Visual Identification Profiles: Chinese Submunitions

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED // OSINT Created: 2026-03-28 Purpose: Visual feature profiles for AI-assisted identification of Chinese-origin submunitions from field photos. Created to close a critical identification gap after MZD-2 was misidentified as AO-2.5RT.

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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. MZD-2 Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Submunition
2. MZD-4 Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Submunition
3. Chinese DPICM Dual-Purpose Submunition
4. Chinese Anti-Armor Shaped Charge Submunition
5. PHL-03/AR-2 Anti-Personnel Submunition (300mm)
6. PHL-03/AR-2 Anti-Armor EFP Submunition (300mm)
7. Chinese Sensor-Fuzed Anti-Armor Submunition
8. Type 84 Scatterable AT Mine
9. RUSSIAN vs CHINESE SUBMUNITION VISUAL DISAMBIGUATION

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MZD-2 Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Submunition

designation: "MZD-2"
alt_names: "Type 81 fragmentation bomblet, Chinese dimpled bomblet"
parent_system: "Type 81 122mm rocket (submunition variant), ~40 per warhead"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "NORINCO / Chinese state arsenals"
category: "anti-personnel/anti-materiel fragmentation submunition"
hazard_priority: "CRITICAL -- high dud rate, easily misidentified"

1. Shape

• Small compact cylinder with hemispherical or slightly domed ends
• Ribbon streamer attached at base
• Body is squat -- nearly 1:2 diameter-to-length ratio (wider relative to length than Russian equivalents)

2. Dimensions and Weight

• Body Diameter: ~42-45 mm
• Body Length: ~95-105 mm (excluding streamer)
• Total Weight: ~0.48-0.52 kg
• Explosive fill: TNT or Composition B, ~48-55 g
• Significantly smaller and lighter than Russian equivalents (9N210 is 1.85 kg; 9N235 is 1.75 kg)

3. Color and Finish

• Olive drab green paint over cast steel/iron body
• Weathered specimens: bare gray steel or rust
• Some production lots: unpainted bare steel
• Body texture is the KEY IDENTIFIER: entire cylindrical surface covered in regular pattern of hemispherical dimples/indentations -- the pre-formed fragmentation scoring
• Dimples may be arranged in offset rows or grid pattern
• Longitudinal casting seam may be visible

4. Fuze Location and Type

• Impact fuze housed in top end cap
• Small central projection or fuze well visible on top
• Spin-arming via ribbon streamer rotation during descent
• Setback pin or centrifugal detent safety
• FAILURE MODE: Insufficient spin (tangled/torn ribbon) = fuze in PARTIALLY ARMED state = MAXIMUM HAZARD

5. Fin/Drag Device

• Ribbon streamer at base -- fabric strip (white, khaki, or olive drab)
• Length approximately 300-500 mm
• Stabilizes descent and induces spin for fuze arming
• Ribbon may be missing, tangled, or trailing from body
• Ribbon may tangle in trees/wires -- armed submunition suspended overhead

6. Markings

• Chinese characters (Simplified Hanzi) if present -- lot stamps, arsenal codes
• Many specimens have minimal or no markings
• Markings may be stamped, not stenciled

7. State When Found as UXO

• Surface or partially embedded in soil
• Ribbon streamer visible trailing from body (if not tangled elsewhere)
• Dud indicator: Intact dimpled body without fragmentation evidence
• Detonated = fragmented casing; empty crater
• Suspended: Ribbon tangled in trees, wires, fences -- armed submunition hanging
• EXPECT MULTIPLES: ~40 per rocket warhead. If one found, search for 39 more.
• Dispersal area: ~100-200 m diameter per rocket

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

• DIMPLED/STIPPLED BODY SURFACE -- this is THE primary visual identifier
  • Regular hemispherical indentations covering the cylindrical body
  • Visible and palpable texture; body feels bumpy
  • NO Russian submunition has this dimple pattern
• Small, squat proportions -- smaller than a soda can
• Ribbon streamer (shared with Russian types -- NOT a discriminator alone)
• Chinese characters on markings (if present)
• Light weight -- noticeably lighter than Russian ribbon-stabilized submunitions

