standard contact fuzing
GPS/BeiDou guidance module is separate from fuze

5. Fin/Drag Device

Deployable glide wings: Pop-out swept wings for standoff range -- key visual identifier
Wing deployment uses spring or pyrotechnic actuator
Standard tail fins on bomb body retained

6. Markings

Simplified Chinese characters (Hanzi) -- key language discriminator from Russian ordnance
Chinese military lot numbers and handling stencils

7. State When Found as UXO

Wings may be deployed (if released in flight) or stowed (if fell from aircraft without proper release)
Guidance module intact or cracked open on impact
Base bomb body is standard GP bomb -- same burial characteristics

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Deployable wing stubs and guidance module fairing distinguish from unguided bombs
Wing kit is STRAPPED ON -- visible attachment hardware/bands
Chinese characters on body (vs Cyrillic for Russian)
GPS/BeiDou antenna visible on guidance module

9. Commonly Confused With

Chinese FT series: Very similar concept; FT uses different wing geometry (strakes vs pop-out wings for FT-1)
Russian UMPK FAB: Similar concept but Russian body markings; different wing attachment
Chinese unguided GP bombs (250-3, 500-3): Same base body without guidance kit

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Wing deployment mechanism uses pyrotechnic actuator -- potential explosive hazard in wing assembly
GPS/BeiDou guidance module may still be acquiring satellites on dud
Standard GP bomb fill (cast TNT or Comp B) with booster charge
Dual fuze wells (nose and tail) both require assessment
Chinese bomb fuzes include mechanical impact, mechanical delay, and electronic types

Chinese LT-2 Series

designation: "LT-2 / LT-3"
alt_names: "Lei Ting / Thunder -- Laser-Guided Bomb"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "LOTDC, AVIC"
category: "laser-guided bomb kit (Paveway equivalent)"

1. Shape

Standard Chinese GP bomb body with laser seeker head attached at nose and canard guidance fins
Seeker head has distinctive optical dome/window (glass or sapphire)
Canard fins extend from seeker section

2. Dimensions and Weight

LT-2: 500 kg class
LT-3: 250 kg class
LT-2 combo: 500 kg with dual-mode laser + GPS/INS

3. Color and Finish

Base bomb: olive drab/dark green
Seeker head: darker nose dome; seeker section may be different color from bomb body

4. Fuze Location and Type

Standard Chinese bomb fuze wells on base bomb body
Laser seeker is guidance only (not fuze)

5. Fin/Drag Device

Canard control fins on seeker section (movable, for flight corrections)
Tail fins on base bomb body
No deployable wings (direct drop, not standoff glide)

6. Markings

Chinese characters; lot numbers; guidance kit markings

7. State When Found as UXO

Seeker dome may be shattered on impact (fragile glass/sapphire)
Canard fins may be bent/broken
Base bomb body intact in ground

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Seeker dome at nose with canard fins -- clearly distinguishable from unguided bombs
Similar visual profile to US Paveway series but with Chinese markings
Semi-active laser guidance: no active emitter on bomb (safer than radar-guided)

9. Commonly Confused With

LS-6 series: LS-6 has deployable wings and GPS antenna; LT has seeker dome and canards
Russian KAB-500L: Same concept (laser-guided); distinguished by markings (Chinese vs Russian)
US Paveway: Similar seeker head profile; markings differentiate

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Canard fin section may have battery-powered actuators -- electrical hazard
Seeker dome may contain toxic materials (beryllium in some optical components)
Base bomb fuzing is standard Chinese mechanical/electronic -- assess nose and tail
Semi-active laser guidance requires external designator -- UXO has no active emitter (relatively safer than active-guided weapons)

Chinese FT Series

designation: "FT-1 / FT-2 / FT-3 / FT-5 / FT-6 / FT-7"
alt_names: "Fei Teng / Flying Soar -- Satellite-Guided Bomb"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "CALT (China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology), CASC subsidiary"
category: "satellite-guided bomb (JDAM equivalent)"

1. Shape

Standard Chinese GP bomb body with strap-on guidance kit
FT-1: Cruciform strakes (small fixed fins, no pop-out wings); JDAM equivalent profile
FT-2: Planar glide wings for extended range (90 km) -- large flat wings distinctive
FT-3 through FT-7: Cruciform strakes; progressively smaller

2. Dimensions and Weight

Weight range: 25 kg (FT-7) to 500+ kg (FT-1/FT-2)
FT-5 (100 kg), FT-6 (50 kg), FT-7 (25 kg): Small/micro precision bombs -- difficult to detect as UXO

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab/dark green base bomb body
Guidance kit: olive or gray

4. Fuze Location and Type

Standard Chinese bomb fuze wells
Electronic fuzing for satellite-guided variants

5. Fin/Drag Device

FT-1/FT-3/FT-5/FT-6/FT-7: Cruciform strakes (fixed, non-deployable)
FT-2: Large planar glide wings -- very distinctive visual identifier for extended-range variant

6. Markings

Chinese characters; satellite guidance module may have additional serial data

7. State When Found as UXO

Small variants (FT-5 through FT-7) may be difficult to find due to size
FT-2 wings may survive impact and be visible

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

FT-1: Strake fins -- similar to US JDAM profile
FT-2: Large flat planar wings -- distinctive and unlike any other Chinese PGM
FT-7 (25 kg): Extremely small; may be mistaken for drone component
Multi-GNSS compatible (BeiDou + GPS + GLONASS) -- guidance antenna on body

9. Commonly Confused With

LS-6 series: Similar concept; LS-6 uses pop-out swept wings vs FT cruciform strakes
US JDAM: FT-1 has similar strake profile; markings differentiate
Small FT variants may be confused with drone-dropped munitions

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Multi-GNSS receiver may still be acquiring signals on UXO
Standard Chinese GP bomb fill (cast TNT or Comp B)
Small variants (FT-5/6/7) are easy to overlook -- low visual signature
FT-2 extended range: guidance section with battery; RF awareness

Chinese GP Bombs (Unguided)

designation: "250-3 / 250-4 / 500-3 / 500-4"
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "general-purpose unguided bomb"

1. Shape

Cylindrical welded/forged steel body with ogival nose
Construction similar to Soviet-era FAB designs (lineage/derivation)

2. Dimensions and Weight

250-3 / 250-4: 250 kg class
500-3 / 500-4: 500 kg class

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab or dark green steel body

4. Fuze Location and Type

Dual fuze wells: Nose and tail (standard Chinese bomb fuze threading)
Chinese fuze types: mechanical impact, mechanical delay, electronic

5. Fin/Drag Device

Tail fin assembly (box or cruciform type)

6. Markings

Chinese characters (Hanzi) -- key discriminator from Russian FAB series
Chinese military lot numbers, handling instructions in Chinese

7. State When Found as UXO

Same profiles as Russian FAB series (surface, buried, deep burial)
These are the base bodies used with LS, LT, and FT guidance kits

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Chinese character markings vs Cyrillic on Russian bombs
Construction lineage from Soviet FAB but with Chinese manufacturing details
If guidance kit was attached: look for attachment points, bolt holes, or residual hardware

9. Commonly Confused With

Russian FAB-250/FAB-500: Very similar construction; markings are primary discriminator
Chinese guided variants (LS/LT/FT): Same bomb body but with added guidance hardware

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Cast explosive fill (TNT or Composition B) with booster charge
Chinese bomb fuzes may differ from Russian fuze patterns -- do not assume interchangeability
Dual fuze wells require both to be assessed

DPRK Conventional Bombs

designation: "DPRK FAB-series copies / Chinese bomb copies"
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "general-purpose bombs"

