MK 43 MOD 0 TARGET DETECTING DEVICE

The Mk 43 Mod 0 target-detecting device is a proximity nose element that gives airburst capability for electric-fuzed Mk 80 (series) bombs. The Mk 43 Mod 0 element is compatible with all electric tail fuzes and is identified by the dark green color of the nose cone. A thermal battery powers its internal circuitry. The thermal battery is initiated by +300 volts dc or by the striker rod. The Mk 43 is initiated mechanically (striker rod) only when a delay airburst is desired. This is the alternate method used to provide operation when the fuze is not initiated with the +300 volts dc. The conventional mode is selected by initiating the fuze with +300 volts dc. When the fuze is initiated with +300 volts dc, the Mk 43 operates automatically. The fuze circuitry produces a lobe pattern. It radiates a pattern at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the weapon. When the Mk 43 is initiated by the conventional method, fuze functioning occurs instantaneously when a firing pulse is received from the thermal battery. If the alternate method is used (striker rod), the fuze is set for either of the two functioning delays. Detonation of the bomb is delayed by either 0.015 second or 0.100 second, depending on the delay that is selected.