9. Commonly Confused With

• AO-2.5RT (Russian):

  • How to distinguish: AO-2.5RT has SMOOTH body (no dimples); is larger (~50 mm dia) and significantly heavier (~2.0-2.5 kg vs ~0.5 kg). AO-2.5RT uses ball bearings/wire fragments vs MZD-2 scored casing. CHECK BODY TEXTURE FIRST.

• 9N210 (Russian):

  • How to distinguish: 9N210 is much larger (56 mm dia x 205 mm long, 1.85 kg). Body has grid/spiral scoring but NOT hemispherical dimples. 9N210 is "soda can" size; MZD-2 is "film canister" size. Weight difference is dramatic (3.5x heavier).

• 9N235 (Russian):

  • How to distinguish: Same as 9N210 comparison. 9N235 is ~55 mm dia, 1.75 kg. Much larger than MZD-2. No dimple pattern.

• ShOAB-0.5 (Russian):

  • How to distinguish: ShOAB-0.5 is very small (~30 mm dia, 0.5 kg) and has embedded ball bearings visible as small round bumps. MZD-2 dimples are indentations (concave), not bumps (convex). ShOAB-0.5 has no ribbon streamer.

• Small debris / pipe fragments:

  • How to distinguish: MZD-2 has regular, symmetric dimple pattern and ribbon attachment point. Debris is irregular.

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

• IMPACT FUZE -- ASSUME ARMED ON ALL DUDS
• Spin-arming failure = intermediate state = MOST DANGEROUS
• DO NOT handle, kick, roll, step on, or pick up
• Small size = easily missed in vegetation, rubble, debris
• 40 per rocket -- area contamination hazard; search zone before approach
• Suspended submunitions (ribbon tangled in trees/wires) may fall at any time
• Dimpled body may be mistaken for decorative object or toy by civilians -- humanitarian hazard
• DUD RATE: 10-25% (age, terrain, and storage dependent)
• Misidentification hazard: Previously confused with AO-2.5RT -- check dimple pattern

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MZD-4 Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Submunition

designation: "MZD-4"
alt_names: "Improved Type 81 bomblet"
parent_system: "Improved Type 81 122mm rocket variants; possibly Type 90 and WS-1 systems"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "NORINCO / Chinese state arsenals"
category: "anti-personnel/anti-materiel fragmentation submunition"

1. Shape

• Cylindrical body similar to MZD-2 with ribbon streamer
• Slightly larger/heavier than MZD-2

2. Dimensions and Weight

• Body Diameter: ~42-48 mm
• Body Length: ~100-115 mm
• Total Weight: ~0.5-0.65 kg
• Explosive fill: TNT or Composition B, ~50-65 g

3. Color and Finish

• Olive drab or bare steel
• Body texture: CROSS-HATCHED or WAFFLE PATTERN scoring -- evolution from MZD-2 hemispherical dimples
• May also show deeper, more regular dimples than MZD-2
• Grid/waffle scoring pattern is the key visual difference from MZD-2

4. Fuze Location and Type

• Improved impact fuze with spin-arming mechanism
• Same operating principle as MZD-2
• Reportedly improved reliability (lower intended dud rate)

5. Fin/Drag Device

• Ribbon streamer at base -- may be slightly wider/longer than MZD-2

6. Markings

• Chinese characters (Simplified Hanzi) if present

7. State When Found as UXO

• Same as MZD-2 -- surface, partially buried, or suspended by tangled ribbon
• ~40 per rocket warhead

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

• Cross-hatched/waffle scoring pattern on body vs MZD-2's hemispherical dimples
• Both are clearly Chinese (scored/textured body) vs Russian (smooth body)
• Slightly larger than MZD-2 but difference is subtle in the field
• Field note: Precise MZD-2 vs MZD-4 discrimination is less operationally critical than Chinese vs Russian discrimination. Both are Chinese, same parent system, same hazards.

