[Snautzer]

Fusing of mine

Technical Summary: German VH-Series Fuze Amplifiers (LMB III)
The Verstärker-Haube (VH) units served as the electronic "brain" for German magnetic influence mines. Their primary function was to amplify the minute electrical changes detected by magnetic sensors (like the A-Unit needle or induction coils) to trigger the mine's detonator.
Type Era Primary Function & Technical Focus
VH 14 1939-41 Early Standard: Single-tube amplification for static magnetic deviation. Highly sensitive to early Allied magnetic sweeps.
VH 24 1940-42 Stability Upgrade: Introduced a 24-minute mechanical/electronic arming delay to allow the magnetic needle to settle post-impact.
VH 46 1942-44 Coastal Specialist: Optimized for shallow water with high vertical field sensitivity and early anti-pulse filtering.
VH 48 1943-45 Induction Logic: Detected the rate of change in magnetic fields. Designed to defeat degaussed ships and fast-moving sweepers.
VH 92 1944-45 Late-War Peak: Most advanced filters; often integrated with acoustic/pressure sensors for multi-influence detonation.
Core Technical Architecture
Circuitry: Vacuum-tube based (primarily RV2,4P700 tubes) to provide high gain with low power consumption.
Power Supply: Dual-voltage dry batteries (typically 4.5V for filaments and 90V for the anode circuit).
Safeties: Hydrostatic switches ensured the VH unit remained inert until reaching a specific depth.
Counter-Countermeasures: Late models included "Vessel Counters" and anti-recovery tilt switches as detailed in the Cat-UXO database.
Historical Context
The evolution from VH 14 to VH 92 reflects the technological race against Allied degaussing (magnetic signature reduction). As ships became "quieter," VH units became more sensitive and capable of filtering out artificial sweeping pulses