Naval mine

The Aquila and a merchant ship approaching naval mines

Naval mines were explosive weapons used against ships, mainly during the early Golden Age of Piracy and the American Revolutionary War.

Commonly, naval mines were set up in harbor regions to act as deterrents, and to impede land invasion by sea. They were designed to sink ships or other seaborne craft, or as a threat to prevent the usage of an area of water. Moored mines were tethered to sinkers, and floated at predetermined depths.

The firing mechanisms of mines were either traditional pressure points, which detonated the explosive on contact. However, some harbor mines were controlled by a pressure plate at its top, which could be turned off to allow transit of friendly ships.

These mines, however could be destroyed using swivel guns.

Gallery

• 
  Concept art of Aquila steering through naval mines
• 
  The Aquila detonating naval mines
• 
  The Aquila steering through a mine field in an alternate New York Bay

Reference

• Assassin's Creed III