TM 31-210
Improvised Munitions Handbook
| Section VII |
No. 5 |
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ALTIMETER SWITCH |
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| This switch is designed for use with explosives placed in aircraft. It will close an electrical firing circuit when and altitude of approximately 5000 ft (1-1/2 km) is reached. | |
| MATERIALS REQUIRED: | |
| Jar or tin can |
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| Thin sheet of flexible plastic or waxed paper. | |
| Wood block 1" (21/2 cm) square by 1/4" thick | |
| Hand drill | |
| Connecting wires | |
| Soldering iron & solder |
| PROCEDURE: | |
| 1. Place sheet of plastic or waxed paper over the top of the can or jar and tape tightly to sides of container. | |
| NOTE: Plastic sheet should not be stretched tight. A small depression should be left in the top. |
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| 2.Cut two contact strips from thin metal and bend to the shapes shown. | ||
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3. Strip insulation from the ends of two connecting wires.
Attach one wire to each contact strip.
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| 4. Place contact strips over container so that the larger contact is above the smaller with a very small clearance between the two. | ||
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| HOW TO USE: | |
| 1. Connect the altimeter switch in an explosive circuit the same as any switch. | |
| 2. Place the explosive package on airplane. As the plane rises the air inside the container will expand. this forces the plastic sheet against the contacts closing the firing circuit. | |
| NOTE: The switch will not function in a pressurized cabin. It must be placed in some part of the pland which will not be pressurized. |
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