1. Shape

Soviet FAB-series and Chinese GP bomb copies
Standard cylindrical body with ogival nose

2. Dimensions and Weight

FAB-100, FAB-250, FAB-500 weight classes
ZAB-series incendiary variants likely in inventory

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab/dark green
Manufacturing quality may be rougher than Russian/Chinese originals

4. Fuze Location and Type

Soviet-pattern fuze wells; may accept Soviet-origin fuzes

5. Fin/Drag Device

Box-type tail fins (Soviet pattern)

6. Markings

Korean script (Hangul/Chosongul) markings -- key identifier for DPRK origin
May also carry Chinese-style markings on Chinese-derived items

7. State When Found as UXO

Same as Soviet/Chinese equivalents

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Korean script markings
Potentially lower manufacturing quality/finish compared to Russian originals
Soviet/Chinese design lineage visible in construction

9. Commonly Confused With

Russian FAB series: Nearly identical design; markings differentiate
Chinese GP bombs: Same lineage; markings differentiate

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Same explosive fill hazards as Soviet/Chinese equivalents
Manufacturing quality variation may affect fuze reliability (higher dud rate possible)
Incendiary ZAB-type variants: thermite/incendiary fill -- fire hazard

DPRK Guided Bomb Kits (2025)

designation: "DPRK satellite-guided bomb kit / DPRK EO-guided bomb kit"
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "guided bomb kit (JDAM/KAB equivalent)"
revealed: "May 2025"

1. Shape

Satellite-guided variant: Standard bomb body with navigation guidance kit (similar to JDAM/FT-1 concept)
EO-guided variant: Bomb body with electro-optical terminal seeker in nose (optical window/dome)

2. Dimensions and Weight

Based on standard DPRK bomb bodies (likely 250-500 kg class)

3. Color and Finish

Expected olive drab/dark green bomb body with guidance kit section

4. Fuze Location and Type

Conventional bomb fuzing PLUS electronic guidance unit with battery
EO variant: optical seeker head at nose

5. Fin/Drag Device

Guidance strakes or wings for flight correction
Tail fins from base bomb body

6. Markings

Korean script markings

7. State When Found as UXO

Similar to other guided bomb duds
EO variant: seeker dome may be shattered

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Satellite-guided: Guidance module fairing with antenna; strake fins; Korean script
EO-guided: Optical seeker window at nose (similar to KAB-500Kr or Paveway concept) with Korean markings
Both are NEW items (2025) -- limited reference imagery available

9. Commonly Confused With

Russian KAB series: Similar concept; markings differentiate
Chinese FT/LS series: Similar concept; markings differentiate
US JDAM: Similar guidance concept

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

GPS/GNSS guidance kit with battery -- electronic hazard; susceptible to GPS jamming
EO seeker: Battery-powered electronics; optical window may contain functional sensor
Limited technical data available -- treat with maximum caution
Guidance: GLONASS or BeiDou probable (DPRK does not operate own satellite constellation)

MINES

PFM-1 / PFM-1S Butterfly Mine

designation: "PFM-1 (non-self-destructing) / PFM-1S (self-destructing)"
country: "Russia / Soviet Union"
category: "anti-personnel blast mine (scatterable)"
hazard_priority: "CRITICAL"

1. Shape

Distinctive "butterfly" or "petal" wing shape -- flat, asymmetric, with one large wing and one smaller body section
Resembles a small toy or leaf -- known to attract children
Soft, flexible plastic body (polyethylene)

2. Dimensions and Weight

120 mm x 60 mm x 20 mm (wing shape)
Weight: 75 g total (extremely light)
Explosive fill: 37 g VS-6D liquid explosive

3. Color and Finish

Green, brown, or sand/tan colored plastic body
Soft, pliable polyethylene wing material
May become discolored/bleached with UV exposure and age
No metallic appearance -- entirely plastic

4. Fuze Location and Type

SP-12 hydraulic pressure fuze inside body (not visible externally)
Activates when wing is squeezed or stepped on (5-25 kg pressure)
PFM-1S: additional self-destruct pyrotechnic timer inside (1-40 hours)
No visible fuze -- fuze is entirely internal

5. Fin/Drag Device

Wing acts as both drag device and arming mechanism
Wing catches air during dispersal, stabilizing descent and orienting mine for ground contact
No separate fin or parachute

6. Markings

Minimal to none visible externally
No stenciling, no color bands
Cannot determine PFM-1 vs PFM-1S by visual inspection alone

7. State When Found as UXO

Surface: Found lying on ground surface in random orientations
In vegetation, on rooftops, in trees (scattered from rocket delivery)
May be partially covered by soil, leaves, debris
Plastic body degrades in UV; may appear bleached, cracked, or warped
Leaking liquid: If casing has cracked, VS-6D liquid explosive may be visible as oily residue

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Unique butterfly/petal shape -- unlike any other mine in any inventory
Soft, flexible body (squeezes when touched -- this IS the fuzing mechanism)
Extremely small and flat -- difficult to spot on ground
LOOK FOR MULTIPLES: Scattered from Uragan rockets (312 mines per rocket); if one found, expect hundreds more in 200-300 m area

9. Commonly Confused With

Leaf debris: Mine resembles a leaf or piece of plastic trash
Children's toys: Known attraction hazard for children due to appearance
No direct equivalent in any other military inventory -- unique Soviet design

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DETECT: Near-zero metallic content; metal detectors are largely ineffective
PFM-1 (non-SD) REMAINS LETHAL INDEFINITELY -- no expiration
PFM-1S self-destruct has ~10% failure rate -- assume any PFM-1S found after 48 hours IS ARMED
VS-6D liquid explosive crystallizes with age -- becomes MORE SENSITIVE over time
If casing is cracked and leaking: Liquid explosive is a sensitized hazard
DO NOT pick up, squeeze, step on, or throw
Manual probing and visual search is primary detection method -- SLOW and DANGEROUS
Activation pressure: 5-25 kg -- a child's footstep is sufficient
Clearance context: Expect 312 mines per Uragan 9M27K3 rocket; multiple rockets per volley = overlapping contamination zones of thousands of mines

TM-62 Series AT Mine

designation: "TM-62M (metal) / TM-62P3 (plastic) / TM-62B (bakelite) / TM-62D (wood)"
country: "Russia"
category: "anti-tank blast mine"

1. Shape

Round, flat disc/puck shape -- classic AT mine profile
Low-profile cylinder with flat top and bottom
Central fuze well visible on top (raised circular fitting)
Bottom may have secondary fuze well for anti-handling device

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~320 mm
Height: ~128 mm (TM-62M)
Weight: 9.5-10 kg total
Explosive fill: 7.5 kg TNT (TM-62M)

3. Color and Finish

TM-62M (metal): Olive drab painted metal; may show rust/corrosion
TM-62P3 (plastic): Dark green or brown plastic body -- difficult to detect
TM-62B (bakelite): Dark brown/black bakelite casing
TM-62D (wood): Wooden casing -- nearly impossible to detect with metal detectors

4. Fuze Location and Type

Central fuze well on top -- accepts interchangeable fuzes:
- MVCh-62: Standard pressure fuze (most common)
- MVZ-62: Magnetic influence fuze (detonates when vehicle magnetic field detected)
- MVD-62: Tilt-rod fuze (extends above ground surface)
- MV-62: Contact fuze
Bottom fuze well: May contain anti-handling device (MUV pull fuze + MD-5M detonator)
Activation pressure: 200-500 kg (pressure fuze)

5. Fin/Drag Device

None (emplaced mine)

6. Markings

Cyrillic stenciling on metal body (lot, date, weight)
Plastic/wood variants may have minimal markings