9. Commonly Confused With

• MZD-2: Very similar; waffle vs dimple texture is the distinguishing feature. Same origin, same hazards.
• AO-2.5RT / 9N210 / 9N235 (Russian): Same discrimination rules as MZD-2 -- check for scored/textured body (Chinese) vs smooth body (Russian).

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

• ALL MZD-2 WARNINGS APPLY
• Improved fuze does NOT mean safe -- duds are still impact-fuzed
• Treat identically to MZD-2 for EOD purposes

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Chinese DPICM Dual-Purpose Submunition

designation: "Chinese DPICM"
alt_names: "Chinese dual-purpose bomblet, Chinese M42 equivalent"
parent_system: "Type 81 122mm rockets, PHL-03 300mm rockets, PHL-16 370mm rockets, 152mm/155mm artillery"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "Various Chinese state ordnance factories"
category: "dual-purpose improved conventional munition (anti-armor + anti-personnel)"

1. Shape

• Small barrel-shaped or cylindrical body
• Concave nose containing copper shaped charge liner
• Pre-scored or dimpled body walls for fragmentation
• Small ribbon streamer or pop-out vanes at base

2. Dimensions and Weight

• Body Diameter: ~38-42 mm (122mm variant); larger for 300mm/370mm variants
• Body Length: ~60-80 mm
• Total Weight: ~0.25-0.5 kg
• Explosive fill: Composition B or PBXN, ~30-50 g
• Penetration: ~50-80 mm RHA (shaped charge)

3. Color and Finish

• Olive drab paint or bare steel
• Copper shaped charge liner visible in nose -- gold/copper-colored concave disc
• Body walls may show scored fragmentation pattern (grid/diamond) or embedded ball bearings (visible as small bumps)

4. Fuze Location and Type

• Impact fuze (piezoelectric or inertia) at nose, behind shaped charge liner
• Some variants: base-detonating fuze
• EXTREMELY sensitive to shock on nose -- piezoelectric crystal

5. Fin/Drag Device

• Small ribbon streamer or spring-loaded pop-out vanes/fins at base
• Orients shaped charge nose downward
• May impart spin for fuze arming

6. Markings

• Chinese characters (Simplified Hanzi) if present
• Olive drab body; minimal external markings typical

7. State When Found as UXO

• Surface or shallow buried
• Very small -- easily lost in vegetation/debris
• Copper liner visible in nose of intact dud (gold/copper disc)
• Hundreds per rocket warhead -- massive area contamination
• Pop-out vanes may be deployed or retracted depending on function

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

• Copper liner in nose + dimpled/scored body = Chinese DPICM (dual indicators)
• Russian 9N210/9N235 have NO copper liner (fragmentation only)
• US M42/M46 DPICM also have copper liner BUT have smooth body, English markings, and different vane design
• Russian 3O13 DPICM has copper liner but smooth body and Cyrillic markings

9. Commonly Confused With

• US M42/M46 DPICM:

  • How to distinguish: US DPICM has smooth body, English stenciling, spring-loaded ribbon vanes with distinctive geometry. Chinese DPICM has dimpled/scored body, Chinese characters.

• Russian 3O13:

  • How to distinguish: 3O13 has smooth body, Cyrillic markings. Chinese DPICM has dimpled/scored body, Chinese characters.

• Russian 9N210/9N235:

  • How to distinguish: 9N210/9N235 are fragmentation ONLY (no copper liner in nose). If concave copper disc is visible in nose = NOT 9N210/9N235.

