Modified Mk 9 Cutter
MINESWEEPING CUTTERS
The modified Mk 9 cutter (figure 8-5) is a
Various types of minesweeping cutters, both
mechanical end cutter that weighs approximately 38
mechanical and explosive, are in common service use.
Mechanical cutters are designed to sever the mine
pounds. The cutter is made from a nonmagnetic
mooring when it is jammed into the jaws of the cutter.
material, with the exception of the cutting blade, which
Explosive cutters sever the mooring by means of an
is tungsten tool steel. It is designed to attach close to the
explosive-driven blade.
outboard end of a sweep. When a mine mooring is
jammed into the Mk 9's cutting jaws, the cutter severs
Minesweeping cutters are further designated as end
the mine mooring. The end cutter protects the otter
cutters, intermediate cutters, or wire rope cutters. The
from fouling.
end cutter protects the otter from mine mooring wires.
The intermediate cutters, located inboard of the end
The Mk 9 cutter can be rigged as either a port or
cutter, are used to cut mine moorings. The wire rope
starboard cutter, with a reversible elevating fin and
cutters are designed to cut the sweep wire or the
cutting blades. When the cutter is laid on the deck with
depressor wire in an emergency. Table 8-1 lists
its jaw facing forward, the elevating fin side down, and
common types of minesweeping cutters.
the cutting blades on top, the large shackle will point to
the side of the ship for which the cutter is rigged.
Table 8-1.--Minesweeping Cutters
Cutter
Type
Designation
Modified Mk 12 Mod 2 Cutter
Mechanical
Mk 9 Modified
End
Mk 12 Mod 2
Explosive
Intermediate
The modified Mk 12 Mod 2 cutter (figure 8-6) is an
Modified
explosive, one-time use per sweep, intermediate cutter
that weighs approximately 25 pounds. It is made from a
Mk 14 Mod 0
Explosive
Intermediate
nonmagnetic material. In a typical minesweeping
Modified
operation, four Mk 12 cutters are attached to each sweep
Mk 15 Mod 0
Explosive
Wire rope
wire.
Figure 8-5.--Modified Mk 9 cutter assembly rigged for starboard.
8-4