7. State When Found as UXO

Buried: Typically buried flush with or slightly below ground surface; covered with soil
Surface: May be found exposed after erosion, flooding, or deliberate surface laying
Stacked: 2-3 mines stacked on top of each other for increased blast effect
Mixed fields: Often laid alongside AP mines

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Round disc shape with central fuze well -- classic AT mine silhouette
MVD-62 tilt rod extends above ground (thin metal rod) -- visible indicator of mine below
Metal variant is circular olive drab disc with visible fuze fitting on top
Multiple casing materials make detector response variable

9. Commonly Confused With

Chinese Type 72 AT mine: Similar round profile; slightly different diameter (~280 mm vs 320 mm); different fuze mechanism
Chinese Type 59 AT mine: Soviet TMN-46 copy; similar appearance
Other Soviet-pattern AT mines (TMN-46, TM-57)

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

ANTI-HANDLING DEVICES COMMONLY USED: Russian doctrine places MUV pull fuze + detonator UNDER the mine -- any attempt to lift triggers detonation
Check for wires, secondary devices, and ground disturbance around mine before approach
MVZ-62 magnetic fuze: Mine appears safe to step on (pressure won't trigger it) but detonates under vehicle magnetic field; metal detector approach may also trigger
TM-62P3 plastic / TM-62D wood: Extremely difficult to detect with standard metal detectors
Secondary fuze wells allow stacking and booby-trapping configurations
Minefields up to 20 km deep documented in some sectors

MON-50 / MON-90 / MON-100 / MON-200

designation: "MON-50 / MON-90 / MON-100 / MON-200"
alt_names: "Mina Oskolochnaya Napravlennaya - Directional Fragmentation Mine"
country: "Russia"
category: "directional anti-personnel fragmentation mine"

1. Shape

Curved rectangular body -- convex face (kill direction) and concave face (rear/safe side)
MON-50: Rectangular curved body on scissor-type folding legs
MON-100/200: Larger disc-shaped bodies; flat-backed with convex fragmentation face

2. Dimensions and Weight

Mine	Weight	Explosive	Fragments	Lethal Range
MON-50	2 kg	700 g PVV-5A	540 steel balls	50 m
MON-90	12.1 kg	6.2 kg PVV-5A	Steel casing frag	90 m
MON-100	5 kg	2 kg TNT	400 steel rods	100 m
MON-200	25 kg	12 kg TNT	900 steel rods	200 m

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab or dark green painted body
MON-50: plastic/composite body; may be green or olive

4. Fuze Location and Type

Command-detonated: Electric or command wire
Trip-wire initiated: MUV-type or electronic fuze with tripwire connected
Uses standard Russian blasting caps (MDV, ED series)
Detonator well visible on top or rear

5. Fin/Drag Device

None (emplaced mine)
MON-50: folding scissor legs/spike for ground emplacement
Larger variants: base plate or ground mounting

6. Markings

Cyrillic text on convex face equivalent to "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY"
Direction indicator arrow
Lot and date markings

7. State When Found as UXO

Found emplaced but not detonated (position overrun without being fired)
Trip wire may still be connected -- LOOK FOR WIRE before approach
Command wire leading to abandoned fighting position
May be lashed to trees, stakes, or structures

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Curved/convex face = kill direction; concave/flat face = rear
MON-50: Russian Claymore equivalent -- very similar profile to US M18A1 but with different leg arrangement
Scissor legs on MON-50 are distinctive
Cyrillic "front toward enemy" text on face

9. Commonly Confused With

US M18A1 Claymore: MON-50 is functional equivalent; similar curved body; US version has "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" in English
DPRK MON-type derivatives: copies of same design

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

TRIP WIRE: If trip-wire initiated -- any disturbance of wire could detonate; trace wire before approach
Command wire: Verify no operator on the other end; check for booby-trap on command wire
Fragmentation is directional but backblast area is also hazardous -- do not approach from any direction without caution
Can be booby-trapped with additional anti-handling devices
MON-200 has 200 m lethal fragmentation range -- massive danger zone

PTM-1 Scatterable AT Mine

designation: "PTM-1 / PTM-3"
country: "Russia"
category: "scatterable anti-tank mine"

1. Shape

Small rectangular box shape -- NOT round like traditional AT mines
Flat top surface with full-width pressure plate
Compact, low profile

2. Dimensions and Weight

PTM-1: 255 mm x 80 mm x 52 mm; 1.6 kg total
Explosive fill: 1.1 kg
PTM-3: Heavier variant

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab plastic/metal body
May show weathering and discoloration

4. Fuze Location and Type

Full-width attack pressure fuze on top surface -- detonates when vehicle drives over ANY part of top
Self-destruct timer: Pyrotechnic, 16-64 hours (PTM-1)
Activation pressure: ~150-300 kg

5. Fin/Drag Device

None (scattered by rocket/dispenser, lands and arms on ground)

6. Markings

Minimal external markings

7. State When Found as UXO

Found on roads, fields, near former positions
Surface-laid (scattered from Uragan rockets: 24 per 9M27K2 warhead)
Self-destruct timer may have failed -- mine remains active

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Rectangular shape -- unlike round TM-62 or disc-shaped mines
Small size (roughly the size of a paperback book)
Full-width pressure plate covers entire top surface

9. Commonly Confused With

TM-62: Much larger and round; PTM-1 is small and rectangular
AP mine: PTM-1 requires vehicle-weight pressure; not anti-personnel
Other scatterable AT mines

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Self-destruct failure rate: ~10% -- mines found after 64 hours must be treated as ARMED and FAILED self-destruct
Low metal content in some variants -- difficult to detect
Deployed in large numbers per volley (24 per rocket)
Full-width pressure fuze means any portion of top surface can trigger

Chinese Type 72 AP Mine

designation: "Type 72 / Type 72B / Type 72C"
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "blast anti-personnel mine"
hazard_priority: "CRITICAL -- HIGHEST PROBABILITY ENCOUNTER globally"

1. Shape

Small circular disc -- low profile, puck-shaped
Smooth top with central pressure plate/fuze area
Very compact and easy to overlook

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: 78 mm (approximately silver-dollar sized)
Height: 38 mm
Weight: ~110 g
Explosive fill: ~51 g TNT

3. Color and Finish

Plastic body -- olive, green, tan, or brown (varies by manufacture lot and destination)
Minimum metal content -- primarily plastic construction

4. Fuze Location and Type

Type 72 (basic): Simple mechanical pressure fuze; 5-12 kg activation; no self-destruct
Type 72B: Electronic fuze with delay arming, pressure activation, anti-handling device (detonates if moved), THREE selectable self-destruct settings
Type 72C: Mechanical fuze with delay arming, pressure activation, anti-handling device (detonates if moved); no self-destruct

5. Fin/Drag Device

None (emplaced mine)

6. Markings

Minimal to none visible; may have small Chinese characters or lot stamps

7. State When Found as UXO

Buried or surface-laid
Very small size makes visual detection difficult in soil, sand, or vegetation
Plastic casing may degrade in tropical/wet environments -- mine becomes UNSTABLE

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Tiny size (78 mm diameter) -- one of the smallest AP mines
All-plastic appearance -- no visible metal
Cannot visually distinguish Type 72 from 72B or 72C -- treat all as 72B/C (worst case)

9. Commonly Confused With

Soviet PMN: Larger (112 mm diameter) with different profile
Iranian YM-I: Similar size/concept; different casing details
VS-50: Italian mine of similar concept