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

• DUAL HAZARD: Shaped charge (directional) + fragmentation (omnidirectional)
• Shaped charge nose = DO NOT be directly above the item
• Piezoelectric impact fuze: EXTREMELY sensitive to shock on nose
• Copper liner intact = armed shaped charge
• Hundreds per rocket = massive area contamination; expect high dud count
• DUD RATE: 10-25%

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Chinese Anti-Armor Shaped Charge Submunition

designation: "Chinese anti-armor bomblet (PTAB equivalent)"
alt_names: "Chinese PTAB, Chinese shaped charge bomblet"
parent_system: "Chinese air-dropped cluster bombs; rocket artillery warheads"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "Various Chinese state ordnance factories"
category: "anti-armor shaped charge submunition"

1. Shape

• Cylindrical body with hemispherical or conical nose containing shaped charge
• Copper liner visible in nose as gold/copper concave disc
• May have small pop-out stabilizer fins at base
• Body generally smooth or lightly scored (unlike MZD-2 dimple pattern)

2. Dimensions and Weight

• Weight: ~1.0-2.5 kg per bomblet
• Penetration: ~80-120 mm RHA

3. Color and Finish

• Olive drab or bare steel
• Copper liner visible in nose (gold/copper color)
• Body surface: smooth or lightly scored -- NOT dimpled like MZD-2

4. Fuze Location and Type

• Impact fuze (piezoelectric) or base-detonating
• Sensitive to shock on nose

5. Fin/Drag Device

• Small pop-out fins at base or drag-stabilized by body shape
• Nose-down orientation critical for shaped charge function

6. Markings

• Chinese characters (Simplified Hanzi) if present

7. State When Found as UXO

• Surface or shallow buried
• Copper liner visible in nose of intact dud
• Found in cluster bomb dispersal patterns or rocket warhead impact zones
• Dozens to hundreds per delivery system

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

• Shaped charge nose geometry -- hemispherical or conical with visible copper liner
• NO ribbon streamer (unlike MZD-2/9N210)
• NO dimple pattern on body (unlike MZD-2)
• Pop-out fins or drag-stabilized shape

9. Commonly Confused With

• Russian PTAB-2.5M:

  • How to distinguish: HARDEST pair to differentiate visually. Both are cylindrical with shaped charge nose and copper liner. Check: (1) markings -- Chinese vs Cyrillic; (2) fin configuration -- Chinese may have pop-out fins vs Russian small fixed fins; (3) casting quality -- Chinese may be rougher; (4) delivery context.

• MZD-2:

  • How to distinguish: MZD-2 has dimpled body and NO copper liner. Anti-armor bomblet has smooth body and copper liner. Different function entirely.

• RPG warhead fragments:

  • How to distinguish: Anti-armor bomblet is much smaller; intact symmetrical shape vs fragmented RPG remains.

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

• Shaped charge: DO NOT approach from above or below longitudinal axis
• Piezoelectric impact fuze: EXTREMELY sensitive to shock on nose
• Copper liner intact = armed shaped charge
• Dozens to hundreds per cluster bomb = area contamination
• DUD RATE: 10-20%

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PHL-03/AR-2 Anti-Personnel Submunition (300mm)

designation: "PHL-03 fragmentation submunition"
alt_names: "AR-2 anti-personnel bomblet"
parent_system: "PHL-03 300mm MLRS (12 tubes) / AR-2 export; ~100-150 per rocket warhead"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "NORINCO"
category: "anti-personnel fragmentation submunition"

1. Shape

• Cylindrical steel body with ribbon or parachute retardation
• Larger than MZD-2 (sized for 300mm warhead's greater volume)
• Dimpled or scored pre-fragmentation pattern on casing

2. Dimensions and Weight

• Body Diameter: ~50-60 mm (estimated)
• Weight: ~1.0-1.5 kg
• Explosive fill: Composition B or TNT/RDX mix

3. Color and Finish

• Olive drab or bare steel
• Dimpled/scored casing surface -- Chinese manufacturing characteristic
• May show casting seams and mold lines

4. Fuze Location and Type

• Impact fuze, spin-armed or setback-armed
• Same operating principles as MZD-2 family

