pzgr40
Well-Known Member
Cutaway model of a German WW2 FZ.60 parachute wire cutting device. It is meant to cut the wire of parachute dropped supply containers, avoiding the container from taking a runner when te parachute catches wind after landing. To avoid this, the FZ.60 was placed on the line between the container and the parachte, cutting the line after landing. Prior to installation on the wire, the time is set between 1 and 60 seconds by rotating the head of the fuze. The FZ.60 was attached to one of the containber fins by means of a spring clip. A line was connedted between the pull out pin and the container, so when the container was released from the plane the pin was retracted, starting the clock by releasing a spring loaded pin from the escapement in the base of the clock.
The clock is nearly the same as the clock in the Zt.Z. S30, with a few minor differences. The set back weight in the clock has allready been pushed down as no set back forces occur during release of the container, the centrifugal weight that blocks the firing pin has been removed as no rotation applies tot he fuze, and the lower tray of the fuze is a few mm higher. However, as I had to replace the clock’s lower tray that was completely corroded beyond repair I used a Zt.Z. S30 lower tray by lack of parts.
When the clock is expired the firing pin is released and pushed into the firing cap (red). The flame travels through the channel (green) into the black powder charge, launching the circular knife downward, cutting the line.
Complete length FZ.60 : 104mm
Length housing : 78 mm
Diameter houding : 55 mm
Regards, DJH
The clock is nearly the same as the clock in the Zt.Z. S30, with a few minor differences. The set back weight in the clock has allready been pushed down as no set back forces occur during release of the container, the centrifugal weight that blocks the firing pin has been removed as no rotation applies tot he fuze, and the lower tray of the fuze is a few mm higher. However, as I had to replace the clock’s lower tray that was completely corroded beyond repair I used a Zt.Z. S30 lower tray by lack of parts.
When the clock is expired the firing pin is released and pushed into the firing cap (red). The flame travels through the channel (green) into the black powder charge, launching the circular knife downward, cutting the line.
Complete length FZ.60 : 104mm
Length housing : 78 mm
Diameter houding : 55 mm
Regards, DJH
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