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

MINIMUM METAL CONTENT: Extremely difficult to detect with standard metal detectors; requires GPR, dual-sensor detectors, or prodding
TYPE 72B/72C ANTI-HANDLING: DETONATES IF MOVED -- DO NOT lift, turn, or pull; DESTROY IN PLACE
Type 72B SELF-DESTRUCT: Electronic timer may cause detonation at unpredictable time; settings may have degraded
One of the most commonly encountered AP mines GLOBALLY -- found in Cambodia, Afghanistan, Angola, Mozambique, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and many other countries
5-12 kg activation pressure = child's footstep is sufficient

Chinese Type 72 AT Mine (Non-Metallic)

designation: "Type 72 AT (Non-Metallic / Plastic)"
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "blast anti-tank mine (non-metallic, blast-resistant)"

1. Shape

Circular disc -- standard AT mine profile but plastic body
Flat top with central pressure plate area containing T-72 fuze

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~280 mm
Height: ~130 mm
Weight: ~6.5 kg
Explosive fill: 5.4 kg of 50:50 RDX/TNT

3. Color and Finish

Plastic body -- olive, dark green, or brown
No metallic appearance

4. Fuze Location and Type

T-72 blast-resistant pressure fuze -- unique mechanism:
- Pressure depresses casing, which REVOLVES due to diagonal lugs
- Revolution releases retaining balls, freeing striker
- BLAST RESISTANT: Rapid pressure (explosive breaching) pushes fuze straight down into VERTICAL grooves -- balls do NOT release, striker NOT freed
This mine RESISTS explosive breaching/clearance charges (MICLIC/APOBS)
Activation pressure: 300 kg

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Chinese characters on body; lot/date stamps

7. State When Found as UXO

Buried flush with or below ground surface
Very difficult to detect -- plastic body with minimal metal signature
Buried mines may shift with ground movement, partially exposing

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Plastic body -- no metallic sheen
Slightly different profile from TM-62 (280 mm vs 320 mm diameter; taller at 130 mm)
T-72 fuze mechanism housing visible on top

9. Commonly Confused With

Type 72 AT (metallic): Same general shape but metal body; metallic variant has thinner profile (108 mm vs 130 mm)
Type 69 AT: Nearly identical externally; different fuze mechanism
Russian TM-62P3: Similar plastic AT mine concept; different dimensions

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

BLAST RESISTANT: Cannot be reliably cleared by mine rollers or explosive line charges (MICLIC/APOBS) alone
MINIMUM METAL: Very difficult to detect with metal detectors
5.4 kg RDX/TNT fill -- full anti-vehicle blast capability; will kill vehicle occupants
T-72 fuze becomes unpredictable with age and corrosion
Plastic casing may degrade, making mine unstable

Chinese Type 72 AT Mine (Metallic)

designation: "Type 72 AT (Metallic)"
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "blast anti-tank mine (metallic)"

1. Shape

Circular disc -- standard AT mine profile, metal body

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~280 mm
Height: ~108 mm (lower profile than non-metallic variant)
Weight: ~6.8 kg
Explosive fill: ~5.0 kg TNT

3. Color and Finish

Sheet metal body (0.8 mm body; 0.6 mm pressure plate)
Olive drab or dark green painted
Corrodes rapidly -- may show heavy rust

4. Fuze Location and Type

Standard pressure fuze (mechanical) -- simpler than T-72 blast-resistant fuze
Activation pressure: ~200-300 kg

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Chinese characters stamped or stenciled on body

7. State When Found as UXO

Buried or surface; metal body detectable with standard detectors
Thin metal corrodes -- may be heavily rusted and structurally weakened

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Metal body (detectable) -- distinguishes from non-metallic Type 72
Lower profile (108 mm) than non-metallic variant (130 mm)
Thin sheet metal construction -- lightweight feel for its size

9. Commonly Confused With

Type 72 AT (non-metallic): Different material; plastic vs metal
Russian TM-62M: Slightly larger (320 mm diameter); different fuze
Type 59 AT: Larger (300 mm), heavier (8.6 kg)

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Thin sheet metal construction corrodes rapidly -- may become unstable with age
Standard pressure fuze is simpler than non-metallic variant (no blast-resistance feature)
Detectable with metal detectors (advantage over non-metallic variant)

Chinese Type 69 AT Mine

designation: "Type 69"
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "blast anti-tank mine (plastic)"

1. Shape

Circular disc -- externally very similar to Type 72 AT

2. Dimensions and Weight

Similar to Type 72 AT; dimensions closely match

3. Color and Finish

Plastic body -- similar to Type 72 AT non-metallic

4. Fuze Location and Type

DOUBLE-ACTION fuze: Requires TWO depressions to trigger
First step may PARTIALLY ARM the mine without detonating
Double-action feature was removed in the later Type 72

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Chinese characters; lot/date stamps

7. State When Found as UXO

Same as Type 72 AT; buried or surface

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Externally nearly identical to Type 72 AT -- very difficult to distinguish visually
Some sources suggest the only difference is the fuze mechanism

9. Commonly Confused With

Type 72 AT (non-metallic): Virtually identical exterior
Type 81 AT: Some sources suggest no external difference between Type 69, 72, and 81 AT mines

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Double-action fuze: First depression may PARTIALLY ARM without detonation -- DO NOT assume a mine that has been stepped on once is safe
If unable to positively identify as Type 69 vs Type 72: treat as Type 72B/C with anti-handling (worst case)
Minimum metal content -- detection difficulty

Chinese Type 59 AT Mine

designation: "Type 59"
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "blast anti-tank mine (copy of Soviet TMN-46)"

1. Shape

Circular disc -- standard round AT mine profile
Metal body; slightly larger than Type 72 series

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~300 mm
Height: ~108 mm
Weight: ~8.6 kg
Explosive fill: ~5.7 kg TNT

3. Color and Finish

Metal body -- olive drab/dark green painted
Heavier than Type 72 metallic variant

4. Fuze Location and Type

Pressure fuze; activation pressure ~120-400 kg
May accept Soviet-pattern fuzes (MV-5, MVZ-57, etc.)

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Chinese characters; may also have markings compatible with Soviet fuze identification

7. State When Found as UXO

Buried or surface; detectable with metal detectors

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Larger than Type 72 AT (300 mm vs 280 mm diameter)
Metal body -- heavier construction than Type 72
Soviet TMN-46 copy -- identical construction to Soviet original

9. Commonly Confused With

Soviet TMN-46: Identical design copy; markings differentiate
Type 72 AT (metallic): Smaller diameter (280 mm vs 300 mm)
Russian TM-62: Slightly different dimensions and fuze pattern

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Soviet TMN-46 copy -- same construction, same hazards as Soviet original
May accept multiple Soviet-pattern fuze types
Widely proliferated in Cold War-era conflicts across Asia and Africa

Chinese Type 84 Scatterable AT Mine

designation: "Type 84"
country: "China (PRC)"
category: "scatterable anti-tank mine (rocket-dispensed)"

1. Shape

Metal body -- designed for rocket dispensing (compact, aerodynamic)
Smaller than hand-emplaced AT mines

2. Dimensions and Weight

Details limited (Source Rating C-3)

3. Color and Finish

Metal body

4. Fuze Location and Type

Magnetic influence fuze (primary) -- may activate in response to vehicle OR metal detector
Contact fuze (backup)
Self-destruct/self-neutralization capability: UNKNOWN -- treat as live

5. Fin/Drag Device

None post-emplacement; may have stabilization features for rocket dispersal

6. Markings

Chinese characters

7. State When Found as UXO

Scattered on surface in irregular patterns (rocket-dispensed)
Expect unpredictable mine locations across dispersal area

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Scatterable: Found on surface in random patterns, not in organized rows
Metal body; compact shape for rocket dispensing