5. Fin/Drag Device

• Ribbon streamer or small drag chute
• Some variants may use pop-out fins for spin stabilization

6. Markings

• Chinese characters (Simplified Hanzi)

7. State When Found as UXO

• Scattered across rocket warhead dispersal area
• Surface or shallow buried
• 100-150 per rocket; 12 rockets per salvo = 1200-1800 submunitions per full salvo
• Massive area contamination expected

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

• Dimpled/scored Chinese casing -- same design philosophy as MZD-2 but larger
• Larger than MZD-2 -- scaled up for 300mm rocket delivery
• Chinese markings differentiate from Russian 9N235 (also from 300mm rockets)

9. Commonly Confused With

• Russian 9N235 (from BM-30 Smerch):

  • How to distinguish: Both from 300mm rockets. Chinese version has dimpled/scored body; Russian 9N235 has smooth body with pre-formed fragments. Check markings: Chinese characters vs Cyrillic.

• MZD-2:

  • How to distinguish: PHL-03 submunition is notably larger and heavier. Same general Chinese design (dimpled) but scaled up.

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

• 100-150 per rocket warhead = extreme area contamination
• 12 rockets per launcher = 1200-1800 submunitions per salvo
• All MZD-2 warnings apply -- impact fuze, spin-arming, suspended hazard
• Same 300mm caliber as Russian Smerch -- MUST check submunition markings to determine origin
• DUD RATE: 5-20%

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PHL-03/AR-2 Anti-Armor EFP Submunition (300mm)

designation: "PHL-03 anti-armor EFP submunition"
alt_names: "AR-2 anti-armor bomblet"
parent_system: "PHL-03 300mm MLRS / AR-2 export; ~40-60 per rocket warhead (anti-armor fill)"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "NORINCO"
category: "anti-armor EFP/HEAT submunition"

1. Shape

• Cylindrical body with concave nose (shaped charge geometry)
• Copper or tantalum liner visible as gold/copper-colored concave disc in nose
• Body may be smooth or lightly scored
• Ribbon streamer, drag chute, or pop-out fins at base

2. Dimensions and Weight

• Body Diameter: ~70-90 mm
• Weight: ~1.5-3.0 kg
• Penetration: ~70-120 mm RHA

3. Color and Finish

• Olive drab
• Copper liner visible in nose of intact duds (gold/copper concave disc)
• Body surface: smooth to lightly scored steel

4. Fuze Location and Type

• Impact fuze (HEAT) or sensor/impact (EFP variant)
• Sensitive to shock on nose

5. Fin/Drag Device

• Ribbon, drag chute, or pop-out fins for nose-down stabilization

6. Markings

• Chinese characters (Simplified Hanzi)

7. State When Found as UXO

• Scattered in rocket warhead dispersal area
• May be mixed with anti-personnel submunitions if rocket carried combined fill
• Copper liner visible in nose of dud
• 40-60 per rocket (anti-armor fill)

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

• Concave nose with visible copper/tantalum liner -- THE anti-armor identifier
• Larger diameter than fragmentation bomblets
• May be found alongside fragmentation submunitions (mixed fill)
• Chinese markings differentiate from Russian equivalents

9. Commonly Confused With

• Russian SPBE-D:

  • How to distinguish: SPBE-D has parachute + IR sensor dome; PHL-03 anti-armor has ribbon/fins only (no parachute or sensor). SPBE-D is sensor-fuzed; PHL-03 variant is impact-fuzed.

• Russian PTAB-2.5M:

  • How to distinguish: PTAB-2.5M is air-dropped from RBK-500; PHL-03 is rocket-delivered. Check markings (Chinese vs Cyrillic) and delivery context.

• PHL-03 fragmentation submunition:

  • How to distinguish: Anti-armor has copper liner in nose (concave metallic disc); fragmentation has dimpled steel body without copper liner.