9. Commonly Confused With

Russian PTM-1: Also scatterable AT mine; different shape (PTM-1 is rectangular)
Other scatterable AT mines

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

MAGNETIC INFLUENCE FUZE: May activate in response to metal detector -- use non-metallic probing equipment
Scattered deployment means unpredictable mine locations
Self-destruct/self-neutralization status unknown -- treat as armed indefinitely

Iranian YM-I AP Mine

designation: "YM-I (Yahieh Mechanical - Type I)"
country: "Iran"
manufacturer: "DIO (Defense Industries Organization)"
category: "blast anti-personnel mine"

1. Shape

Small circular disc; low profile
Similar in concept to Soviet PMN-type

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~78 mm
Height: ~50 mm
Weight: ~185 g
Explosive fill: ~30 g Comp B

3. Color and Finish

Olive or tan plastic body

4. Fuze Location and Type

Mechanical pressure fuze
Activation force: ~5 kg

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Iranian military markings (Farsi script)

7. State When Found as UXO

Buried or surface-laid

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Small plastic disc (78 mm) -- similar size to Chinese Type 72 AP
Farsi script markings differentiate from Chinese equivalent
Plastic body with minimal metal

9. Commonly Confused With

Chinese Type 72 AP: Nearly identical dimensions (78 mm diameter); different markings (Farsi vs Chinese)
Soviet PMN: Larger (112 mm); different profile

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

5 kg activation force -- child's footstep sufficient
Low metal content -- detection difficulty
Found in conflict zones where Iran supplies proxy forces (Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon)

Iranian YM-II AT Mine

designation: "YM-II"
country: "Iran"
manufacturer: "DIO"
category: "blast anti-tank mine"

1. Shape

Circular disc; standard AT mine profile; full-width design

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~300 mm
Weight: ~9 kg
Explosive fill: ~5-7 kg TNT or Comp B

3. Color and Finish

Olive or brown plastic/metal body

4. Fuze Location and Type

Pressure fuze; activation force ~150-300 kg

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Iranian military markings (Farsi script)

7. State When Found as UXO

Buried or surface-laid; found in Iran-proxy conflict zones

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Full-width AT mine; ~300 mm diameter
Farsi script markings
Similar profile to Soviet/Chinese AT mines

9. Commonly Confused With

Chinese Type 59 AT: Similar dimensions (~300 mm diameter, ~9 kg)
Russian TM-62: Similar size class
Soviet TMN-46: Similar profile

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

5-7 kg explosive fill -- full vehicle-kill capability
May be encountered in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Gulf region
Anti-handling device status unknown -- treat as booby-trapped

Iranian YM-III Bounding AP Mine

designation: "YM-III"
country: "Iran"
category: "fragmentation AP mine (bounding)"

1. Shape

Cylindrical body designed to bound upward before detonation
Taller profile than flat blast mines
Similar concept to Soviet OZM-72 or US M16 Bouncing Betty

2. Dimensions and Weight

Details limited (Source Rating B-3)

3. Color and Finish

Military olive/green

4. Fuze Location and Type

Pressure or tripwire activated
Bounds to ~1 m height before main charge detonation
Bounding mechanism: propellant charge lifts body, delay fuze detonates main charge at ~1 m

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Iranian military markings (Farsi script)

7. State When Found as UXO

Emplaced in ground (partially buried with fuze/pressure plate above surface)
Tripwire may extend from mine to stakes or objects

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Taller cylindrical profile than flat disc AP mines
Pressure prongs or tripwire attachment visible at top
Similar silhouette to OZM-72 or M16 bounding mine

9. Commonly Confused With

Soviet OZM-72: Same bounding mine concept
US M16 Bouncing Betty: Same functional type
POMZ-2M stake mine: Different concept (fragmentation, not bounding)

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Bounding mine: Detonates at ~1 m height -- fragments project at waist/torso level = higher lethality than flat blast mines
Preformed fragments or wire-wound casing for enhanced fragmentation
Tripwire may be present -- search for wires before approach
If pressure-activated: prone position offers NO PROTECTION (mine bounds up)

DPRK "Leaf" Mine

designation: "DPRK Plastic AP Mine ('Leaf' Mine)"
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "anti-personnel blast mine"
hazard_priority: "HIGH PRIORITY CONCERN"

1. Shape

Small plastic mine camouflaged as a leaf
Roughly mobile phone-sized
Flat, irregular profile designed to blend with natural ground cover

2. Dimensions and Weight

Approximately mobile phone-sized
Lightweight plastic construction

3. Color and Finish

Camouflage coloring designed to resemble a leaf
Plastic body; may be green, brown, or mottled

4. Fuze Location and Type

Pressure-activated (details limited)
Minimum metal content

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Minimal to none (designed for concealment)

7. State When Found as UXO

Surface-laid in DMZ and border areas
Designed to be nearly invisible among ground debris and leaves
Actively deployed in DMZ as of 2024

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Leaf-shaped camouflage is the defining feature
Flat, thin profile
Plastic body with leaf-like coloring
UNIQUE to DPRK -- no equivalent in other inventories

9. Commonly Confused With

Actual leaves and ground debris -- this is by design
PFM-1 butterfly mine: Also plastic, also difficult to detect, but different shape (wing vs leaf)

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Minimal metal signature DEFEATS most standard mine detectors
Actively deployed in DMZ -- expect in any DPRK-influenced area
DMZ mines may be decades old with degraded fuzing -- EXTREMELY DANGEROUS due to unpredictable sensitivity
Booby-trapping of mine removal paths is a known DPRK tactic
Over 1 million mines estimated in DMZ area (both ROK and DPRK laid)

DPRK PMN-Type AP Mine

designation: "DPRK PMN-type derivative"
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "blast anti-personnel mine (Soviet PMN copy)"

1. Shape

Cylindrical body with pressure plate on top
Soviet PMN design copy

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~112 mm
Explosive fill: ~240 g TNT
Body: Bakelite (hard dark brown/black plastic)

3. Color and Finish

Dark brown or black Bakelite body

4. Fuze Location and Type

Pressure plate fuzing (top surface)

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Korean script if any markings present

7. State When Found as UXO

Buried or surface in DMZ and DPRK-influenced areas

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Dark brown/black Bakelite cylinder with pressure plate
Soviet PMN silhouette -- well-documented mine type
Larger than Type 72/YM-I (112 mm vs 78 mm diameter)

9. Commonly Confused With

Soviet PMN/PMN-2: Original that DPRK copied; identical appearance
Iranian YM-I: Smaller (78 mm) and lighter

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Soviet PMN copy -- same hazards documented in standard EOD references
240 g TNT is significant AP charge -- produces casualties beyond foot/leg
DMZ emplacement means potentially decades old -- degraded fuzing

DPRK POMZ-2M Type Stake Mine

designation: "DPRK POMZ-2M type"
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "fragmentation stake mine (Soviet POMZ-2M copy)"

1. Shape

Cast iron cylindrical/squat body mounted on wooden stake
Mine body sits atop a stake driven into ground
Tripwire extends from mine to anchor point

2. Dimensions and Weight

Cast iron body: squat cylinder
Explosive fill: ~75 g TNT
Mounted ~30-50 cm above ground on stake

3. Color and Finish

Cast iron body -- dark gray/black, rough cast surface
Wooden stake; may be weathered

4. Fuze Location and Type

Tripwire-fuzed -- MUV-type pull fuze
Tripwire connects to detonator in mine body
Wire under tension; disturbance pulls fuze pin

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Minimal; cast iron body may show mold markings

7. State When Found as UXO

Mounted on stake above ground with visible tripwire
Stake may be rotted/fallen, leaving mine body on ground surface
Wire may be slack, broken, or hidden in vegetation

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Cast iron body on wooden stake is distinctive POMZ-2M profile
Tripwire is the primary detection cue
Elevated above ground (unlike buried mines)
Rough cast iron surface texture

9. Commonly Confused With

Soviet POMZ-2M: Identical (DPRK copy)
Other stake-mounted fragmentation mines

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

TRIPWIRE: DO NOT touch, step over, or cut wire without proper procedure
Tripwire may be concealed in vegetation, grass, or debris
Cast iron fragments are lethal at close range
Stake may be rotted -- mine may fall and rest at ground level with slack wire still attached
Multiple POMZ may be linked by same tripwire line

DPRK TM-62M Type AT Mine

designation: "DPRK TM-62M type"
country: "North Korea (DPRK)"
category: "anti-tank blast mine (Soviet TM-62M copy)"

1. Shape

Round flat disc; identical to Russian TM-62M profile

2. Dimensions and Weight

Metallic body; ~7.5 kg TNT fill
Standard TM-62M dimensions

3. Color and Finish

Metal body; olive drab

4. Fuze Location and Type

MVCh-62 type pressure fuze (Soviet pattern)

5. Fin/Drag Device

None

6. Markings

Korean script if marked; may also show Soviet fuze designations

7-10. See Russian TM-62M profile above

All identification features and EOD warnings for Russian TM-62M apply identically
Additional DPRK-specific concern: Booby-trapping of mine removal paths is documented DPRK tactic; expect anti-handling devices

SUBMUNITIONS

9N210 Dual-Purpose Submunition

designation: "9N210"
parent_system: "BM-27 Uragan 9M27K rocket (30 per warhead)"
country: "Russia"
category: "anti-personnel/anti-materiel fragmentation submunition"
hazard_priority: "CRITICAL -- highest dud rate UXO"

1. Shape

Small cylinder with ribbon streamer tail
Steel body with pre-formed fragments embedded in casing wall

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~56 mm
Length: ~205 mm
Weight: 1.85 kg
Explosive fill: ~300 g A-IX-2 (RDX/aluminum)

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab steel body -- may be unpainted/bare steel
Ribbon streamer: White or khaki fabric

4. Fuze Location and Type

Impact fuze with spin-arming mechanism
Fuze arms via rotation during descent
If submunition did not achieve sufficient spin: fuze in unsafe partially-armed state -- MOST DANGEROUS CONDITION

5. Fin/Drag Device

Ribbon streamer at tail -- stabilizes descent and provides spin for fuze arming
Ribbon may be tangled, missing, or trailing from body

6. Markings

Minimal; lot numbers may be stamped on body

7. State When Found as UXO

Surface or partially embedded in soil
Ribbon streamer may be visible trailing from body
Dud indicator: Intact body without fragmentation evidence (detonated submunition = fragmented casing)
Suspended: Ribbon may tangle in trees, wires, fences -- armed submunition hanging in air
EXPECT MULTIPLES: 30 per rocket warhead; if one found, search for 29 more in area

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Small steel cylinder with ribbon streamer
Size: approximately a soda can (56 mm x 205 mm)
Pre-formed fragment pattern may be visible on casing exterior (grid or spiral scoring)

9. Commonly Confused With

9N235: Very similar; slightly smaller (1.75 kg vs 1.85 kg); also has ribbon streamer
Small pipe or debris: In contaminated areas with shell fragments, 9N210 can be mistaken for pipe/debris and vice versa

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

DUD RATE: 10-30% (highly variable; older production = higher)
Impact fuze in UNKNOWN STATE: ASSUME ARMED
Spin-arming failure = intermediate state = MOST DANGEROUS -- neither safe nor fully armed; unpredictable behavior
Small size = easily missed in vegetation, debris, and shell-fragment contamination
DO NOT kick, throw, step on, or pick up
Area contamination: 30 per rocket; multiple rockets per salvo; each rocket covers ~200-300 m dispersal zone
Suspended submunitions (tangled in trees/wires) may fall at any time

9N235 Dual-Purpose Submunition

designation: "9N235"
parent_system: "BM-30 Smerch 9M55K rocket (72 per warhead)"
country: "Russia"
category: "anti-personnel/anti-materiel fragmentation submunition"
hazard_priority: "CRITICAL"

1. Shape

Small cylinder with ribbon streamer -- very similar to 9N210
Pre-formed fragments in steel casing

2. Dimensions and Weight

Diameter: ~55 mm
Weight: 1.75 kg (slightly lighter than 9N210)
Explosive fill: ~300 g A-IX-2

3. Color and Finish

Olive drab or unpainted steel body
Ribbon streamer (white/khaki)

4. Fuze Location and Type

Impact fuze with inertial detonator
Similar arming mechanism to 9N210

5. Fin/Drag Device

Ribbon streamer at tail

6. Markings

Minimal; lot stamps

7. State When Found as UXO

Same conditions as 9N210
Ribbon may tangle in trees/wires -- suspended armed submunition
EXPECT MASSIVELY MORE per salvo: 72 per warhead (vs 30 for 9N210)

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Virtually identical to 9N210 visually -- field differentiation may be impossible
Slightly smaller/lighter than 9N210

9. Commonly Confused With

9N210: Functionally identical appearance; differentiation requires measurements or parent system identification
Size difference (1.75 kg vs 1.85 kg) is not reliably field-distinguishable

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

DUD RATE: 15-30% for older production lots
All 9N210 warnings apply
72 per rocket warhead = massive area contamination per single rocket
Major documented UXO hazard in Ukraine -- one of the highest-volume submunition types encountered

PTAB-2.5M Anti-Armor Submunition

designation: "PTAB-2.5M / PTAB-1M"
parent_system: "RBK-500 PTAB cluster bomb (~268 PTAB-1M per bomb)"
country: "Russia"
category: "anti-armor shaped charge submunition"

1. Shape

Cylindrical body with hemispherical nose (shaped charge geometry)
Copper-lined shaped charge visible in intact nose (concave copper disc)
No ribbon or parachute -- stabilized by aerodynamic drag shape alone

2. Dimensions and Weight

PTAB-2.5M: ~2.5 kg total
PTAB-1M: ~1.0 kg total (smaller variant)
Penetration: ~100 mm RHA (PTAB-2.5M)

3. Color and Finish

Steel body; olive drab or unpainted
Copper liner may be visible in nose (gold/copper colored concave disc)

4. Fuze Location and Type

Impact fuze (piezoelectric) -- sensitive to shock on nose
No spin-arming; fuzes on impact via piezo crystal deformation

5. Fin/Drag Device

Drag-stabilized: Body shape provides aerodynamic stability without fins or ribbon
May have small fixed stabilizer fins at base

6. Markings

Minimal; lot stamps on body

7. State When Found as UXO

Surface or shallow buried
Small size; easily lost in terrain and debris
Found across frontline areas after RBK-500 employment

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Hemispherical/concave nose -- shaped charge geometry is key identifier
Copper liner disc visible in nose of intact dud -- gold/copper colored
No ribbon streamer (unlike 9N210/9N235)
Smaller and fatter than 9N210/9N235

9. Commonly Confused With

9N210/9N235: Have ribbon streamers; PTAB does not
RPG warhead fragments: Shaped charge similarity but PTAB is much smaller
Other shaped charge submunitions: Distinguish by size and deployment context

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Shaped charge: DO NOT approach from directly above or below -- EFP fires along longitudinal axis
Copper liner intact on dud -- Explosively Formed Penetrator hazard
Piezoelectric impact fuze: Sensitive to shock on nose -- do not drop or apply pressure
Small size makes detection difficult; 268 PTAB-1M per RBK-500 bomb = massive area contamination
DUD RATE: 10-20%