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

• Shaped charge axis = nose direction -- DO NOT approach from directly above or below
• Copper/tantalum liner intact = armed directional explosive hazard
• Impact fuze: sensitive to shock
• May be mixed with fragmentation bomblets -- search area for BOTH types
• DUD RATE: 5-20%

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Chinese Sensor-Fuzed Anti-Armor Submunition

designation: "Chinese sensor-fuzed submunition"
alt_names: "Chinese SADARM equivalent, Chinese SFW"
parent_system: "PHL-16/AR-3 370mm rockets (estimated); possibly air-dropped dispensers"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "Chinese defense industry (specific manufacturer unconfirmed)"
category: "sensor-fuzed anti-armor submunition with EFP warhead"
source_confidence: "D-3 (limited open-source data)"

1. Shape

• Cylindrical or disc-shaped body -- significantly larger and heavier than fragmentation submunitions
• One end: sensor window (IR-transparent dome or panel) -- dark glass/plastic
• Other end: EFP warhead
• Parachute deployed from body

2. Dimensions and Weight

• Diameter: ~120-150 mm (estimated)
• Weight: ~3-5 kg
• Larger and heavier than all other Chinese submunitions in this guide

3. Color and Finish

• Olive drab or military green body
• Sensor window: dark/black glass or plastic dome on one end
• Parachute: fabric (white, olive, or khaki)

4. Fuze Location and Type

• Sensor-actuated: IR and/or MMW radar scans for armored vehicle thermal/radar signatures during parachute descent
• Fires EFP downward when target detected
• Battery-powered electronics -- battery may retain charge on dud items

5. Fin/Drag Device

• Parachute -- primary retardation device
• Parachute fabric on ground near body = KEY indicator of sensor-fuzed type
• NO ribbon streamer (unlike fragmentation submunitions)

6. Markings

• Chinese characters (Simplified Hanzi) if present

7. State When Found as UXO

• Body on ground with deployed parachute nearby
• Parachute may suspend submunition in trees/structures -- active sensor overhead
• If sensor did not fire: body intact with sensor window visible
• If sensor fired but dud: EFP may have partially formed

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

• Parachute -- distinguishes from all ribbon-stabilized submunitions
• Sensor dome/window -- dark glass/plastic on one end
• Significantly larger than fragmentation or DPICM bomblets
• Chinese markings

9. Commonly Confused With

• Russian SPBE-D:

  • How to distinguish: Both have parachutes and sensor domes -- extremely similar concept. Check markings (Chinese vs Cyrillic). Check delivery context (370mm PHL-16 = Chinese; 300mm Smerch = Russian). Body proportions may differ but limited data makes this unreliable.

• Illumination/flare submunitions:

  • How to distinguish: Illumination submunitions also have parachutes but NO sensor dome/window and NO EFP warhead. Illumination has a burned or glowing pyrotechnic body.

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

• EXTREME HAZARD: Active electronics + directional EFP warhead
• EFP fires DOWNWARD -- DO NOT be below suspended or elevated submunition
• Sensor may still be ACTIVE -- may fire if it detects thermal/radar signature below
• Battery may retain charge for extended period after delivery
• Parachute may suspend in trees/structures -- armed sensor weapon overhead
• 500m exclusion zone until RSP determined
• Minimize thermal/metal signature when approaching -- no vehicles, limit body heat exposure
• LIMITED TECHNICAL DATA (D-3) -- treat with maximum caution

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Type 84 Scatterable AT Mine

designation: "Type 84 Scatterable AT Mine"
alt_names: "Type 84 远距离撒布雷"
parent_system: "Type 81 122mm mine-laying rocket (5-8 per rocket); vehicle dispensers; helicopter dispensers"
country: "China (PRC)"
manufacturer: "NORINCO"
category: "scatterable anti-tank mine (submunition-class)"

1. Shape

• Circular disc, low profile -- classic AT mine shape
• Large compared to other submunitions in this guide (~220-240 mm diameter)
• Flat top with slightly raised central pressure plate
• Flat or concave bottom