ShOAB-0.5 Anti-Personnel Submunition

designation: "ShOAB-0.5"
alt_names: "Sharikovo Oskolochnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba - Ball-Bearing Fragmentation Aviation Bomb"
parent_system: "RBK-500 ShOAB-0.5 cluster bomb (565 per bomb)"
country: "Russia"
category: "small anti-personnel fragmentation submunition"
hazard_priority: "HIGH -- extremely difficult to detect"

1. Shape

Very small cylindrical body packed with embedded steel ball bearings
Approximately the size of a small tin can

2. Dimensions and Weight

Weight: ~0.5 kg
Diameter: ~30 mm
Extremely small

3. Color and Finish

Steel body; olive drab or bare metal
Ball bearings embedded in casing may be visible on surface as small round bumps

4. Fuze Location and Type

Impact fuze

5. Fin/Drag Device

None or minimal drag device

6. Markings

Minimal to none at this size

7. State When Found as UXO

Surface or very shallow
EXTREMELY difficult to detect due to very small size
Minimal metal signature relative to background fragment contamination in battle areas
Easily overlooked among other debris

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Very small size -- smaller than all other submunitions in this guide
Ball bearing pattern may be visible on casing surface (small round protrusions)
Approximately tin-can sized

9. Commonly Confused With

Shell fragments/debris: In contaminated areas, ShOAB is similar in size to random fragments
Small cans/containers: Civilian debris of similar size

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

DUD RATE: 15-25%
EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DETECT in field conditions
565 per RBK-500 bomb = massive area contamination from single bomb
Ball-bearing fragmentation is lethal at close range even from this small charge
Pre-formed ball bearings produce high-velocity fragments
In areas with heavy fragment contamination, discriminating ShOAB from harmless debris is extremely challenging

SPBE-D Sensor-Fuzed Submunition

designation: "SPBE-D"
alt_names: "Self-Targeting Ammunition"
parent_system: "9M55K1 Smerch rocket (5 per warhead) / RBK-500U cluster bomb"
country: "Russia"
category: "sensor-fuzed anti-armor submunition with EFP warhead"
hazard_priority: "CRITICAL -- ACTIVE SENSOR WARNING"

1. Shape

Cylindrical body (~15 kg) with parachute pack on top
IR sensor window visible on bottom face
Electronics package visible
Copper EFP disc in base (fires downward)

2. Dimensions and Weight

Weight: ~15 kg
Larger and heavier than other submunitions in this guide
Parachute adds bulk when deployed

3. Color and Finish

Military olive/gray body
IR sensor window on bottom -- may appear as dark glass or semi-transparent panel
Electronics housing visible

4. Fuze Location and Type

Dual-band IR sensor scans for armored vehicle heat signatures
When target detected: fires EFP warhead downward (top-attack)
Battery-powered electronics; sensor active for hours to days after deployment
EFP penetration: ~70 mm RHA (top attack)

5. Fin/Drag Device

Parachute retarded -- parachute slows descent while IR sensor scans
Deployed parachute or parachute fabric may be visible at or near submunition
Parachute may entangle in trees/structures -- submunition suspended at height with active sensor

6. Markings

Military designation markings; electronics module serial numbers

7. State When Found as UXO

Parachute deployment failure: Hits ground at high velocity; may be damaged but warhead intact
Sensor failure: IR seeker does not detect target; submunition lands without firing -- sensor may still be active
Battery failure: Electronics do not power up; submunition inert from guidance perspective but warhead still armed

Parachute on ground near submunition body is key indicator
May be suspended from trees/structures by parachute

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Parachute (deployed or packed) is primary visual cue
IR sensor window on bottom -- dark glass/panel
Copper EFP disc in base -- copper-colored concave disc
Significantly larger than 9N210/9N235/PTAB/ShOAB (15 kg vs <3 kg)
Electronics package visible (circuit boards, wiring, battery)

9. Commonly Confused With

Illumination/flare submunitions: Also parachute-retarded; but SPBE-D has visible sensor and EFP
Other sensor-fuzed weapons (SFW): US CBU-97 SFW Skeet has similar concept but different geometry

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

IR SENSOR MAY STILL BE ACTIVE on a dud that landed softly (parachute functioned)
HUMAN BODY HEAT CAN TRIGGER SENSOR = APPROACH HAZARD
DO NOT approach with body heat signature if sensor functionality uncertain
RECOMMENDED APPROACH: Wait 48+ hours if possible; approach from concealment/behind cold cover; or use cold-body robotic approach
Battery life of sensor: Hours to days -- unknown how long after landing sensor remains active
EFP warhead fires DOWNWARD: DO NOT be directly below suspended submunition
DUD RATE: Estimated 10-15%
Complex UXO requiring specialized EOD expertise

Chinese PHL-03/AR-2 Submunitions

designation: "PHL-03 / AR-2 cluster submunitions"
parent_system: "PHL-03 (300mm MLRS) / AR-2 (export) / PHL-16/AR-3"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "NORINCO"
category: "anti-armor and anti-personnel submunitions"

1. Shape

Anti-armor submunitions: Shaped charge type (EFP or HEAT) -- cylindrical with concave nose
Anti-personnel submunitions: Fragmentation type -- small cylindrical bodies

2. Dimensions and Weight

Carried in 300mm or 370mm rocket warheads
Individual submunition weights vary by type

3. Color and Finish

Military olive/green
Chinese markings

4. Fuze Location and Type

Anti-armor: Impact or sensor fuzing (shaped charge detonation on contact or IR trigger)
Anti-personnel: Impact fuzing

5. Fin/Drag Device

May include ribbon streamers or drag devices for stabilization during descent

6. Markings

Chinese characters (Hanzi)

7. State When Found as UXO

Scattered across dispersal area from rocket warhead
Surface or shallow buried

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Chinese character markings differentiate from Russian submunitions
Anti-armor variant: shaped charge nose geometry (copper liner)
Anti-personnel variant: fragmentation body

9. Commonly Confused With

Russian 9N210/9N235: Similar concept; Chinese markings differentiate
Russian PTAB: Similar shaped charge concept for anti-armor variant

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

DUD RATE: 5-20% typical for cluster munitions
Anti-armor EFP/HEAT submunitions: directional hazard -- do not approach from shaped charge axis
Dispersed from large 300mm rockets -- significant dispersal area per rocket
NORINCO exports widely -- may be encountered in multiple countries

Taiwanese Wan Chien Submunitions

designation: "Wan Chien submunitions"
alt_names: "Ten Thousand Swords (萬劍) runway-cratering bomblets"
parent_system: "Wan Chien air-launched stand-off cruise missile"
country: "Taiwan (ROC)"
manufacturer: "NCSIST"
category: "runway-penetrating submunition"

1. Shape

Small bomblet designed for runway penetration
Compact, likely cylindrical or conical shaped for concrete penetration

2. Dimensions and Weight

Small individual bomblets (details limited -- Source Rating C-3)
Wan Chien missile total: ~900 kg; carries multiple bomblets

3. Color and Finish

Military finish; details limited

4. Fuze Location and Type

Impact fuze + delay for runway penetration (penetrates concrete surface, then detonates subsurface to crater runway)
Time/altitude fuze on parent missile for submunition dispersal

5. Fin/Drag Device

Bomblets may have small stabilization features for concrete penetration at correct angle

6. Markings

Chinese characters (Traditional Chinese / Mandarin -- ROC uses Traditional vs PRC Simplified)

7. State When Found as UXO

Embedded in or under concrete runway surfaces (designed for runway cratering)
Surface of runway/taxiway/hardstand
High dud rate expected for submunitions of this type

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

Found on/in airfield surfaces specifically
Small individual bomblets
Traditional Chinese characters (ROC) vs Simplified (PRC) differentiates from mainland Chinese ordnance

9. Commonly Confused With

BETAB runway penetrators: Larger; Russian; single bomb vs submunitions
JP-233/BL-755 runway denial submunitions (UK): Similar concept
PRC submunitions: Differentiated by Traditional vs Simplified Chinese script

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

Designed to penetrate concrete before detonation -- bomblets may be embedded in runway surface or lodged in subsurface voids
Impact + delay fuzing: Dud may have penetrated concrete but delay fuze failed -- bomblet is buried in concrete with armed fuze
Small size makes detection difficult on large airfield surfaces
Purpose-built for runway denial -- expect exclusively on airfield infrastructure
Limited technical data available (C-3 confidence) -- treat with maximum caution

QUICK REFERENCE TABLES

Size-Based Visual Sorting

Size Category	Item	Diameter/Width	Weight	Key Visual Cue
Tiny (<5 cm)	ShOAB-0.5	~30 mm	0.5 kg	Tin-can sized, ball bearings in casing
Small (5-8 cm)	9N210	~56 mm	1.85 kg	Steel cylinder + ribbon streamer
Small	9N235	~55 mm	1.75 kg	Steel cylinder + ribbon streamer
Small	PFM-1	60 mm wide	75 g	Butterfly/petal wing shape, soft plastic
Small	Type 72 AP	78 mm	110 g	Tiny plastic disc
Small	YM-I	78 mm	185 g	Tiny plastic disc, Farsi markings
Small	PTAB-2.5M	~50 mm	2.5 kg	Hemispherical nose, copper liner visible
Medium	SPBE-D	--	15 kg	Parachute, IR sensor window, copper base
Medium	PTM-1	80 mm tall	1.6 kg	Small rectangle (not round)
Medium	DPRK Leaf mine	phone-sized	--	Leaf-shaped camouflage
Medium	PMN-type	112 mm	--	Dark Bakelite cylinder
Large (25-35 cm)	Type 72 AT	280 mm	6.5-6.8 kg	Round plastic or metal disc
Large	Type 59 AT	300 mm	8.6 kg	Round metal disc (Soviet copy)
Large	YM-II	300 mm	9 kg	Round disc, Farsi markings
Large	TM-62	320 mm	9.5-10 kg	Round disc, central fuze well
Large (30-35 cm)	FAB-250	325 mm	227-266 kg	Ogival nose + box tail fins
Large	KAB-500	350 mm	534-560 kg	Seeker dome nose + canard fins
Very Large (45+ cm)	FAB-500 / RBK-500	450 mm	477-504 kg	Olive drab cylinder + box fins
Very Large	FAB-1500	580 mm	1,550 kg	Massive, aged appearance
Extremely Large	FAB-3000	820 mm	3,067 kg	Unmistakable size

Color-Based Quick Sort

Color	Possible Items
Olive drab / dark green	FAB bombs, OFAB, BETAB, RBK, TM-62M, PTM-1, 9N210/9N235, PTAB, ShOAB, Chinese GP bombs, LS/LT/FT guided bombs, Type 59/72 AT metallic
Green/brown/tan soft plastic	PFM-1 butterfly mine, Type 72 AP, Type 72 AT non-metallic, YM-I, DPRK Leaf mine
Gray / dark gray	KAB-500/1500 guided bombs, SPBE-D
Dark brown/black	DPRK PMN-type (Bakelite), TM-62B (Bakelite)
Olive/brown plastic	YM-II, Type 69 AT
Bare/unpainted steel	9N210/9N235 bodies, ShOAB-0.5, PTAB, POMZ-2M
Copper/gold (exposed liner)	PTAB shaped charge liner, SPBE-D EFP disc

Marking Language Quick Sort

Script	Origin
Cyrillic	Russia / Soviet Union
Simplified Chinese (Hanzi)	China (PRC)
Traditional Chinese	Taiwan (ROC)
Korean (Hangul/Chosongul)	North Korea (DPRK)
Farsi/Persian	Iran
No markings / minimal	PFM-1, ShOAB-0.5, small submunitions, DPRK Leaf mine

UMPK Glide Kit Identification Guide

The UMPK (Unified Planning and Correction Module) converts unguided FAB bombs into standoff guided glide weapons. It is the single most impactful Russian ordnance development in the Ukraine conflict.

Visual Features of UMPK Kit

Pop-out swept wings bolted to bomb body at mid-section (~1.5 m estimated span)
Guidance module: Rectangular box/fairing on bomb body containing INS + GLONASS receiver + flight computer
Attachment hardware: Visible bolts, brackets, bands attaching kit to standard FAB bomb body
Wings may detach on impact and be found separately
Guidance module may crack open on impact exposing circuit boards, GLONASS antenna, lithium batteries

How to Distinguish UMPK FAB from Unguided FAB

Feature	Unguided FAB	UMPK-Equipped FAB
Wings	None	Pop-out swept wings at mid-body
Guidance box	None	Rectangular fairing on body
Nose fuze	Vane-type (unchanged)	Same vane-type fuze
Tail fins	Box fins only	Box fins + wing assembly
Debris pattern	Bomb body + fins	Bomb body + fins + wing sections + guidance module debris

UMPK-Specific EOD Warnings

Lithium batteries in guidance module -- may still be energized
GLONASS receiver may still be acquiring signals
Intelligence value: Flight computer contains mission data, waypoints, firmware -- coordinate with intel before BIP
UMPK guidance failure results in bomb impacting at unpredictable location -- warhead still functions

This document was compiled from open-source intelligence. Source confidence ratings are noted in parent inventory documents. Always cross-reference with official EOD technical publications for render-safe procedures.

Visual Identification Profiles: Bombs, Mines, and Submunitions

Visual Identification Profiles: Bombs, Mines, and Submunitions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BOMBS

MINES

SUBMUNITIONS

BOMBS

FAB-250 M-62

1. Shape

2. Dimensions and Weight

3. Color and Finish

4. Fuze Location and Type

5. Fin/Drag Device

6. Markings

7. State When Found as UXO

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

9. Commonly Confused With

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

FAB-500 M-62

1. Shape

2. Dimensions and Weight

3. Color and Finish

4. Fuze Location and Type

5. Fin/Drag Device

6. Markings

7. State When Found as UXO

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

9. Commonly Confused With

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

FAB-1500 M-54

1. Shape

2. Dimensions and Weight

3. Color and Finish

4. Fuze Location and Type

5. Fin/Drag Device

6. Markings

7. State When Found as UXO

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

9. Commonly Confused With

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

FAB-3000 M-54

1. Shape

2. Dimensions and Weight

3. Color and Finish

4. Fuze Location and Type

5. Fin/Drag Device

6. Markings

7. State When Found as UXO

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

9. Commonly Confused With

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

OFAB-250-270

1. Shape

2. Dimensions and Weight

3. Color and Finish

4. Fuze Location and Type

5. Fin/Drag Device

6. Markings

7. State When Found as UXO

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

9. Commonly Confused With

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

BETAB-500

1. Shape

2. Dimensions and Weight

3. Color and Finish

4. Fuze Location and Type

5. Fin/Drag Device

6. Markings

7. State When Found as UXO

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

9. Commonly Confused With

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

RBK-500 Cluster Bomb

1. Shape

2. Dimensions and Weight

3. Color and Finish

4. Fuze Location and Type

5. Fin/Drag Device

6. Markings