2. Dimensions and Weight

• Diameter: ~220-240 mm
• Height: ~80-100 mm
• Weight: ~2.5-3.0 kg
• Explosive fill: TNT or Composition B, ~1.5-2.0 kg

3. Color and Finish

• Dark olive green or forest green plastic casing
• Smooth plastic surface with mold lines and injection molding marks
• LOW METAL CONTENT -- difficult to detect with metal detectors

4. Fuze Location and Type

• Full-width pressure fuze on top surface
• Time-delay arming -- arms after delivery via time-delay mechanism
• Operating pressure: ~150-300 kg (vehicle, not anti-personnel)
• Some variants may have anti-disturbance (tilt/anti-lift) switches
• Some variants may have self-destruct/self-neutralization timers (unconfirmed for all)

5. Fin/Drag Device

• None -- delivered as cargo from rocket warhead or vehicle dispenser; no individual retardation needed

6. Markings

• Chinese characters molded or stamped into plastic casing
• Lot number, date of manufacture, type designation

7. State When Found as UXO

• Surface-laid in patterns after rocket/vehicle delivery
• May be partially covered by soil/vegetation after weathering
• Found in dispersal patterns: linear or elliptical from rocket delivery
• LOW METAL = very difficult to detect
• Arming delay -- recently delivered mines may still be arming

8. Distinguishing Visual Features

• AT mine shape -- clearly different from all cylindrical submunitions in this guide
• Circular disc, low profile, plastic casing
• Green plastic vs steel (all other submunitions are steel)
• No ribbon, no parachute, no fins -- cargo-delivered
• Chinese characters on casing

9. Commonly Confused With

• Russian PTM-1:

  • How to distinguish: PTM-1 is rectangular/box-shaped plastic; Type 84 is circular disc. Completely different shape.

• Russian PTM-3:

  • How to distinguish: PTM-3 is cylindrical metal; Type 84 is circular disc plastic. Different shape and material.

• Chinese Type 72 AT mine:

  • How to distinguish: Type 72 is hand-emplaced (not scatterable); similar circular disc but different dimensions and fuze. Context of delivery is key -- scatterable (rocket/vehicle) = Type 84; hand-emplaced = Type 72.

• US M21 / M75 scatterable AT mine:

  • How to distinguish: Different shape (US types are generally larger, different profile). Markings: English vs Chinese.

10. CRITICAL EOD WARNINGS

• LOW METAL CONTENT -- very difficult to detect with metal detectors
• TIME-DELAY ARMING -- mine may NOT be armed immediately after delivery; do not assume safe
• SELF-DESTRUCT (if present) MAY FAIL -- treat all as live regardless of expected timer
• ANTI-DISTURBANCE FUZING possible -- DO NOT attempt to lift, move, or tilt
• Rocket-delivered = minefield density -- 5-8 per rocket, 40 rockets per salvo = 200-320 mines in target area
• Pressure fuze: 150-300 kg -- vehicle hazard, generally not triggered by foot traffic (but DO NOT step on)

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RUSSIAN vs CHINESE SUBMUNITION VISUAL DISAMBIGUATION

CRITICAL REFERENCE. This section provides side-by-side comparison for every similar-looking pair. Created because of an operational misidentification of MZD-2 as AO-2.5RT.

MASTER DECISION TREE

When encountering an unidentified submunition:

STEP 1: BODY SURFACE TEXTURE
├── DIMPLED (hemispherical indentations) ─────────► CHINESE (MZD-2)
├── WAFFLE / CROSS-HATCHED scoring ───────────────► CHINESE (MZD-4)
├── SMOOTH or RING-SCORED (no dimples) ───────────► Probably RUSSIAN → Go to Step 2
├── BALL BEARINGS visible as convex bumps ────────► RUSSIAN ShOAB-0.5
└── COPPER LINER visible in nose ─────────────────► SHAPED CHARGE type → Go to Step 3

STEP 2: SIZE (smooth-bodied, ribbon-stabilized)
├── ~56 mm dia, ~205 mm long, ~1.85 kg ──────────► RUSSIAN 9N210
├── ~55 mm dia, ~1.75 kg ────────────────────────► RUSSIAN 9N235
├── ~50 mm dia, ~2.0-2.5 kg ─────────────────────► RUSSIAN AO-2.5RT
└── ~50-60 mm dia, dimpled (re-check Step 1) ────► CHINESE PHL-03 frag submunition

STEP 3: SHAPED CHARGE SUBMUNITION
├── Has PARACHUTE + SENSOR DOME ──────────────────► SENSOR-FUZED (Chinese or Russian)
│   ├── Chinese markings ─────────────────────────► Chinese SFW
│   └── Cyrillic markings ───────────────────────► Russian SPBE-D
├── Has RIBBON + COPPER LINER + DIMPLED body ─────► CHINESE DPICM
├── Has RIBBON + COPPER LINER + SMOOTH body ──────► RUSSIAN 3O13 or similar
├── Drag-stabilized + copper liner + pop-out fins ► Could be Chinese or Russian anti-armor
│   ├── Chinese markings or rougher casting ──────► CHINESE anti-armor bomblet
│   └── Cyrillic markings or smoother casting ────► RUSSIAN PTAB-2.5M
└── AT MINE shape (circular disc, plastic) ───────► Type 84 (Chinese) or PTM-1 (Russian)
    ├── Circular disc ────────────────────────────► CHINESE Type 84
    └── Rectangular box ──────────────────────────► RUSSIAN PTM-1

COMPARISON PAIR 1 (HIGHEST PRIORITY): MZD-2 vs AO-2.5RT

COMPARISON PAIR 2: MZD-2 vs 9N210

COMPARISON PAIR 3: MZD-2 vs 9N235

COMPARISON PAIR 4: Chinese DPICM vs Russian 3O13

COMPARISON PAIR 5: Chinese Anti-Armor vs PTAB-2.5M

COMPARISON PAIR 6: Chinese SFW vs Russian SPBE-D

COMPARISON PAIR 7: Type 84 AT Mine vs Russian Scatterable Mines

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UNIVERSAL CHINESE SUBMUNITION INDICATORS

If ANY of the following are observed, consider Chinese origin:

1. Dimpled/stippled body surface -- hemispherical indentations in regular pattern
2. Cross-hatched/waffle body scoring -- grid pattern of scored lines
3. Chinese characters (Simplified Hanzi) on markings
4. 122mm rocket debris with submunitions -- could be Type 81 (Chinese) OR BM-21 (Russian); check submunition body texture
5. Rougher casting quality relative to Soviet/Russian manufacture (subjective but observable)
6. Combination of copper shaped charge liner + dimpled/scored body = Chinese DPICM (Russian DPICM has smooth body)

UNIVERSAL RUSSIAN SUBMUNITION INDICATORS

1. Smooth or lightly ring-scored body -- no dimple pattern
2. Cyrillic markings
3. Embedded ball bearings visible as convex bumps (ShOAB-0.5 specifically)
4. Generally smoother/higher-quality casting (Soviet-era QC)
5. 220mm rocket debris = exclusively Russian (BM-27 Uragan)

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SOURCE RATINGS FOR THIS DOCUMENT

Overall Profile Confidence: C-2 (MZD-2, Type 84); C-3 (DPICM, PHL-03 details); D-3 (sensor-fuzed, 370mm specifics)

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MAINTENANCE NOTE: Priority updates needed: (1) Obtain calibrated photographs of MZD-2 duds for visual reference library. (2) Confirm MZD-4 body texture pattern from field specimens. (3) Obtain specific technical data on PHL-03 300mm submunition variants. (4) Confirm Chinese sensor-fuzed submunition specifications as data becomes available.